Gaithersburg, Md.– We mourn the loss of our founder and former CEO and executive chairman, Fuad El-Hibri, who died peacefully at home early Saturday surrounded by family and loved ones. Our hearts go out to his wife, Nancy, his children and grandchildren, and friends.
Fuad founded Emergent (then BioPort) in 1998 with a single product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), and took the company public in 2006. Having served as CEO for almost 14 years until March 2012, and executive chairman for 10 years until his retirement in March 2022, Fuad was instrumental in growing the company’s portfolio to its current suite of marketed and procured products for a variety of public health threats, including medical countermeasures for anthrax, smallpox, botulism, and chemical warfare agents, as well as overseeing the company’s role in fighting the opioid crisis.
Under Fuad’s leadership, Emergent delivered over 120 million dose-equivalents of COVID-19 vaccine and built a trusted partnership with the U.S. government, including supplying anthrax and smallpox vaccines for the military and inventory for U.S. biodefense. In addition, his focus on quality manufacturing of complex biologics resulted in a full suite of CDMO development services, drug substance and drug product manufacturing, and packaging.
Fuad’s passion for Emergent’s mission – to protect and enhance life – is the foundation of the company’s success. His dedication to public health and preparedness serves as an inspiration for us to continue to build a healthier and safer world. We remain forever grateful for Fuad’s entrepreneurial spirit, bold vision, and generous heart.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider contributing to the El-Hibri Foundation at: 1420 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 or making an online donation.