Michael Houston
BSc Chemistry ’87; PhD Chemistry ‘93
Chief Scientific Officer, TriLink Biotechnologies
San Diego, CA
From an early age, Mike enjoyed strong ties to the University of Waterloo. As the son of long-time Kinesiology professor, Michael Sr, he and his family lived on campus for a number of years during his youth. He regularly attended Warrior hockey and basketball games, so it was no surprise that he chose to attend the University Waterloo as a student. After receiving his BSc (87) and PhD (93) in chemistry, Mike pursued careers that fed his fascination with biotechnology.
Mike initially focused on peptide and proteins, but in the early 2000s became hooked on new therapeutic modalities based on nucleic acids. During this time, he was involved in developing delivery systems that were licensed to multiple companies. He pursued an interest in mRNA, leading R&D departments to develop drugs for orphan liver diseases. When COVID-19 arrived, global interest in the use of mRNA exploded, which resulted in the need for companies to make mRNA as well as the novel reagents and raw materials required for these new mRNA vaccines. While working as the Chief Scientific Officer for TriLink Biotechnologies in San Diego, one of TriLink’s cap analogs was selected for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. It required a complete overhaul of the manufacturing of this compound, as well as the need to scale up production by 100-fold- ensuring his company could supply this reagent so Pfizer could start production of the vaccine.
Now semi-retired, Mike turns to a variety of hobbies to keep him busy. An avid mountain biker, Mike recently completed a 100-mile race. He also enjoys running, hiking, photography, and cheering on his favourite NHL team – Go Leafs!