CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the appointment of Machelle Manuel, Ph.D., as Vice President, Head of Global Medical Affairs. Dr. Manuel brings more than 20 years of experience in medical scientific affairs in the pharmaceutical industry.
“It is our great pleasure to welcome Dr. Manuel to Amylyx as we continue our quest to end suffering caused by neurodegenerative diseases,” said Patrick Yeramian, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals. “Machelle brings an impressive and unique skillset and leadership qualities that will further poise Amylyx to grow from a clinical- to commercial-stage company.”
Previously, Dr. Manuel spent eight years at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, where she was head of global medical scientific affairs and a member of the initial medical affairs leadership team. She was responsible for redesigning and scaling the function as the company transitioned from a solely research-and-development-focused organization to a commercial biotechnology company. Dr. Manuel ensured scientific and strategic alignment for scientific communication and evidence generation while partnering strategy and execution with Allergan, Astra Zeneca, and Astellas in the US and EU, China and Japan. She oversaw a department focused on scientific communication platforms, evidence generation, professional and patient advocacy, publications, and health economics strategy for Ironwood’s marketed products and pipeline candidates.
“I’m delighted to join a bold and collaborative team at this time of exciting momentum as Amylyx advances the development of AMX0035 for the treatment of ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and other life-changing diseases,” said Dr. Manuel. “Amylyx has the potential to change the standard of care for complex diseases. This is a mission I’ve fully supported throughout my career and am eager to have a hands-on opportunity to build from the ground up.”
Prior to her tenure at Ironwood, Dr. Manuel served for 12 years in medical scientific affairs at Daiichi Sankyo. She earned a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Kentucky, completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and served on the faculty of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy.