Hope through Rigorous Science
Neil Kumar, PhD ’07
CEO & Founder
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.
Friday, May 1, 2026
3:00 p.m., Room 66-110 (2:30 p.m. reception)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Abstract:
The modern biopharmaceutical industry contains several underappreciated sources of dysfunction, some inherent to its particular historical path and some newly arising. These dysfunctions result in subpar returns on research and development and ultimately unmet patient need. This talk will discuss some of the attendant opportunities for drug developers and entrepreneurs that arise within this sector. We will also consider specific examples of how one can create a medicine that matters in the context of this system by approaching drug development with an engineering mindset.
Bio:
Dr. Neil Kumar, Ph.D., is the CEO and Founder of BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. a company working to create life-altering medicines that target well-characterized genetic diseases at their source. He also launched GondolaBio in 2024. Prior to founding BridgeBio in 2015, Dr. Kumar was a principal at Third Rock Ventures, supporting and managing portfolio companies, while also focusing on new company formation and due diligence. During his time at Third Rock, Dr. Kumar served as the interim vice president of business development and operations for MyoKardia. Prior to joining Third Rock, Dr. Kumar was an associate principal at McKinsey & Company, where he developed strategies for pharmaceutical and medical device companies and helped lead McKinsey’s personalized medicine efforts. Dr. Kumar holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering from Stanford University. He received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also a Member of the Board for both BIO and the Global Genes organizations.