Jump to content

Elias Zerhouni: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →

Jayjaysterling (talk | contribs)

4 edits
undo
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Modified the birthplace to align with MOS:GEOLINK
Tone & NPOV: Removed puffery (e.g., "distinguished honors," "visionary," "leading edge") and neutralized the language, especially in the corporate sections. ​Structure: Reorganized the sections for better chronological flow (e.g., splitting "Education" and "Early career", grouping post-NIH work). ​Formatting: Standardized citations, fixed bare URLs, and ensured proper use of the {{Infobox officeholder}}. ​Sourcing: Added missing citations for the "Memberships" section and ensured other claims...
Tags: citing a blog or free web host Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Algerian-American radiologist (born 1951)}}
{{Short description|Algerian-American radiologist and medical administrator}}
{{redirect|Zerhouni|other people with this surname|Zerhouni (surname)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=February 2018}}
{{Peacock|date=February 2025}}
}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = '''Elias Zerhouni'''
| name = Elias Zerhouni
| image = Elias Zerhouni cropped.png
| caption = Zerhouni as Director of the NIH
| office = 15th [[Director of the National Institutes of Health]]
| image_size =
| president = [[George W. Bush]]
| caption = Elias Zerhouni
| term_start = May 2, 2002
| order = 15th
| term_end = October 31, 2008
| title = [[Director of the National Institutes of Health]]
| predecessor = [[Harold Varmus]]
| term_start = May 2, 2002
| successor = [[Francis Collins]]
| term_end = October 31, 2008
| birth_name = Elias Adam Zerhouni
| president = [[George W. Bush]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|4|12}}
| predecessor = [[Harold Varmus]]
| successor = [[Francis Collins]]
| birth_place = [[Nedroma]], [[Algeria]]
| citizenship = United States
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|4|12}}
| education = [[University of Algiers]] ([[Doctor of Medicine|MD]])
| birth_place = [[Nedroma]], then part of [[French Algeria]]
| occupation = [[Radiologist]], [[biomedical engineer]]
| death_date =
| spouse = Nadia Zerhouni
| death_place =
| children = 3
| residence =
| awards = [[Legion of Honour]] (2008)
| citizenship = United States of America
| nationality = [[Algeria]]n [[America]]n
| module = {{Infobox scientist | embed=yes
|alma_mater = [[University of Algiers]]
|doctoral_advisor =
|doctoral_students =
|known_for = {{Plainlist|
* Former Director of the [[National Institutes of Health]]
* Former Physician-Scientist, Radiology Chair, and Executive Vice Dean at [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]]
* Former President of Global R&D at [[Sanofi]]
* Current President of [[OPKO Health]] and Co-founder of ModeX Therapeutics
}}
|influences =
|influenced =
|footnotes =
|field = [[Medical imaging]]
|work_institutions = {{Plainlist|
* [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]]
}}
|prizes = see "Awards and International Recognition" below
}}
}}
}}


'''Elias Zerhouni''' ([[Arabic]]: إلياس زرهوني, born April 12, 1951) is an Algerian-born American scientist, radiologist, biomedical engineer, entrepreneur, and pharmaceutical industry executive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elias Zerhouni {{!}} Biography & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elias-Zerhouni |access-date=2025-10-14 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
'''Elias Adam Zerhouni''' ({{lang-ar|إلياس زرهوني}}; born April 12, 1951) is an Algerian-born American [[radiologist]], [[biomedical engineer]], and corporate executive. He served as the 15th [[Director of the National Institutes of Health]] (NIH) from 2002 to 2008 under President [[George W. Bush]].

Prior to his government service, Zerhouni was the executive vice dean of the [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]]. After leaving the NIH, he served as a U.S. presidential science envoy under the [[Barack Obama|Obama administration]] and held senior leadership positions at [[Sanofi]]. As of 2022, he serves as President and Vice Chairman of [[OPKO Health]].

== Early life and education ==
Zerhouni was born on April 12, 1951, in [[Nedroma]], [[Algeria]]. He earned his [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] from the [[University of Algiers]] School of Medicine in 1975. Following his graduation, he immigrated to the [[United States]] to complete his residency in [[diagnostic radiology]] at the [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web |title=Elias Zerhouni {{!}} Biography & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elias-Zerhouni |website=Britannica |access-date=2025-10-14}}</ref><ref name="LawProf">{{cite web |title=Immigrant of the Day: Elias Zerhouni (Algeria) |url=https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2008/04/immigrant-of-th.html |website=The Law Professor Blogs Network |date=2008-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-14}}</ref>

== Career ==

=== Academic career and business ===
From 1981 to 1985, Zerhouni served as the vice chair of the Department of Radiology at [[Eastern Virginia Medical School]] and its affiliated DePaul Hospital. In 1985, he returned to [[Johns Hopkins University]] as co-director of the body [[CT scan|CT]] and [[MRI]] division and was promoted to associate professor.<ref name="JHU_Prof">{{cite web |title=Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. Professorship |url=https://professorships.jhu.edu/professorship/elias-a-zerhouni-m-d-professorship/ |publisher=Johns Hopkins University |date=2020-08-14 |access-date=2025-02-03}}</ref> He was appointed director of the MRI division in 1988 and became a full professor in 1992. In 1996, he was named chair of the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science at Johns Hopkins.<ref name="JHU_Prof" />

Zerhouni rose to administrative roles within the university, serving as executive vice dean of the School of Medicine starting in 1996.<ref name="Gazette">{{cite news |last=Stephenson |first=Gary |date=April 20, 2009 |title=Zerhouni Rejoins Johns Hopkins Medicine as Senior Adviser |url=http://gazette.jhu.edu/2009/04/20/zerhouni-rejoins-johns-hopkins-medicine-as-senior-adviser/ |work=Johns Hopkins Gazette |publisher=Johns Hopkins University |access-date=2017-01-21}}</ref> He also held the positions of vice dean for Clinical Affairs, president of the Clinical Practice Association (1996–1999), and vice dean for Research (1999–2002).

In the 1980s, Zerhouni founded Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (later part of Mirion Technologies), a manufacturer of tissue-equivalent [[Imaging phantom|phantoms]] for medical imaging. He also founded the Advanced Medical Imaging Institute. Zerhouni co-invented an image-guided [[breast biopsy]] method which led to the founding of Biopsys Medical, a company acquired by [[Johnson & Johnson]] in 1997.<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |title=Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Biopsys Medical in Stock Swap |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB864249053335263000 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=1997-05-22 |access-date=2025-02-03}}</ref>

Zerhouni served as a consultant to the [[White House]] under President [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1985 and to the [[World Health Organization]] in 1988. From 1998 to 2002, he was a member of the [[National Cancer Institute]]'s Board of Scientific Advisors.<ref name="NIH_Almanac">{{cite web |title=Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. |url=https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/elias-zerhouni-md |publisher=National Institutes of Health |date=2015-08-06 |access-date=2025-02-03}}</ref>

=== National Institutes of Health (2002–2008) ===
In 2002, President [[George W. Bush]] appointed Zerhouni as the 15th [[Director of the National Institutes of Health]] (NIH).<ref>{{cite news |title=Man in the News; From Algeria to a Dream -- Elias Adam Zerhouni |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/27/us/man-in-the-news-from-algeria-to-a-dream-elias-adam-zerhouni.html |work=The New York Times |date=2002-03-27 |access-date=2017-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527183656/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/27/us/man-in-the-news-from-algeria-to-a-dream-elias-adam-zerhouni.html |archive-date=2015-05-27}}</ref> He was confirmed by the [[United States Senate|Senate]] in April 2002 and served until October 2008.<ref name="NIH_Bio">{{cite web |title=Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. |url=https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/past-directors/elias-zerhouni-md |publisher=National Institutes of Health |date=2015-08-06 |access-date=2017-01-21}}</ref> He was the first immigrant to hold the position.<ref name="ArabAmerica">{{cite web |last=Mason |first=John |title=Pathbreakers of Arab America—Elias Zerhouni |url=https://www.arabamerica.com/pathbreakers-of-arab-america-elias-zerhouni/ |website=Arab America |date=2025-05-21 |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>

During his tenure, Zerhouni initiated the "NIH Roadmap for Medical Research," which aimed to identify gaps in biomedical research and improve coordination across the agency's institutes.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Zerhouni |first=Elias |date=2003-10-03 |title=The NIH Roadmap |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=302 |issue=5642 |pages=63–72 |doi=10.1126/science.1091867 |pmid=14526066}}</ref> His leadership saw the passage of the NIH Reform Act of 2006. Other initiatives included the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint, an obesity research task force, and programs to address [[Health equity|health disparities]]. He also established the [[NIH Director's Pioneer Award]] and the New Innovator Award to support high-risk, high-reward research.

=== Post-government career ===
Following his resignation from the NIH, Zerhouni returned to Johns Hopkins as a senior advisor in 2009.<ref name="Gazette" /> That same year, President [[Barack Obama]] appointed him as one of the first U.S. presidential science envoys to foster scientific collaboration with Muslim-majority nations.<ref name="ScienceEnvoy">{{cite web |title=Bruce Alberts, Elias Zerhouni and Ahmed Zewail Named First U.S. Science Envoys |url=https://www.aaas.org/news/bruce-alberts-elias-zerhouni-and-ahmed-zewail-named-first-us-science-envoys |publisher=[[American Association for the Advancement of Science]] |date=2009-11-04 |access-date=2017-01-21}}</ref> From 2009 to 2010, he was a senior fellow at the [[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins Foundation |url=https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases/2009/05/Elias-Zerhouni-MD-Joins-Foundation |publisher=[[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]] |access-date=2017-01-21}}</ref> He was also a founding editor of the journal ''[[Science Translational Medicine]]''.

==== Sanofi ====
In January 2011, Zerhouni joined the pharmaceutical company [[Sanofi]] as president of Global Research and Development.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Sanofi Head of Global R&D Elias Zerhouni to retire; Company names John Reed to take over on July 1 |url=https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2018/2018-04-24-05-00-00-1323382 |publisher=Sanofi |date=2018-04-24 |access-date=2025-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507204432/https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2018/2018-04-24-05-00-00-1323382 |archive-date=2020-05-07}}</ref> He served in this role until his retirement from the company in June 2018.

==== ModeX Therapeutics and OPKO Health ====
In October 2020, Zerhouni co-founded ModeX Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on immune therapies for cancer and infectious diseases, alongside Gary Nabel and others.<ref name="OPKO">{{cite web |title=OPKO Health Acquires ModeX Therapeutics, Gains Proprietary Immunotherapy Technology with a Focus on Oncology and Infectious Diseases |url=https://investor.opko.com/news-releases/news-release-details/opko-health-acquires-modex-therapeutics-gains-proprietary |publisher=OPKO Health, Inc. |date=2022-05-09 |access-date=2025-02-03}}</ref> In May 2022, ModeX was acquired by [[OPKO Health]], and Zerhouni was appointed President and Vice Chairman of OPKO Health.<ref name="OPKO" />

Under his leadership, ModeX entered into a collaboration with [[Merck & Co.]] in 2023 to develop a vaccine for the [[Epstein–Barr virus]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Vasundhara |title=ModeX and Merck sign deal to develop Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine |url=https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/modex-merck-epstein-barr-virus-vaccine/ |work=Pharmaceutical Technology |date=2023-03-09 |access-date=2025-02-03}}</ref>

