Jeffry Weers

Jeffry Weers holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Puget Sound (1980), and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Davis (1985).

Previously, Jeff was the Chief Scientific Officer for Respiratory at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (2009-2017).  Prior to joining Novartis, Jeff spent roughly a decade (1999-2008) with Nektar Therapeutics (formerly Inhale Therapeutic Systems), where he held various positions within the Research and Development organization. Jeff also spent one year (2004-2005) as Vice President of R&D at Transave/Insmed, where he was responsible for the development of liposomal formulations for inhalation. Jeff also directed Research at Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp from 1991-1999.

Jeff has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. He is a prolific inventor with 65 issued U.S. patents. These include numerous patents directed to engineering particles for inhalation, including the PulmoSphere™ technology (utilized in TOBI® Podhaler™, Bevespi® Aerosphere, and Ciprofloxacin DPI). Additional patents are directed to aerosol delivery of antibiotics utilizing combinations of liposome encapsulated and free drug (e.g., Arikayce®).

In 2007, Jeff was honored by R&D Directions magazine for notable achievements in pharmaceutical research and development. In 2010, he received the Novartis VIVA Award and bestowed the honorary title of Novartis Leading Scientist. In 2012, he was named a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. He has served on the Editorial Board for Current Opinion Colloid & Interface Science and the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery.