Philip Hewitt

Global Head of Early Investigative Toxicology at Merck

Speaker

Dr Philip Hewitt is currently the Director of early Investigative Toxicology in the Chemical and Preclinical Safety Department of Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He is currently responsible for early cytotoxicity screening, hepatotoxicity methods, biomarker monitoring, CYP induction studies, genotoxicity testing and cytokine screening. Alongside the routine screening, and mechanistic assays, he is leading the Merck assessment of more advanced cell models/MPS for safety testing and potential animal replacement.

Phil originally trained as a Medical Biochemist at the University of Birmingham (1986-1989) and subsequently received his PhD at Imperial College, London, where he was first “introduced” to in vitro models (dermal). After a short post-doctoral placement at The University of California, San Francisco (Department of Dermatology) in 1998 he started a permanent position in the Institute of Toxicology at Merck KGaA in Germany, where he established the Molecular Toxicology Group.

Phil has since focused on understanding, evaluating and implementing more complex/advanced cell models into routine testing. This has been achieved though multiple collaborations (internal/external), as well as student projects (Master’s and PhD). Phil is also currently the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board to the newly formed International MPS Society, and Vice Chair of the IQ MPS Affiliate.