Honored with the Achievement Award by the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society for pioneering leadership in RNA-targeted therapeutics.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., Ionis’ chief executive officer, was awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society (OTS), a nonprofit organization that fosters academia and industry-based research and development of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The OTS Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lasting commitment to the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics through education, research and therapeutic application and serve as outstanding examples to new and seasoned members of the field.
A founding member of the OTS, Dr. Monia’s contributions have focused on the medicinal chemistry and mechanisms of action of oligonucleotide-based medicines, as well as the establishment and oversight of numerous preclinical and clinical programs. Dr. Monia joined Ionis as a founding scientist in 1989, subsequently taking on roles of increasing responsibility before becoming the chief executive officer in 2020. At Ionis, programs under Dr. Monia’s direct supervision have resulted in the approval of several medicines for serious diseases as well as the clinical development of more than forty oligonucleotide-based medicines in neurological, cardiometabolic and rare diseases. Dr. Monia has published more than 250 primary research manuscripts, reviews and book chapters, and he holds more than 100 patents. Dr. Monia previously served on the Board of Directors and was the OTS President from 2015-2016
I have dedicated my entire career to the discovery and development of oligonucleotide-based medicines, and I am proud and humbled to have contributed to the incredible advances we have made for people in need of better treatment options,” said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. “It has been my deep honor and privilege to have worked alongside many remarkable colleagues, whose contributions helped create a new therapeutic modality that has now helped thousands of people live fuller and healthier lives.”
The award will be presented at the 21st Annual OTS Meeting in Budapest, Hungary on October 21, 2025. Ionis will also present pre-clinical and clinical research across both oral and poster presentations at the meeting.
Brett’s work has directly benefitted individuals and families all over the world. His leadership has contributed to significant therapeutic advances and FDA approved medicines, including Ionis’ first targeted delivery medicine for a genetic form of amyloidosis, the first medicine for familial chylomicronemia syndrome and the first RNA-targeted medicine for hereditary angioedema,” said Richard Geary, Ph.D., chief development officer, Ionis and current OTS President. “Under his leadership, Ionis has grown into an industry-leading fully integrated commercial-stage biotech – one that not only prioritizes scientific excellence, but also fosters an unmatched culture of innovation, collaboration and passion for the patient communities that we serve. There is no one more deserving of this accolade than Brett.
Ionis CEO Brett P. Monia honored for his pioneering leadership and lifelong contributions to advancing RNA-targeted therapeutics.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., has been honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society (OTS). The award recognizes Dr. Monia’s enduring contributions to advancing oligonucleotide therapeutics through groundbreaking research, innovation, and leadership. A founding member of OTS, Dr. Monia has played a pivotal role in shaping the field’s evolution, from developing novel RNA-targeted medicines to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Since joining Ionis as a founding scientist in 1989, he has overseen the discovery and development of several approved therapies and more than forty clinical programs across neurological, cardiometabolic, and rare diseases. With over 250 scientific publications and more than 100 patents, Dr. Monia’s impact extends across academia, industry, and patient communities worldwide. The award will be formally presented at the 21st Annual OTS Meeting in Budapest, Hungary, on October 21, 2025, where Ionis will also showcase new preclinical and clinical research.
About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis has marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiometabolic and other areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients.
