Yale School of Management - Alumni Leaders

"Yale SOM was a transformational event for me. I came to Yale from state government looking for a way to acquire and apply private sector management tools in the public sector. I found the tools, but I also ultimately found a way to employ them in the service of biotechnology — something I never would have predicted as a literature major. I was fortunate to participate in the transformation of the treatment landscape in multiple sclerosis during my time at Biogen, to develop cancer vaccines at Therion, and now I'm excited to be bringing a novel gram-positive antibiotic to market with Targanta Therapeutics. Yale SOM has made it all possible."

Mark Leuchtenberger joined Targanta Therapeutics as President and CEO in 2006. Targanta, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing antibacterial agents to address unmet medical needs in the hospital market, is on track to file an NDA in 2007 for FDA approval of oritavancin, a novel IV antibiotic for the treatment of resistant gram-positive bacterial infections. Mark joined Targanta from Therion Biologics Corporation, a privately held cancer vaccine company, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2006. Under his leadership Therion filed its first IND, progressed through Phase 3 trials, completed the buildup of its commercial manufacturing capabilities, and raised over $120 million in three rounds of private financings.

Prior to Therion, Mark Leuchtenberger served as vice president, International at Biogen, in which capacity he led all commercial operations outside of North America. Mr. Leuchtenberger joined Biogen in 1990 as product manager and served as program executive for Amevive™, until assuming Avonex® program leadership in 1993. In this role, Mr. Leuchtenberger was responsible for managing the late-stage development, registration, marketing and North American launch of Avonex®. During his tenure at Biogen, he held several senior positions, including vice president of sales, marketing and business development, where he oversaw the company's global market, licensing and strategic partnership activities.

Prior to Biogen, he worked as a senior consultant at Bain and Company and specialized in healthcare products and services. Mr. Leuchtenberger received an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA from Wake Forest University.