James Lillie

Jim is the Maplight’s Chief Scientific Officer. He leads the Company’s preclinical research and development efforts.

Jim brings extensive cellular biology and biochemistry experience to MapLight with over 25 years of experience driving preclinical research and development across diverse therapeutic areas and indications. He joins MapLight from OvaScience where he served as the Chief Scientific Officer. Previously, Jim served as Senior Director and, later, Vice President of In Vitro Biology at Sanofi Genzyme where he was responsible for developing a scientific strategy to create a sustainable, high value portfolio in rare diseases. He established a strong pipeline of small molecule drugs and supported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Eliglustat and acceptance of two investigational new drug applications. Earlier in his career, Jim held increasing roles of responsibility at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was the Senior Director of Biology at Scriptgen Pharmaceuticals, and co-founded AMIRA, which was later sold to Repligen Corporation.

He holds a doctorate from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s in German Literature from Wesleyan University.