Michael Thurn

Dr Michael Thurn has over 25 years of experience in the life sciences and biotechnology industry, and has accumulated extensive knowledge in drug regulation, drug discovery, pre-clinical and clinical development across dermatology in Australia and the US. He has held various senior executive, managerial and board positions in research organisations and industry including early-stage, fast-growing, private and public-listed biotechnology companies.

Dr Thurn has also been responsible for the execution of Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials and business development activities across animal & human health products. He had also gained Australian & US capital markets exposure, and has successfully accessed funding through private and public channels, partnerships & non-dilutive means.

Dr Thurn has worked with the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, led the clinical development of a topical acne treatment through to completion of Phase 2 clinical trial, and also led Spinifex Pharmaceuticals which was sold to Novartis in a $700m transaction. He became chief executive of PharmAust in September 2023.