NEW YORK – The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is launching its Digital Speakers Series on Wednesday, May 6, 3-4 PM, with Dr. George Yancopoulos andDr. Christos Kyratsous of Regeneron, the pharmaceutical company applying 30 years of scientific and technology expertise to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event is free on Facebook live and Zoom and registration is available on Eventbrite, search: THI Digital Speaker Series.

Two years ago THI launched a Speakers Series, giving its supporters a unique opportunity to connect with and be inspired by successful Diaspora Greeks. Among the speakers, Stellene Volandes of Town & Country Magazine, Michael Psaros of KPS Capital Partners, Andrew Liveris of The Dow Co., Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, and most recently, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios have shared their personal stories in the series.  

When the COVID-19 pandemic began THI responded by making changes in how it connects with supporters. THI launched a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Campaign which in just two short weeks has garnered support from all over the globe. And now in conjunction with that campaign, THI is proud to launch the Digital Speakers Series.  

Regeneron Co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. George Yancopoulos is the principal inventor of the company’s seven FDA-approved drugs and its proprietary VelociSuite technologies, which accelerate and improve the notoriously challenging drug discovery and development process. P. Roy Vagelos, MD, has been Chairman of the Board since January 1995 and prior to that was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Co.

Unlike many other biopharma companies, all of Regeneron’s approved and investigational medicines are ‘homegrown’ – discovered and developed in the company’s own New York labs. A passionate advocate for STEM education and the biotech industry, Dr. Yancopoulos is credited with helping to create Regeneron’s highly productive science-driven culture. He received his MD and PhD from Columbia University.

Regeneron Vice President, Research, Infectious Diseases and Viral Vector Technologies Dr. Christos Kyratsous leads Regeneron’s Infectious Disease and Viral Vector Technologies groups. Throughout his nine-year tenure at the company, Dr. Kyratsous has made a significant impact on global health, including leading the development of REGN-EB3, a drug candidate for the treatment of Ebola, and most recently, leading Regeneron’s efforts to develop novel antibodies against COVID-19. Dr. Kyratsous is a Greek citizen and earned his BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He received his MPhil, MA and PhD in Microbiology from Columbia University.

More information is available online: https://www.thehellenicinitiative.org.