Early Life
Leonard S. Schleifer was born in 1953 in Queens, New York, to a Jewish family. His father was a sweater manufacturer and a World War II codebreaker. He graduated with a B.S. from Cornell University and earned an MD-PhD from the University of Virginia, studying under future Nobel Laureate Alfred G. Gilman.
Rise to Success
In 1988, Schleifer co-founded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals with George Yancopoulos. Initially, the company faced challenges. However, Schleifer's strategic pivot to focus on well-understood biology and human testing under the guidance of former Merck & Co. CEO Roy Vagelos led to the breakthrough drug Eylea, approved in 2011. Eylea prevents leaky blood vessels in the eye from causing blindness. He took Regeneron public in 1991.
Key Business Strategies
Schleifer's leadership style emphasizes a strong commitment to research and development, fostering a culture of scientific excellence at Regeneron. His strategic initiatives have propelled the company to the forefront of biotechnology and solidified its reputation for transformative therapies. Sales of Eylea reached $5.7 billion in the U.S. in 2023. Regeneron has developed 12 FDA-approved medicines.
Philanthropy
Schleifer has supported the Jewish Community Center (JCC) operations and inclusion programs, and he and his wife donated to the JCC Capital Campaign.