== Memberships and honors ==
In 2008, French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] awarded Zerhouni the [[Legion of Honour]] for his work in fostering cooperation between the NIH and the [[Pasteur Institute]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. |url=https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director/past-directors/elias-zerhouni-md |publisher=National Institutes of Health |date=2015-08-06 |access-date=2025-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005041042/http://www.nih.gov/about/director/zerhouni/index.htm |archive-date=2015-10-05}}</ref> He was elected a member of the [[National Academy of Medicine]] in 2000 and the [[National Academy of Engineering]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni |url=https://www.nae.edu/68323/Dr-Elias-A-Zerhouni |publisher=National Academy of Engineering |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>

Zerhouni has served on several corporate and non-profit boards, including:
* [[King Abdullah University of Science and Technology]] (Board of Trustees)<ref name="KAUST">{{cite web |title=Second U.S. Science Envoy Begins Travel |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2010/02/12/second-us-science-envoy-begins-travel |publisher=The White House |date=2010-02-12 |access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref>
* [[Mayo Clinic]] (Trustee Emeritus)<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Trustees |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/governance/trustees |publisher=Mayo Clinic |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>
* [[Stanford Medicine]] (Board of Fellows)<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Fellows |url=https://med.stanford.edu/school/leadership/board-of-fellows.html |publisher=Stanford Medicine |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>
* [[Foundation for the National Institutes of Health]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins the FNIH Board of Directors |url=https://fnih.org/news/press-releases/elias-zerhouni-md-joins-fnih-board-directors |publisher=Foundation for the National Institutes of Health |date=2019-01-02 |access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref>
* [[Lasker Foundation]]<ref name="Catalio">{{cite web |title=Elias Zerhouni, M.D. |url=https://www.cataliocapital.com/team/elias-zerhouni-m-d |publisher=Catalio Capital Management |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>
* [[Research!America]]<ref name="ResearchAmerica">{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.researchamerica.org/about-us/board-directors/ |publisher=Research!America |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>
* Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (Founding Board Member)<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.davosalzheimerscollaborative.org/about-us/team |publisher=Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative |access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref>
* [[Danaher Corporation]]<ref name="Waypoint">{{cite web |title=Waypoint Capital Appoints Elias Zerhouni to Board of Directors |url=https://www.bflexion.com/news-insights/waypoint-capital-appoints-elias-zerhouni-to-board-of-directors |publisher=B-FLEXION |access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Elias Zerhouni}}
* {{C-SPAN|eliaszerhouni}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-gov}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Harold Varmus]]}}
{{s-titl|[[Director of the National Institutes of Health]]|2002–2008}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Francis Collins]]}}
{{s-end}}


{{Authority control}}
Zerhouni was a faculty member at [[Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine]], where he served as an executive vice dean from 1996 to 2002. He served as the 15th director of the [[National Institutes of Health]] from May 2, 2002, to October 31, 2008, under the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|George W. Bush administration]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-06 |title=Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. |url=https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/elias-zerhouni-md |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=National Institutes of Health (NIH) |language=EN}}</ref> In 2009, under the [[Obama administration]], he was appointed as one of the first presidential science envoys, tasked with promoting scientific and technological collaboration with other nations.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.aaas.org/news/bruce-alberts-elias-zerhouni-and-ahmed-zewail-named-first-us-science-envoys|title=Bruce Alberts, Elias Zerhouni and Ahmed Zewail Named First U.S. Science Envoys|date=18 November 2013|work=aaas.org|access-date=21 January 2017}}</ref> He was a senior fellow for the [[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]] from 2009 to 2010.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases/2009/02/Elias-Zerhouni-MD-Joins-Foundation-as-a-Senior-Fellow|title=Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins Foundation - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation|work=gatesfoundation.org|access-date=21 January 2017}}</ref> From January 2011 until his retirement on June 30, 2018, he was president of Global Research and Development at the [[pharmaceutical company]] [[Sanofi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanofi Head of Global R&D Elias Zerhouni to retire; Company names John Reed to take over on July 1 |url=https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2018/2018-04-24-05-30-00-1485864 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=www.sanofi.com |language=en}}</ref>


{{DEFAULTSORT:Zerhouni, Elias}}
In October 2020, Zerhouni co-founded [https://www.modextherapeutics.com/ ModeX Therapeutics], a privately held biotechnology company developing multi-specific immune therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.<ref name="OPKO">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=OPKO Health Acquires ModeX Therapeutics, Gains Proprietary Immunotherapy Technology with a Focus on Oncology and Infectious Diseases |url=https://www.opko.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/467/opko-health-acquires-modex-therapeutics-gains-proprietary-immunotherapy-technology-with-a-focus-on-oncology-and-infectious-diseases |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=OPKO Health, Inc. |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, ModeX was acquired by [[OPKO Health]], and Zerhouni was appointed president and vice chairman of OPKO Health.<ref name="OPKO"></ref>
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Algerian emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:American biomedical engineers]]
[[Category:American radiologists]]
[[Category:Directors of the National Institutes of Health]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins University faculty]]
[[Category:University of Algiers alumni]]
[[Category:Members of the United States National Academy of Engineering]]
[[Category:Members of the National Academy of Medicine]]
[[Category:Members of the French Academy of Sciences]]
[[Category:Knights of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Sanofi people]]


==Education and Career==
==Education and Career==

Revision as of 07:06, 7 December 2025

Elias Zerhouni
15th Director of the National Institutes of Health
In office
May 2, 2002 – October 31, 2008
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byHarold Varmus
Succeeded byFrancis Collins
Personal details
BornElias Adam Zerhouni
(1951-04-12) April 12, 1951 (age 75)
Nedroma, Algeria
CitizenshipUnited States
SpouseNadia Zerhouni
Children3
EducationUniversity of Algiers (MD)
OccupationRadiologist, biomedical engineer
Awards
Legion of Honour (2008)

Elias Adam Zerhouni (Template:Lang-ar; born April 12, 1951) is an Algerian-born American radiologist, biomedical engineer, and corporate executive. He served as the 15th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush.

Prior to his government service, Zerhouni was the executive vice dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After leaving the NIH, he served as a U.S. presidential science envoy under the Obama administration and held senior leadership positions at Sanofi. As of 2022, he serves as President and Vice Chairman of OPKO Health.

Early life and education

Zerhouni was born on April 12, 1951, in Nedroma, Algeria. He earned his M.D. from the University of Algiers School of Medicine in 1975. Following his graduation, he immigrated to the United States to complete his residency in diagnostic radiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.[1][2]

Career

Academic career and business

From 1981 to 1985, Zerhouni served as the vice chair of the Department of Radiology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and its affiliated DePaul Hospital. In 1985, he returned to Johns Hopkins University as co-director of the body CT and MRI division and was promoted to associate professor.[3] He was appointed director of the MRI division in 1988 and became a full professor in 1992. In 1996, he was named chair of the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science at Johns Hopkins.[3]

Zerhouni rose to administrative roles within the university, serving as executive vice dean of the School of Medicine starting in 1996.[4] He also held the positions of vice dean for Clinical Affairs, president of the Clinical Practice Association (1996–1999), and vice dean for Research (1999–2002).

In the 1980s, Zerhouni founded Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (later part of Mirion Technologies), a manufacturer of tissue-equivalent phantoms for medical imaging. He also founded the Advanced Medical Imaging Institute. Zerhouni co-invented an image-guided breast biopsy method which led to the founding of Biopsys Medical, a company acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1997.[5]

Zerhouni served as a consultant to the White House under President Ronald Reagan in 1985 and to the World Health Organization in 1988. From 1998 to 2002, he was a member of the National Cancer Institute's Board of Scientific Advisors.[6]

National Institutes of Health (2002–2008)

In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Zerhouni as the 15th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).[7] He was confirmed by the Senate in April 2002 and served until October 2008.[8] He was the first immigrant to hold the position.[9]

During his tenure, Zerhouni initiated the "NIH Roadmap for Medical Research," which aimed to identify gaps in biomedical research and improve coordination across the agency's institutes.[10] His leadership saw the passage of the NIH Reform Act of 2006. Other initiatives included the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint, an obesity research task force, and programs to address health disparities. He also established the NIH Director's Pioneer Award and the New Innovator Award to support high-risk, high-reward research.

