Amjad Ali

Head of External Discovery Chemistry, responsible for leading a global team of medicinal chemists and serving as the primary point of contact for Merck's external Discovery Chemistry operations. Accomplished scientist with a proven track record of delivering high quality molecules to the clinic. Over 25 years of experience within drug discovery and big Pharma. Leader of high performing cross-functional teams. Expert in outsourcing drug discovery strategies. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Passionate people manager and mentor. Experienced medicinal chemist with expertise in drug metabolism. Served as chemistry and program team lead on drug discovery programs in a variety of therapeutic areas, including antibacterial, neuroscience, immuno-oncology, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Research experience that has spanned the drug discovery paradigm from target ID to PIII. Co-author of over 100 publications and patents including co-inventor of the patent for ANACETRAPIB, Merck's investigational CETP inhibitor which successfully completed two PIII clinical trials (DEFINE, REVEAL). Co-wrote two book chapters including 'Atherosclerosis: HDL elevation' published in 'Burger's Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery and Development'. Elected Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 2015. Currently serving Chair of the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry.