Apellis Announces Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., to Join Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Apellis (Nasdaq: APLS) announced that Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., joined its board of directors effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Dolsten served more than 16 years as chief scientific officer and president, worldwide R&D and medical, at Pfizer and presided over regulatory approval of more than 36 medicines and vaccines.

He brings extensive pharma R&D leadership, previous roles at multiple major firms, current public and private board service, and advisor roles with investment groups to support Apellis’ complement-focused pipeline.

Positive

• Joined board effective March 1, 2026
• Over 16 years as Pfizer chief scientific officer and R&D president
• Presided over regulatory approval of 36+ medicines and vaccines
• Extensive industry network across public, private, and investment groups

Negative

• Holds multiple public and private board and advisor roles, creating potential time or conflict constraints

WALTHAM, Mass., March 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) announced today that Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the company’s board of directors as of March 1. Most recently, Dr. Dolsten served for more than 16 years as chief scientific officer and president, worldwide research, development and medical, at Pfizer, during which he presided over the regulatory approval of more than 36 medicines and vaccines. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Mikael to the Apellis Board of Directors,” said Cedric Francois, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and co-founder, Apellis. “Mikael is a proven industry leader with deep experience developing innovative medicines. His strategic insight and expertise will be a valuable asset as we continue to advance our robust complement pipeline.”

Dr. Dolsten brings extensive pharmaceutical research and development experience to the Apellis Board. Prior to Pfizer, Dr. Dolsten held senior research and leadership positions at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Pharmacia, and Upjohn. 

He currently serves on the boards of directors of public companies Agilent Technologies, Inc., and Rocket Pharmaceuticals.  He is chairman or board director of several private companies including Orbis Medicines, Orogen Therapeutics, Quarry Thera, ChAi Discovery, Enveda Bio and Arbor Biotechnologies. Dr. Dolsten is also a senior advisor for financially oriented business groups such as Blackstone, GV (Google Ventures), Bain & Company, Sutter Hill Ventures, Canaan Partners and Formation Bio.

“Apellis has established itself as the leading complement company, and I am excited to join its Board of Directors,” said Dr. Dolsten. “Complement therapies have tremendous potential to help patients across a wide range of serious conditions, and I look forward to bringing my R&D and broad global biopharmaceutical experience to help advance Apellis’ highly innovative pipeline.”

Dr. Dolsten has published approximately 160 scientific articles and book reviews. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from Lund University in Sweden, where he also served as an adjunct professor.

About Apellis 
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company leading the way in complement science to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two C3-targeting medicines approved to treat four serious diseases. Breakthroughs for patients include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness, and the first treatment for patients 12 and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN, two severe, rare kidney diseases. We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases. For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X. 

Apellis Forward-Looking Statement
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Apellis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2025 and the risks described in other filings that Apellis may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Apellis specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media: 
Tracy Vineis 
media@apellis.com 
617.420.4839 

Investors:  
Eva Stroynowski 
ir@apellis.com
617.938.6229

FAQ

When did Mikael Dolsten join the Apellis board (APLS)?

He joined the Apellis board effective March 1, 2026. According to the company, the appointment was announced on March 2, 2026 and is intended to strengthen board R&D expertise.

What is Mikael Dolsten's biotech and pharmaceutical experience relevant to APLS?

Dolsten brings over 16 years as Pfizer chief scientific officer and R&D president and led approvals of more than 36 medicines. According to the company, his track record includes senior roles at multiple major biopharma firms and extensive scientific publishing.

How might Dr. Dolsten's appointment impact Apellis' complement-focused pipeline?

His appointment could strengthen strategic R&D oversight and regulatory experience for the pipeline. According to the company, his global development expertise is expected to support advancement of Apellis’ complement therapies across indications.

Does Mikael Dolsten serve on other boards or as an advisor while joining Apellis (APLS)?

Yes, he currently serves on public boards and multiple private boards and advises investment groups. According to the company, his roles include service at Agilent Technologies, Rocket Pharmaceuticals and advisory roles with Blackstone and GV, among others.

What specific accomplishments does Dr. Dolsten bring that are relevant to Apellis shareholders?

He presided over regulatory approvals of more than 36 medicines and vaccines and has ~160 scientific publications. According to the company, these accomplishments signal deep regulatory and development experience relevant to Apellis’ clinical programs.