Karen LaRochelle Joins Merz Therapeutics as Global Head of Business Strategy and Portfolio Innovation

January 21, 2025 – Frankfurt, Germany – Merz Therapeutics is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen LaRochelle as the new Global Head of Business Strategy and Portfolio Innovation. With over 30 years of distinguished experience in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, Karen will play a pivotal role in advancing Merz Therapeutics’ strategic initiatives and growth objectives. 

Karen joined Merz Therapeutics and became a member of the Therapeutics Executive Team (TET) on January 13. In her role, she will lead and shape Merz Therapeutics’ business development and licensing strategy, deal sourcing, and execution, closely aligning with the company’s “Pivot for Growth” strategy. 

“Karen’s extensive expertise in biopharma collaboration and strategic leadership will be instrumental in driving our corporate development opportunities,” said Stefan König. “We are very pleased to welcome Karen to Merz Therapeutics and look forward to the impact her leadership will have on our product portfolio and overall business goals.” 

Karen has held prominent roles throughout her career, including Chief Business Officer positions at PsiOxus Therapeutics and WindMil Therapeutics. She has also provided collaboration consulting services to several biotechnology companies for over a decade. Earlier in her career, Karen spent two decades at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she focused on strategy and transactions, executing over 50 industry-leading collaborations spanning research, development, and commercial initiatives. Her contributions have been instrumental in creating partnerships valued in the billions. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Karen serves on the Board of Directors of PaxMedica, a clinical-stage company focused on autism therapies. She holds an MBA from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University, where she serves as Chair-elect on the P.C. Rossin School of Engineering Advisory Board. 

About Merz Therapeutics

Merz Therapeutics GmbH is dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the world. With its relentless research, development, and culture of innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to serve unmet patient needs and realize better outcomes. Merz Therapeutics seeks to address the unique needs of people who suffer from movement disorders, neurological conditions, liver disease, and other health conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life. 

Merz Therapeutics is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and is represented in more than 90 countries, with a North America affiliate based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Merz Therapeutics GmbH is part of the Merz Group, a privately held, family-owned company that has dedicated 115 years to developing innovations that serve unmet patient and customer needs.  

Please visit www.merztherapeutics.com

Press Contact:
Merz Therapeutics GmbH
Agnes Tesch
Global Communications
agnes.tesch@merz.de