Post-government career

Following his resignation from the NIH, Zerhouni returned to Johns Hopkins as a senior advisor in 2009.[4] That same year, President Barack Obama appointed him as one of the first U.S. presidential science envoys to foster scientific collaboration with Muslim-majority nations.[11] From 2009 to 2010, he was a senior fellow at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.[12] He was also a founding editor of the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Sanofi

In January 2011, Zerhouni joined the pharmaceutical company Sanofi as president of Global Research and Development.[13] He served in this role until his retirement from the company in June 2018.

ModeX Therapeutics and OPKO Health

In October 2020, Zerhouni co-founded ModeX Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on immune therapies for cancer and infectious diseases, alongside Gary Nabel and others.[14] In May 2022, ModeX was acquired by OPKO Health, and Zerhouni was appointed President and Vice Chairman of OPKO Health.[14]

Under his leadership, ModeX entered into a collaboration with Merck & Co. in 2023 to develop a vaccine for the Epstein–Barr virus.[15]

Memberships and honors

In 2008, French President Nicolas Sarkozy awarded Zerhouni the Legion of Honour for his work in fostering cooperation between the NIH and the Pasteur Institute.[16] He was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine in 2000 and the National Academy of Engineering in 2013.[17]

Zerhouni has served on several corporate and non-profit boards, including:

References

  1. ^ "Elias Zerhouni | Biography & Facts". Britannica. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  2. ^ "Immigrant of the Day: Elias Zerhouni (Algeria)". The Law Professor Blogs Network. 2008-04-24. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  3. ^ a b "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. Professorship". Johns Hopkins University. 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  4. ^ a b Stephenson, Gary (April 20, 2009). "Zerhouni Rejoins Johns Hopkins Medicine as Senior Adviser". Johns Hopkins Gazette. Johns Hopkins University. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  5. ^ "Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Biopsys Medical in Stock Swap". The Wall Street Journal. 1997-05-22. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  6. ^ "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D." National Institutes of Health. 2015-08-06. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  7. ^ "Man in the News; From Algeria to a Dream -- Elias Adam Zerhouni". The New York Times. 2002-03-27. Archived from the original on 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  8. ^ "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D." National Institutes of Health. 2015-08-06. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  9. ^ Mason, John (2025-05-21). "Pathbreakers of Arab America—Elias Zerhouni". Arab America. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
  10. ^ Zerhouni, Elias (2003-10-03). "The NIH Roadmap". Science. 302 (5642): 63–72. doi:10.1126/science.1091867. PMID 14526066.
  11. ^ "Bruce Alberts, Elias Zerhouni and Ahmed Zewail Named First U.S. Science Envoys". American Association for the Advancement of Science. 2009-11-04. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  12. ^ "Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins Foundation". Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  13. ^ "Sanofi Head of Global R&D Elias Zerhouni to retire; Company names John Reed to take over on July 1" (Press release). Sanofi. 2018-04-24. Archived from the original on 2020-05-07. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  14. ^ a b "OPKO Health Acquires ModeX Therapeutics, Gains Proprietary Immunotherapy Technology with a Focus on Oncology and Infectious Diseases". OPKO Health, Inc. 2022-05-09. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  15. ^ Vasundhara (2023-03-09). "ModeX and Merck sign deal to develop Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine". Pharmaceutical Technology. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  16. ^ "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D." National Institutes of Health. 2015-08-06. Archived from the original on 2015-10-05. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  17. ^ "Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni". National Academy of Engineering. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  18. ^ "Second U.S. Science Envoy Begins Travel". The White House. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  19. ^ "Board of Trustees". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  20. ^ "Board of Fellows". Stanford Medicine. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  21. ^ "Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins the FNIH Board of Directors". Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. 2019-01-02. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  22. ^ "Elias Zerhouni, M.D." Catalio Capital Management. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  23. ^ "Board of Directors". Research!America. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  24. ^ "About Us". Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative. Retrieved 2025-12-06.
  25. ^ "Waypoint Capital Appoints Elias Zerhouni to Board of Directors". B-FLEXION. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  • Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Elias Zerhouni at Wikimedia Commons
  • Appearances on C-SPAN

