John C. Reed is a distinguished molecular biologist and executive leader whose career has spanned academia, nonprofit research, and industry. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Innovative Medicine, Research & Development at Johnson & Johnson, a position he assumed in April 2023, where he leads the company's global research strategy across multiple therapeutic areas. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Reed held executive leadership positions at Sanofi and Roche, serving on their respective executive committees, and previously served as CEO of Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (now Sanford Burnham Prebys), where he transformed the organization into a leading biomedical research center. Dr. Reed earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and both his M.D. and Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, followed by specialized training in Molecular Biology at the Wistar Institute and Clinical Pathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Reed's research contributions have profoundly impacted the field of molecular biology, particularly in understanding programmed cell death mechanisms and their implications for disease treatment. He has authored more than 900 peer-reviewed research publications and holds over 130 patents, establishing himself as one of the most prolific scientific contributors of his generation. His work has been recognized through his ranking among the world's top 100 most highly cited scientists, with earlier recognition as one of the top 10 most cited researchers in life sciences and medicine. At Sanford Burnham Prebys, Dr. Reed established multiple therapeutic area-aligned research centers and platform technology centers that accelerated the translation of basic science discoveries into potential therapeutics. His scientific expertise spans cancer biology, immunology, and drug discovery, with practical applications that have influenced both academic research and pharmaceutical development pipelines.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Reed has played a pivotal role in shaping the biomedical research landscape through leadership positions and strategic collaborations across sectors. As a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he has contributed to scientific discourse through editorial board memberships for multiple prominent research journals. Dr. Reed has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen by co-founding five biotechnology companies and serving on the boards of five public companies, effectively bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial application. His current work at Johnson & Johnson focuses on reimagining how life-saving medicines are discovered, developed, and delivered, with particular emphasis on oncology, immunology, and neuroscience therapeutic areas where unmet medical needs remain significant. Dr. Reed continues to champion a culture of innovation that combines scientific rigor with practical application, ensuring that biomedical research translates into meaningful health outcomes for patients worldwide.
