Youssef L. Bennani

Biography

Dr. Youssef L. Bennani is a scientific leader with over twenty years Pharma/Biotech experience covering the whole spectrum of drug discovery. Youssef currently serves as Site Head and Vice President of R&D at Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ R&D site in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Prior to this role, he spent seven years as Vice President of Drug Innovation at Vertex’s Headquarters in Boston, MA. During his career he has been in management and leadership roles at Athersys, Abbott Laboratories (now AbbVie) and Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Youssef has led multiple R&D programs in the areas of oncology, neurology, immunology and infection, producing over 25 clinical entities and advanced assets. His background spans a PhD in chemistry from Montreal University, a post‐doctoral work in K.B. Sharpless Nobel Laureate laboratory, as well as a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Lake Forest School of Management ‐ Chicago, IL. He has authored over 245 publications, patents and pending patent applications. In 2011, he received an Honorary Diploma from the Université de Montréal for his contributions to Canadian society.

Research Interest

Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Small Molecules