EPISODE · Nov 6, 2025 · 1H 29M
The Science of Saving Millions | Mikael Dolsten, Fmr. CSO of Pfizer
from Nucleate Podcast · host Nucleate
Time Stamps[00:44] — Introduction to the Nucleate podcast and Mikael Dolsten.[02:42] — Mikael shares his upbringing and academic journey at Lund University, highlighting the influence of mentors.[05:46] — Transitioning from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, driven by curiosity and patient needs.[19:18] — Reflecting on the pressures and leadership style of managing thousands of scientists at Pfizer.[39:56] — Highlights of vaccine development, particularly Pfizer’s role in COVID-19 vaccines and global impact.[51:09] — Behind the scenes of developing Paxlovid during COVID-19 and Mikael’s personal connection to the pandemic.[1:05:15] — Traits Mikael looks for in founders: the value of humility, talent, and collaborative culture.[1:12:05] — How to support early-stage biotech companies while maintaining entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.[1:13:41] — Mikael’s insights into the evolving role of AI in drug discovery and precision medicine.[1:23:32] — Rapid-fire Q&A: personal reflections, career advice, and influences outside of science.
What this episode covers
In this episode, we meet with Mikael Dolston, former Chief Scientific Officer of Pfizer and board member of Novo Nordisk. Born in Sweden and trained as both a physician and scientist at Lund University, Mikael’s childhood curiosity blossomed into a lifelong quest to “decode the language of life.” From early days mentoring medical students to answering the call of industry giants like AstraZeneca and Wyeth, his journey is proof that scientific passion can open unexpected doors on the global stage. Dr. Dolsten opens up about his transition from the hospital ward to the corporate boardroom, the emotional fuel driving his work with cancer patients, and the exhilarating pressure of shepherding not just treatments but entire teams through the world’s biggest health crisis. In this interview, he shares what it was like guiding the development of life-saving COVID-19 therapies at Pfizer, and why authentic leadership, knowledge sharing, and a dash of joy—yes, even in the form of Swedish “happy socks”—are essential to transforming medicine. Dr. Dolsten doesn’t just recount the highlights of his career; he offers a masterclass in perseverance, humility, and in turning scientific discovery into hope for millions.
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The Science of Saving Millions | Mikael Dolsten, Fmr. CSO of Pfizer
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