United Therapeutics Announces Board Retirement of Prof. Raymond Dwek
United Therapeutics Corporation has formally announced that Professor Raymond Dwek, C.B.E., F.R.S., will conclude his long-standing tenure as a member of the company’s Board of Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, marking the end of an influential chapter in the company’s governance and scientific leadership.
Professor Dwek’s association with United Therapeutics spans more than two decades. He joined the Board in 2002, at a time when the company was still in the early stages of establishing itself as a leader in biotechnology and innovative therapeutics. Over the years, his presence has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction, particularly through his deep scientific expertise and ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application in medicine.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of glycobiology, Professor Dwek built his distinguished academic career at Oxford University. His groundbreaking contributions to understanding the role of complex carbohydrates in biological systems have had a lasting impact on both academic research and pharmaceutical development. This scientific foundation proved invaluable to United Therapeutics as it expanded its focus into complex disease areas and cutting-edge therapeutic approaches.
During Professor Dwek’s tenure on the Board, United Therapeutics experienced remarkable growth and transformation. The company’s share price appreciated by more than 1,000 percent, reflecting both its commercial success and its ability to deliver meaningful innovations in healthcare. Over the same period, the organization established itself as a leader in treating pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis, while also advancing research in neuroblastoma and organ transplantation.
Beyond financial performance, Professor Dwek played a critical role in guiding the company’s scientific vision. His insights helped shape the development of therapies that address severe and often life-threatening conditions. His contributions were not limited to technical expertise; he also brought a unique perspective that combined scientific rigor with practical business understanding, enabling the Board to make informed, forward-looking decisions.
Martine Rothblatt, Ph.D., Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of United Therapeutics, expressed deep appreciation for Professor Dwek’s contributions. She highlighted the profound impact he has had on the company’s journey, emphasizing that his influence extends far beyond his formal role on the Board.
According to Dr. Rothblatt, Professor Dwek’s combination of intellectual depth and real-world insight has been a defining asset for United Therapeutics. She noted that his guidance has supported the company’s efforts to develop innovative therapies across multiple disease areas, including pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, neuroblastoma, and lung transplantation. His legacy, she indicated, will remain embedded in the company’s culture and long-term mission.
Professor Dwek also reflected on his time with the organization, describing his service on the Board as one of the most meaningful experiences of his professional life. He emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical science, noting that this mission has remained consistent since its founding.
He expressed pride in the progress achieved during his tenure, acknowledging the company’s growth and its expanding impact on patients worldwide. At the same time, he conveyed confidence in United Therapeutics’ future, stating that the organization is well-positioned to continue making significant advancements in medical innovation.
Although Professor Dwek will step down from the Board, his relationship with United Therapeutics will not come to an end. He will continue to contribute to the company as a member of its Scientific Advisory Board. In this capacity, he will remain involved in guiding research initiatives and supporting the company’s ongoing pursuit of transformative therapies.
This transition reflects both continuity and change within the organization. While the Board will lose a highly respected member, it will continue to benefit from his expertise through his advisory role. This arrangement ensures that his knowledge and perspective will remain accessible as the company navigates future challenges and opportunities.
In conjunction with Professor Dwek’s departure, United Therapeutics has also announced a structural adjustment to its Board of Directors. The Board has approved a reduction in its size, decreasing the number of directors from 13 to 12. This change will take effect immediately following the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The decision to streamline the Board is part of the company’s broader effort to maintain an effective and agile governance structure. A slightly smaller Board can enhance decision-making efficiency while preserving the diversity of expertise needed to guide a complex, research-driven organization.
United Therapeutics has consistently emphasized the importance of strong governance as a foundation for its success. The company’s leadership believes that thoughtful adjustments to Board composition can help ensure that it remains well-equipped to address evolving industry dynamics, regulatory requirements, and scientific advancements.
The departure of a long-serving director often marks a moment of reflection for any organization. In this case, Professor Dwek’s retirement highlights the significant role that individual leaders can play in shaping a company’s trajectory. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on United Therapeutics, influencing both its strategic direction and its commitment to innovation.
At the same time, the transition underscores the importance of renewal within corporate leadership. As new challenges emerge in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, companies must continually adapt their governance structures and leadership teams to remain competitive and effective.
United Therapeutics appears well-positioned to navigate this transition successfully. The company has built a strong foundation over the past two decades, supported by a clear mission, a robust pipeline of therapies, and a leadership team committed to advancing medical science.
Looking ahead, the organization is expected to continue focusing on areas of high unmet medical need. Its work in pulmonary diseases, oncology, and organ transplantation remains central to its strategy, along with ongoing investments in innovative technologies and research platforms.
Professor Dwek’s continued involvement through the Scientific Advisory Board will help ensure continuity in the company’s scientific approach. His expertise will remain a valuable resource as United Therapeutics pursues new opportunities and seeks to bring transformative treatments to patients as quickly as possible.
In many ways, his retirement from the Board represents both an ending and a continuation. While his formal governance role will conclude, his influence will persist through his ongoing contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.
For United Therapeutics, this moment serves as an opportunity to honor a distinguished leader while also looking toward the future. The company’s achievements during Professor Dwek’s tenure provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.
As the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders approaches, stakeholders will have an opportunity to reflect on the company’s journey and consider its path forward. The transition in Board composition, combined with the continued involvement of experienced advisors, positions United Therapeutics to maintain its momentum in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ultimately, the retirement of Professor Raymond Dwek marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the company’s history. His contributions have helped shape United Therapeutics into a leader in biotechnology and a pioneer in developing therapies for serious diseases.
At the same time, the company’s ongoing commitment to its mission ensures that his work will continue to have an impact. Through both its current initiatives and future innovations, United Therapeutics remains dedicated to improving the lives of patients and advancing the frontiers of medical science.
About United Therapeutics
Founded by CEO Martine Rothblatt to discover a cure for her daughter’s life-threatening rare disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, United Therapeutics transforms the treatment of rare diseases and pioneers alternatives to expand the supply of transplantable organs. From our innovative therapies to our groundbreaking manufactured organs, we are bold and unconventional. We move quickly from scientific theory to practical technologies that can save lives. As a public benefit corporation, even our legal structure reflects our commitments. We serve patients, act with integrity, create long-term shareholder value, and operate with sustainable practices that protect the future we are working to build