Education and Career

Zerhouni was born on April 12, 1951, in Nedroma, Algeria. After earning his M.D. from the University of Algiers School of Medicine in 1975, he immigrated to the United States to study radiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.[1]

From 1981 to 1985, he served as the vice chair of the Department of Radiology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and its affiliated DePaul Hospital. In 1985, Zerhouni returned to Johns Hopkins as co-director of body CT and MRI and was promoted to associate professor.[2] He was appointed director of the MRI division in 1988 and promoted to full professor in 1992.[2] In 1995, he also became a professor of biomedical engineering at Hopkins. In 1996, Zerhouni was named chair of the radiology department at Johns Hopkins.[2] Zerhouni was appointed executive vice dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1996.[3] He then served as vice dean for Clinical Affairs and president of the Clinical Practice Association (1996–1999) and vice dean for Research (1999–2002).

In the early 1980s, Zerhouni established Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (now part of Mirion Technologies), which manufactured tissue-equivalent phantoms used in medical imaging and radiation therapy. He also established the Advanced Medical Imaging Institute, an integrated outpatient medical imaging center. Zerhouni co-invented an image-guided breast biopsy method for diagnosing breast cancer, which led to the creation of Biopsys Medical (acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1997).[4] He also co-founded a company with community-based radiologists that focused on providing advanced outpatient imaging services, later acquired by the American Radiology Services (ARS). [5]

Zerhouni was a consultant to the White House under President Ronald Reagan (1985), the World Health Organization (1988), and served on the National Cancer Institute's Board of Scientific Advisors (1998-2002),

National Institutes of Health (2002–2008)

Zerhouni was appointed as the 15th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by President George W. Bush.[6][7] He was confirmed by the Senate in April 2002 and served until October 2008[8], becoming the first immigrant to serve as NIH Director.[9] During his tenure, the agency's activities included:

  1. Establishing the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research.[10]
  2. The passage of the NIH Reform Act of 2006.
  3. Supporting the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint.
  4. Establishing an NIH-wide research initiative on obesity.
  5. Prioritizing research into health disparities.
  6. Helping create the Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers.
  7. Supporting research related to women's health and the development of a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV).
  8. Ensuring public access to NIH-funded research results.
  9. Creating the NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program and the NIH Director's New Innovator Award in 2007.
  10. Reforming peer review to support early-stage investigators.

Zerhouni is on the board of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.[11]

Legion of Honour, Presidential Envoy and Senior Fellow

In 2008, French President Nicolas Sarkozy awarded Zerhouni the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit, for fostering collaboration between the National Institutes of Health and the Pasteur Institute.[12]

In 2009, he served as a presidential science and technology envoy for President Barack Obama.[13] He also served as a senior fellow for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from 2009 through 2010.[14]

During this period, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Science magazine launched Science Translational Medicine, of which Zerhouni was a founding editor. He also served on the board of Actelion Pharmaceuticals.[15]

President, Global R&D of Sanofi

Sanofi was appointed Zerhouni as the head of Research and Development in 2011.[16] He retired from Sanofi in June 2018.[17]

Foundation work and corporate boards

Following his retirement from Sanofi in 2018, Zerhouni joined several boards, including the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Research! America, and the Lasker Foundation. He also became a founding board member of the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC).[18]

Zerhouni joined the board of directors of Waypoint Capital (now B-FLEXION, chaired by Ernesto Bertarelli) and continued to serve on the board of Danaher Corporation.[19]

