Lex Van der Ploeg, PhD

Lex is CSO at Rhythm Pharmaceuticals. He is also Manager for VDP, LLC, an independent consulting agency focused on guiding Research and Development for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries and private investors. At VDP, LLC, Lex focuses on supporting R&D initiatives from a strategic and tactical perspective, as an integrated part time member of Management and R&D teams. Lex functions as Senior Advisor for Strategy at Neurotez, Inc.

Lex’s expertise includes development of Diagnostics and Therapeutics including Cancer, Neurodegenerative disorders, Metabolic disorders and Infectious diseases. Prior to starting VDP, LLC Lex was the Sr. Vice President of Integrative Medicine and Translational Science for Advanced Diagnostics and Discovery (ADD), LLC. ADD divested out of Celgene in 2Q 2011. Since 2009 Lex carried the role of Sr VP Integrative Medicine and Translational Science at Abraxis Bioscience and Head R&D and drug development at Abraxis Health. Abraxis Bioscience and Abraxis Health were acquired in October 2010 by Celgene Corporation. Since 2003, Dr. Van der Ploeg held the position of, Vice president, Basic Research, and site head at Merck Research Laboratories Boston focused on oncology and neurodegenerative disease. Prior to starting Merck Research Laboratories Boston in December 2003, Dr. Van der Ploeg held diverse functions at Merck Research Laboratories including Vice President and site head MRL San Diego and Head Obesity research for Merck Rahway and Banyu, Japan. Lex held leadership roles in obesity and metabolism, oncology, neurodegenerative disease research and diagnostics.

Dr. Van der Ploeg received his M.S. degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Biochemistry in 1980 from the University of Amsterdam and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Enzymology/Genetics in 1984 from the University of Amsterdam/Netherlands Cancer Research Center. Following receipt of his Ph.D. Dr Van der Ploeg joined the faculty of the Dept of Genetics and Development of Columbia University, as an assistant Professor and received tenure at Columbia University in 1987. Dr Van der Ploeg held an adjunct faculty position at the Dept of Genetics and Development of Columbia University from 1992 through 2009. Dr. Van der Ploeg received numerous awards and grants for his research and has published over 200 research articles. He is an inventor on over 50 patents and patent applications.