Flagship Pioneering, a leading scientific innovation engine, has announced that Mary Beth Harler, M.D., will take on the role of President of Pioneering Medicines, its drug discovery and development unit. Dr. Harler brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the biotechnology and global pharmaceutical sectors, with expertise in clinical development and corporate strategy. In her new position, Dr. Harler will be responsible for expediting the development of novel therapeutics while maximizing the value and patient impact of Flagship's pioneering bioplatforms. She will collaborate closely with Flagship-founded companies and external partners through the company’s Innovation Supply Chain partnerships. Reporting to Paul Biondi, Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, Dr. Harler will also be involved with the Pioneering Medicines Oversight Board. "We are thrilled to welcome Mary Beth as President of Pioneering Medicines," Biondi stated. "She combines world-class pharma R&D expertise, including responsibility for key drug approvals and experience developing and delivering programs across therapeutic areas and modalities, with entrepreneurial experience in scaling biotech organizations. Her proven ability to advance complex portfolios and align science, strategy, and execution will be invaluable as Pioneering Medicines enters its next phase of growth and impact." Prior to this role, Dr. Harler served as CEO of IGM Biosciences, where she re-evaluated the company’s scientific strategy and restructured operations. She also spent over a decade at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she was the Senior Vice President, Head of Immunology and Fibrosis Development, managing a late-stage portfolio of 10–12 assets. "I am honored to join Flagship Pioneering to lead Pioneering Medicines in this unique role," Dr. Harler remarked. "The opportunity to transform groundbreaking bioplatforms into medicines across multiple areas of unmet need is very exciting. I look forward to working with the broader Flagship ecosystem to advance a new generation of transformative therapies for patients." Dr. Harler received her medical degree from Marshall University School of Medicine and completed her surgical training at Brown University, where she also served as a Clinical Instructor of General Surgery. Pioneering Medicines is committed to developing a broad range of impactful treatments for patients by leveraging Flagship's innovative platforms. By combining the drug development expertise of its team with the capabilities of Flagship's scientific platforms, Pioneering Medicines seeks to explore and advance new product concepts in collaboration with Flagship's bioplatform companies. The unit also engages with external partners to align R&D priorities within Flagship's Innovation Supply Chain partnerships, fostering strategic alliances that accelerate therapeutic innovation. Flagship Pioneering has been at the forefront of inventing and building platform companies that aim to transform human health and sustainability since its inception in 2000, currently overseeing more than 40 companies and $14 billion in assets.