Elham Nejati, PhD, has established herself as a leading authority in drug delivery, particularly in the development of long-acting oral medications and injectables. Her career at Gilead Sciences, Inc. spans more than a decade, marked by progressive leadership and technical innovation. In her current capacity as the senior director of formulation and process development since 2025, Dr. Nejati supervises a team of principal scientists and directors, guiding the chemistry, manufacturing and controls for multiple drugs as they advance through clinical phases to commercialization. She is responsible for interacting with regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency to secure drug approvals. Additionally, she authors critical reports for regulatory filings and supports research teams in developing new drugs and formulations.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Nejati excelled as the director of formulation and process development at Gilead Sciences from 2020 to 2025. During this period, she played a pivotal role in leading project teams, overseeing the progression of several key pharmaceutical products from early-stage development through to late-phase clinical trials. Her expertise in people management and leadership was widely recognized within the organization.
From 2018 to 2020, Dr. Nejati held the position of senior research scientist in formulation and process development at Gilead Sciences. In this capacity, she contributed significantly to the advancement of innovative drug delivery systems, further cementing her reputation as an expert in her field..
Between 2015 and 2017, Dr. Nejati worked as a research scientist in formulation and process development at Gilead Sciences in San Francisco. She was instrumental in optimizing processes for oral solid dosage forms and injectables, which led to several patent filings. Her initial appointment at Gilead Sciences began in 2012 as a research scientist, where she quickly distinguished herself through her technical acumen and dedication to advancing patient care.
Dr. Nejati’s professional journey began during her doctoral studies when she served as a research and teaching assistant in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy from 2008 to 2012. In this academic setting, she honed her research skills while mentoring students in advanced pharmaceutical concepts. In 2011, she gained industry experience as a research intern in formulation and process development at Gilead Sciences’ San Francisco site.
Among Dr. Nejati’s most significant achievements is the introduction of Vosevi, an acute medication for Hepatitis C virus infection. This accomplishment stands out as a testament to her commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Dr. Nejati holds three patents on long-acting injectables and two patents for oral solid dosage forms—milestones that underscore her technical expertise and impact on the field.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Nejati is committed to civic engagement as a supporter of Moms Against Poverty and Pars Equality Center—organizations dedicated to social welfare and community empowerment. Her professional affiliations include membership in the IQ Consortium since 2024 and her appointment on the board of directors for the Enabling Technologies Consortium since 2025. These roles reflect her standing among peers and her ongoing contributions to advancing pharmaceutical technologies.
Dr. Nejati initially pursued her formal education at Sharif University of Technology, from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in materials science and engineering in 2004. She continued her studies with a Master of Science in biomedical engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology – Tehran Polytechnic in 2007. She ultimately concluded her academic efforts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, obtaining a Masterof Science in biomedical-medical engineering in 2009 prior to her graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy in pharmaceutical sciences in 2012.
Throughout her educational journey, Dr. Nejati benefited greatly from the guidance of mentors who played an integral role in shaping her career trajectory. Her dedication to helping patients initially inspired her pursuit of medicine; however, due to citizenship constraints that prevented enrollment in an MD-PhD program in the United States, she redirected her focus from biomedical studies to pharmaceutical science—continuing her mission to make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.
In her personal life, Dr. Nejati enjoys spending time with her son, exercising and traveling. Looking ahead, she plans to continue contributing at Gilead Sciences while deepening her expertise within the company’s development structure—a foundation that will prepare her for future aspirations of establishing a drug delivery consulting firm.