Theodore J. Torphy, PhD
Chairman of the Board
Ted Torphy has over 30 years’ experience in both small-molecule and large-molecule drug discovery and early development. From 2014-2020, Ted served as Chief Science Officer at BioMotiv, a biotechnology development company, and as Chief Executive Officer from 2019-2020. In addition to his role with BioMotiv, he served as Board Chairman, Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics, Inc., and Vice Chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since 2006. During his Board tenure, the Foundation initiated its pioneering venture philanthropy drug discovery program. This program led to the introduction of multiple new therapies, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ development and launch of KALYDECO® and ORKAMBI®, the first treatments that correct the fundamental defect causing cystic fibrosis. Prior to joining BioMotiv, Ted spent 12 years with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals. His roles included Global Head of External Innovation & Business Models for Discovery Sciences, Vice President and Head of External Research and Early Development, and Corporate Vice President and Head of Johnson & Johnson’s Corporate Office of Science & Technology. In addition, he spent four years at Centocor as Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery and Preclinical Development. During this period SIMPONI®, STELARA® and SYLVANT® entered the Discovery portfolio. Prior to joining Centocor, he spent 17 years with SmithKline Beecham, most recently as Vice President and Head of Biological Research for the Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, Metabolic Diseases, and Inflammation therapeutic areas. Ted is author of more than 120 journal articles, review articles, book chapters and patents. He is a board member of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. Dr. Torphy holds a BS in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin, and a PhD in pharmacology and toxicology from West Virginia University. He completed his postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego.