Harry R. Davis, PhD, FAHA
Harry “Chip” Davis was a Distinguished Research Fellow in the Cardiovascular and Atherosclerosis research group at the Merck Research Labs in Kenilworth, New Jersey until November 2013. His drug discovery career at the Schering-Plough Research Institute (now Merck) spanned more than 25 years, including leadership of projects in cardiovascular, diabetes, and metabolic diseases. Recently, he has been Chief Scientific Officer at the non-profit CVPath Institute, and Chief Drug Development Officer at the Global Genomics Group.
Chip’s main research interests include substantial experimental models of atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and thrombosis as well as basic research elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of cholesterol absorption and metabolism. He was one of the investigators that developed ezetimibe and discovered its molecular target, the intestinal sterol transporter NPC1L1. Chip won the 2006 PhRMA Discoverer’s Award, the highest scientific honor in the pharmaceutical industry, for the discovery of Zetia® and the combination therapy Vytorin®. He also played a key role in the development of the thrombin receptor antagonist Zontivity®. In 2015, Chip was honored with the Akira Endo Award from the National Lipid Association for his work in atherosclerosis research.
Chip is a fellow of the American Heart Association Council on Arteriosclerosis. He received his PhD degree from the University of Chicago in 1982 after completing his graduate study in the Department of Pathology, Specialized Center of Research in Atherosclerosis. Before moving to Schering Plough, he remained at the University of Chicago for several years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology.
Chip is the author of >100 publications and has patented a number of compounds and their uses. He is a frequent invited speaker at meetings including the International Atherosclerosis Society, American Heart Association and other international cardiovascular meetings. Chip currently advises client companies on cardiovascular drug development.
Chip’s main research interests include substantial experimental models of atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and thrombosis as well as basic research elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of cholesterol absorption and metabolism. He was one of the investigators that developed ezetimibe and discovered its molecular target, the intestinal sterol transporter NPC1L1. Chip won the 2006 PhRMA Discoverer’s Award, the highest scientific honor in the pharmaceutical industry, for the discovery of Zetia® and the combination therapy Vytorin®. He also played a key role in the development of the thrombin receptor antagonist Zontivity®. In 2015, Chip was honored with the Akira Endo Award from the National Lipid Association for his work in atherosclerosis research.
Chip is a fellow of the American Heart Association Council on Arteriosclerosis. He received his PhD degree from the University of Chicago in 1982 after completing his graduate study in the Department of Pathology, Specialized Center of Research in Atherosclerosis. Before moving to Schering Plough, he remained at the University of Chicago for several years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology.
Chip is the author of >100 publications and has patented a number of compounds and their uses. He is a frequent invited speaker at meetings including the International Atherosclerosis Society, American Heart Association and other international cardiovascular meetings. Chip currently advises client companies on cardiovascular drug development.