Warren D. Hirst, PhD

Warren Hirst leads movement disorders preclinical research efforts in Biogen’s Neurodegeneration Research Unit. He is responsible for developing and driving a diverse portfolio of preclinical programs that complement Biogen’s efforts with their alpha-synuclein antibody, which is in Phase 2 trials. Dr. Hirst uses multiple modalities — from antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides (in collaboration in Ionis) to gene therapy and small molecules that target mechanisms strongly supported by human genetics and pathology — to deliver novel disease-modifying therapeutics to patients.  In his 22 years of industry experience working for GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth, Pfizer and now Biogen, Dr. Hirst has lead teams that have discovered and advanced three molecules into clinical trials and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He has been on The Michael J Fox Foundation Executive Scientific Advisory Board (2017-2019) and is currently on the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Executive Scientific Advisory Board.