Chris Ehrlich has been part of InterWest's life sciences team since 2000, focusing on investments in novel therapeutic approaches. He currently serves on the boards of two publicly owned companies: BioMimetic Therapeutics (BMTI) and Transcept Pharmaceuticals (TSPT). He also serves on the boards of several private companies, including: Carbylan BioSurgery, Follica, KAI Pharmaceuticals, QuatRx Pharmaceuticals, Satori Pharmaceuticals, Solace Pharmaceuticals, and Xenon Pharmaceuticals. Ehrlich played a role in InterWest's investment in Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, and was involved with founding AlgoRx Pharmaceuticals, which merged with Anesiva (ANSV).

Prior to joining InterWest, Ehrlich was director, licensing and business development at Purdue Pharma, a private pharmaceutical firm based in Stamford, CT. In this position, he was responsible for developing a biologic oncology franchise, including in-licensing key intellectual properties, establishing and managing collaborations with biotechnology companies and participating in the commercial operations of Purdue BioPharma, a biotechnology company located in Princeton, NJ. Prior to joining Purdue, Ehrlich worked in business development at Genentech, in venture capital at The U.S. Russia Investment Fund, and in biotechnology strategy development at LEK Consulting.

Ehrlich received his B.A. from Dartmouth College, cum laude, and an M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University where he serves as an instructor and advisor to the Biotech program.

A Word from Chris

"Over the past several years, I've had the opportunity to help a variety of new companies successfully commercialize their technologies. While providing strategic advice to medical technology startups, launching new entrepreneurial ventures in post-Soviet Russia, and in-licensing new biotechnologies for major biotech and pharmaceutical companies, I've learned a lot about what's required to transform great concepts into viable businesses. As a member of the Life Sciences team at InterWest, I have the opportunity to work alongside the scientists, technologists and physicians who are creating the future of healthcare — to play a role in the development of companies that have the potential to improve the quality of people's lives."