Early Life and Education
Leonard S. Schleifer was born in 1953 in Queens, New York, to a Jewish family. His father was a sweater manufacturer and World War II codebreaker. Schleifer graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree and earned his MD-PhD from the University of Virginia, where he studied under future Nobel Laureate Alfred G. Gilman. He trained as a neurologist and served as a junior faculty member at New York Hospital.
Rise to Success
In 1988, Schleifer co-founded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals with George Yancopoulos. The company initially faced challenges but found success with the development of Eylea, a drug for age-related macular degeneration, which generated significant revenue and propelled Schleifer to billionaire status. He strategically invited Roy Vagelos, former CEO of Merck & Company, to be the chairman of Regeneron, which changed the company’s approach. Schleifer's leadership has been key in Regeneron's growth, leading to the development of several FDA-approved medicines.
Key Business Strategies
Schleifer focused Regeneron on scientific innovation, prioritizing human testing and investing in drugs for disorders with well-understood biology. This strategy led to the development of Eylea and other successful drugs. His focus on scientific excellence and patient impact has been critical in Regeneron's continuous innovation. He is also known for championing corporate responsibility.
Philanthropy
While the exact amounts are not readily available, Schleifer, along with his wife Harriet, has supported the Jewish community. They have supported the JCC Capital Campaign and other initiatives.