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Billionaire Profile
Leonard Schleifer
Global Rank
#1475

Image: Unknown photographer | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Leonard Schleifer

CEO, Pharmaceuticals
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.798B
Estimated based on Pharmaceuticals stock value as of March 6, 2026
-2.29% (24h)
Age
73
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Dr. Leonard Schleifer is the co-founder and CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a US-based biotechnology company. Born in Queens, New York, in 1953, Schleifer's career spans over three decades, marked by significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. He has a current net worth of $2.7 billion. His wealth stems primarily from his ownership of Regeneron stock. A graduate of Cornell University and the University of Virginia, where he earned his MD and PhD, Schleifer's achievements include leading the development and commercialization of 14 approved medicines, including Eylea, a blockbuster drug for macular degeneration, and pioneering antibody treatments for COVID-19. His strategic leadership has been crucial in Regeneron's growth, making him a prominent figure in healthcare.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Leonard S. Schleifer was born in Queens, New York, in 1953, to a Jewish family. He graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree and earned an MD-PhD from the University of Virginia, where he studied under future Nobel Laureate, Alfred G. Gilman. He trained to become a neurologist and served as a junior faculty member at New York Hospital.

Rise to Success

Schleifer co-founded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in 1988 with George Yancopoulos. The company initially focused on neurodegenerative diseases, but achieved its breakthrough with Eylea, a drug for age-related macular degeneration, approved in 2011. Under his leadership, Regeneron has developed 12 FDA-approved medicines and is working on antibody medicines to prevent and treat people with Covid-19.

Key Business Strategies

Schleifer's strategic vision includes a commitment to world-class scientific research, focusing on diseases with significant unmet medical needs, and prioritizing human testing. He implemented two key strategies: investing only in drugs where the biology of the disorder is fully understood and prioritizing human testing. In 2024, he cashed out on 406,408 shares.

Philanthropy

Regeneron has demonstrated a commitment to global health, donating doses of its Ebola treatment to the World Health Organization. The company also invests in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.

Career Milestones

1988

Founded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Co-founded Regeneron with George D. Yancopoulos, focusing on biotechnology and drug development.

2011

Eylea Approval

Eylea, a drug for age-related macular degeneration, was approved and became a blockbuster drug.

2020

COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

Developed antibody treatments for COVID-19.

2023

Board co-Chair

Became Board co-Chair.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

Ebola Treatment Donation

$0

Donated doses of its Ebola treatment to the World Health Organization.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Most people, they lose their edge. We just push the edge further forward."

"Our formula is surprisingly easy to articulate but difficult to emulate. We set out to have the world's best science and follow that science."

"I was determined to build a company where we valued science and the scientists who did the science, as opposed to build a company which is more traditionally built by business people who in some respects just want to exploit science."

Leadership Principles

Science-Driven Company

Prioritizing scientific research and innovation.

Patient-Focused

Committed to improving patient lives through medicine and research.

Integrity and Excellence

Fostering a culture of integrity and excellence.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Praluent Patent Infringement

A court ruling determined that Regeneron's cholesterol-lowering drug Praluent infringed on Amgen's patents, leading to a decline in Regeneron's stock price.

2021

Executive Pay Concerns

Concerns raised over the executive pay plans, though they received support from the majority of votes cast.

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