Neelanjana Ray *04 MOL
Scientist, Leader, Mother
Compound Development Team Leader, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Neela Ray leads cross-functional teams advancing breakthrough programs from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept. With more than 16 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, Ray has built a distinguished record developing innovative therapies across immunology, autoimmunity, neuroscience and virology. Her leadership of drug development programs, clinical trial designs and precision medicine strategies has advanced several novel drug candidates, including the recent global approvals of Andembry, a first-in-class biologic for hereditary angioedema. A Princeton molecular biology Ph.D. and former NIH-funded postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, Ray is passionate about fostering scientific excellence and advancing opportunities for women in STEM. She has mentored aspiring female scientists and advocated for inclusive environments that champion diversity and empower the next generation of innovators. Her perspective draws from experience at J&J, CSL-Behring and Bristol Myers Squibb, spanning both research and development. Beyond her professional impact, she enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with friends and family.