Point Man On Protein Science

Harvard Researcher Timothy Springer’s Lifetime Of Advocacy For An Essential – But Often Neglected – Driver of New Drug Development

In this latest edition of the Lab Links series on notable figures responsible for major advances in drug discovery, In Vivo talks to Harvard Medical School professor and biologist Timothy Springer on his 50-year record as an academic scientist, business entrepreneur and philanthropist. His latest venture is being co-founder – and principal funder – of the independent non-profit Institute for Protein Innovation, an institution designed to fill a critical niche in open-source biomedical research.

Springer_Timonthy_1200.jpg
"Mentorship is one of the most important ways of ensuring great science continues to grow." - Timothy Springer

As an academic biochemist, Timothy Springer has authored original insights on the structure, function and interactions of biomedically important proteins: one 1990 paper, on the cell recognition molecules that drive immune response, has been cited in peer review more than 10,000 times. His work has shaped medical practice in key fields like immunology, inflammation, hematology and infectious diseases, accomplishments reflected in the clinic through at least four blockbuster drugs, all now available to patients worldwide. Though a skeptic at first, Springer has also emerged as a savvy start-up entrepreneur, earning outsize returns as a founder and investor in seven biotech companies, gains he has now applied as an advocacy philanthropist testing new business models to plug research silos, address unmet medical needs and promote the open-source dissemination of knowledge.

All told, Springer has the receptive mind of a true explorer: who else could relate the physical properties of a...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Leadership

Rising Leaders 2025: Doxie Jordan, From UNC Graduate To Global Market Strategist

 
• By 

Bristol Myers Squibb executive Doxie Jordan discusses his path to global commercial leadership and the principles guiding pharmaceutical market strategy

Podcast: Brain+ CEO Discusses “Groundbreaking” Potential Of CST Assistant For Dementia Patients

 

Devika Wood, CEO of Brain+, explains the importance of developing health tech solutions for dementia and the growing need to both raise awareness and improve overall access to nondrug interventions like CST.

Behind The Buyout: Dispatches From The Dealmaking Table

 
• By 

In a challenging funding environment for biopharma, strategic dealmaking has become a critical growth engine. In Vivo explores what it truly takes to navigate high-stakes acquisitions and partnerships, drawing on insights from seasoned industry leaders.

Rising Leaders 2025: Ovid’s Meg Alexander On Neurology’s Next Frontier

 
• By 

Ovid Therapeutics' president and COO Meg Alexander is leading the company’s strategic pivot toward innovative neurological treatments, potentially creating a new class of medicines for rare neurological disorders.

More from In Vivo

Crisis Or Opportunity? US MFN Policy Could Test Japan’s Appetite For Reforms

 
• By 

While the adoption of most favored nation drug pricing in the US stands to affect Japanese biopharma firms now heavily reliant on this market, it might also present an opportunity for pricing and policy reforms at home.

Rising Leaders 2025: Ovid’s Meg Alexander On Neurology’s Next Frontier

 
• By 

Ovid Therapeutics' president and COO Meg Alexander is leading the company’s strategic pivot toward innovative neurological treatments, potentially creating a new class of medicines for rare neurological disorders.

The Goldilocks Isotope: Perspective Therapeutics’ ‘Just Right’ Alpha Radiotherapeutic

 
• By 

Thijs Spoor's bet on lead-212 is paying off as Perspective Therapeutics advances three clinical programs with promising early efficacy signals and a comprehensive manufacturing strategy.