Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, MSc'91, PhD'99
Career/profession
A serial entrepreneur; BetterLife Pharma CEO; founder of several companies including Merus Labs International, PanGeo and Altum Pharmaceuticals.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
As a student at UBC, the goal of my PhD was to develop a method to separate four isomers of Labetalol (an antihypertensive drug used by women who are pregnant) so that we can better understand and design dosing and administration of such drugs during pregnancy. I was ecstatic when I accomplished this goal.
In my 20+ year career, I am proud of being able to build and grow companies while managing risks in volatile financial markets. The Canadian pharmaceutical landscape is different from other markets in the world. I would say that having been part of everything from mergers and acquisitions, multiple IPOs, integrating pharmaceutical operations (Whitehall Robbins, Rhone Poulenc, Boehringer, Aventis), being a founder of Merus Labs (NASDAQ: MSLI), which sold for $300 M+ in 2017, are all highlights that I can be proud of in my career.
What are some interesting initiatives you are working on currently?
Currently, I am in the third phase of my career which involves being in the biotechnology sphere. I started BetterLife Pharma in 2016 and went public with it in 2019. The company has three interesting projects on the horizon that are at various stages of development. First is a potential inhalation treatment for COVID-19 and similar viruses, second is a second-generation psychedelic to treat depression, and third is a patient administered HPV treatment for women. Being able to take these drugs from pre-clinical stages to phase 3 is certainly a worthwhile endeavor that I am immersed in at the moment.
How do you think the biotechnology landscape will evolve in the near future?
The global pandemic has changed the way that the global community views the pharmaceutical industry in a positive way and that is a shift that I think will continue. In addition, the ability to integrate artificial intelligence into biotech enabling personalized treatments will be the future.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
A vice-president I reported to at my first job, while doing my PhD had a profound effect on me. He was a role model who emphasized the importance of developing emotional intelligence in my life and career.
What UBC moment are you still talking about?
It has to be the night that I was able to separate the four isomers for my PhD project. I remember that night vividly; it was a joyous occasion that I celebrated with some of my close associates at UBC.
Any additional details you would like to share?
I am grateful for the education I received at UBC and to be able to work in an industry that helps enhance people's quality of life and helps to save lives around the world.