Michael Kopach

Dr. Michael E. Kopach serves as Associate Vice President at Eli Lilly and Company, where he leads initiatives in synthetic peptide development, continuous flow chemistry, and sustainable practices in chemical engineering.

Academic Background

Dr. Kopach earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Virginia in 1995 under the mentorship of Professor W.D. Harman. He then pursued postdoctoral research in natural product synthesis at Colorado State University with Professor A.I. Meyers.

Professional Experience

In 1997, Dr. Kopach began his industrial career at Roche, focusing on the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical processes, including work on Nelfinavir, Xenical, and Enfuvirtide—the first synthetic peptide produced on a large scale. He joined Eli Lilly and Company in 2001, leading various small molecule API projects, notably contributing to the development of Olumiant, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

After 14 years in small molecule R&D, Dr. Kopach established a synthetic peptide development group at Eli Lilly in 2016. His team was instrumental in the process development and successful launch of Mounjaro, a therapeutic for type 2 diabetes, and he currently leads the phase 3 drug substance team for Retatrutide.

Research Focus

Dr. Kopach is recognized for his expertise in synthetic peptide development and continuous flow chemistry. He is dedicated to advancing sustainability practices in peptide synthesis, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Notable Contributions

Throughout his career, Dr. Kopach has led research teams applying green chemistry principles to process research and development. He has published several collaborative articles in this field and has been actively involved with the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® Pharmaceutical Roundtable, serving two terms as co-chair.

Professional Engagements

Beyond his research and leadership roles, Dr. Kopach is committed to mentoring and developing talent within the scientific community. He frequently presents at conferences and workshops, sharing insights on sustainable practices in peptide science and pharmaceutical development.

Through his innovative research and dedication to sustainability, Dr. Michael E. Kopach continues to make significant contributions to the fields of peptide science and green chemistry.