ModeX and OPKO Health

In 2020, Zerhouni co-founded ModeX Therapeutics with Gary Nabel, Zhi-yong Yang, Ronnie Wei, Chih-Jen Wei, and Elizabeth Nabel.[20] ModeX focuses on multi-specific biologic drugs for cancer and infectious diseases.[21] The ModeX portfolio includes cancer immunotherapies, programs developing treatments for viral diseases such as HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and a vaccine for the Epstein-Barr virus.[21]

In 2022, ModeX was acquired by OPKO Health, to which Zerhouni was appointed President and vice chairman.[21] In 2023, ModeX signed a deal with Merck & Co. to develop an EBV vaccine.[22] That same year, ModeX was awarded a contract from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance candidates addressing public health threats from viral infectious diseases. In 2025, ModeX announced the dosing of the first participant in the Phase I study of an EBV vaccine candidate being developed with Merck & Co.

Memberships

Zerhouni has served on the board of trustees of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.[23]

Zerhouni holds numerous distinguished scientific and medical honors. He is an elected member of both the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. He serves as an emeritus public trustee of the Mayo Clinic and is a member emeritus of the Radiological Society of North America. At Johns Hopkins University, he is professor emeritus of radiology and biomedical engineering. He also sits on the board of fellows of Stanford Medicine. In addition, Zerhouni serves on the boards of Research! America, the Foundation for the NIH, and the Lasker Foundation. He is also a founding board member of the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative and a member of the French Academy of Medicine.

References

  1. ^ "Immigrant of the Day: ELIAS ZERHOUNI (Algeria)". The Law Professor Blogs Network. 2008-04-24. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  2. ^ a b c "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. Professorship - Named Deanships, Directorships, and Professorships". Johns Hopkins University. 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  3. ^ Stephenson, Gary (April 20, 2009). "Zerhouni Rejoins Johns Hopkins Medicine as Senior Adviser". Johns Hopkins Gazette. Johns Hopkins University. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  4. ^ Newswires, Dow Jones (1997-05-22). "Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Biopsys Medical in Stock Swap". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  5. ^ "Minutes of the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research" (PDF). Department of Health and Human Services. 22 May 2002. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Man in the News; From Algeria to a Dream -- Elias Adam Zerhouni". The New York Times. 27 March 2002. Archived from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  7. ^ Carnegie Corporation of New York. "Elias Zerhouni | Carnegie Corporation of New York". Carnegie Corporation of New York. Archived from the original on 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  8. ^ "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D." nih.gov. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  9. ^ Mason, John (2025-05-21). "Pathbreakers of Arab America—Elias Zerhouni". Arab America. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
  10. ^ Zerhouni, Elias (2003-10-03). "The NIH Roadmap". Science. 302 (5642): 63–72. doi:10.1126/science.1091867. PMID 14526066.
  11. ^ "FNIH Board". fnih.org. 8 May 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  12. ^ "Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D." National Institutie of Health. 21 February 2025. Archived from the original on 13 October 2025. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ "Actelion proposes expansion of its Board of Directors". Analist. 27 March 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  16. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-19. Retrieved 2016-11-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ "Sanofi Head of Global R&D Elias Zerhouni to retire; Company names John Reed to take over on July 1". www.sanofi.com (Press release). Sanofi. Archived from the original on 7 May 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  18. ^ admin (2019-01-02). "Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Joins the FNIH Board of Directors". FNIH. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  19. ^ "Waypoint Capital Appoints Elias Zerhouni to Board of Directors | B-FLEXION". www.bflexion.com. Retrieved 2025-10-17.
  20. ^ "About Us » ModeX Therapeutics". ModeX Therapeutics. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  21. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference OPKO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  22. ^ vasundhara (2023-03-09). "ModeX and Merck sign deal to develop Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine". Pharmaceutical Technology. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  23. ^ "Second U.S. Science Envoy Begins Travel". whitehouse.gov. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elias_Zerhouni&oldid=1326132609"