Dr. Michael Alan Zasloff is a distinguished physician-scientist and internationally recognized authority in immunology and translational medicine. He currently serves as Professor of Pediatrics and Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine and Scientific Director of the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, where he has led research initiatives since 2004. After completing his pediatric residency at Boston Children's Hospital, he earned his MD-PhD from New York University School of Medicine and joined the National Institutes of Health in 1975, rising to Chief of the Human Genetics Branch at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development during the 1980s. Dr. Zasloff later held prominent positions at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as the Charles E. H. Upham Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics before becoming Dean of Research and Translational Science at Georgetown University in 2002.
Dr. Zasloff's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of innate immunity through his landmark discovery of antimicrobial peptides in amphibians, particularly the magainins, which revolutionized approaches to host defense mechanisms. His innovative work led to the development of squalamine, a shark-derived compound showing therapeutic promise for viral infections and neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson's disease, demonstrating his unique ability to bridge basic science with clinical applications. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications and more than 60 issued US patents, his scientific contributions have catalyzed significant advances in antimicrobial therapy and immunological research. Dr. Zasloff's visionary approach to harnessing natural defense mechanisms has established him as a leading figure in translating molecular insights into novel therapeutic strategies for infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Zasloff has been instrumental in founding and leading multiple biotechnology ventures, including co-founding Enterin in 2016 where he serves as Chief Scientific Officer, focusing on gut-brain axis therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. His current research program continues to explore the intricate relationship between gastrointestinal function and neurological health, with particular emphasis on novel treatments for Parkinson's disease based on his extensive work with antimicrobial peptides and aminosterols. As a respected mentor and scientific leader, he has shaped the careers of numerous young investigators while maintaining an active role in both academic and industry settings through his position as lead independent Director on the Board of Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Zasloff's ongoing work promises to yield further breakthroughs in understanding how innate immune mechanisms can be harnessed to treat a wide range of human diseases through innovative translational approaches.
