James Strait

MD / PhD / Board Member

Dr. James Strait is a distinguished Cardiologist-Scientist and pharmaceutical leader specializing in therapeutic management and medical affairs. As Chief Medical Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, he oversees global operations in microbiome, uro-oncology, and reproductive medicine. He has extensive regulatory experience with the FDA and CHMP, leading high-performance international teams.

Previously, Dr. Strait held senior roles at Merck, Sharpe, & Dohme (2016–2025), including Global Head of Scientific Affairs, and served as Medical Director at Novartis (2013–2016). His earlier career included leading the human studies section at the National Institute on Aging and conducting clinical research at the NIH (2009–2020) on vascular health. He holds an M.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Ph.D. from Loyola University.