# Michael Bigham

> Michael F. Bigham is a veteran biopharmaceutical executive and investor who spent nearly a decade as Chairman and CEO of Paratek Pharmaceuticals, guiding the company through the FDA approval and commercial launch of NUZYRA (omadacycline) - a novel tetracycline-class antibiotic tackling drug-resistant bacterial infections. A Stanford MBA and CPA with roots in Gilead Sciences' early days, he has built, funded, and led companies across the full arc of drug development. He now operates as founder and managing director of Firebrand River Capital.

- **Role:** Founder and Managing Director at Firebrand River Capital
- **Organizations:** Firebrand River Capital, Spirit of America, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Abingworth LLP, Avila Therapeutics, Coulter Pharmaceuticals, Corixa Corporation, Gilead Sciences, Hambrecht & Quist, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Avedro, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Portola Pharmaceuticals, Valeritas
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Commerce (with Distinction), University of Virginia, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Stanford Graduate School of Business, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Professional Certification
- **Known for:** Led FDA approval and US commercial launch of NUZYRA (omadacycline) in October 2018 - a first-in-class tetracycline antibiotic for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin infections, Secured approximately $93 million in capital commitments for Paratek's merger with Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Early employee and senior executive (EVP Operations, CFO) at Gilead Sciences, helping build the company in its formative years

## Career timeline

- **Early career** — Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare Investment Banking at Hambrecht & Quist
- **1987-1995 approx.** — Early employee at Gilead Sciences; rose to Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer
- **~1999-2000** — President and CEO of Coulter Pharmaceuticals (public oncology company); led merger into Corixa Corporation
- **~2000-2003** — Vice Chairman of Corixa Corporation (publicly traded biotech)
- **2003-2015** — General Partner at Abingworth LLP, leading international life sciences investment group
- **2007** — Founding Chairman and CEO of Avila Therapeutics during Series A financing
- **2014** — Appointed Chairman and CEO of Paratek Pharmaceuticals
- **2015** — Transitioned to Part-time Executive Partner at Abingworth LLP
- **2016** — Appointed to Board of Directors of Adamas Pharmaceuticals
- **2018** — FDA approves NUZYRA (omadacycline); Paratek launches the novel antibiotic in the US
- **2019** — Transitions from CEO to Executive Chairman at Paratek; Evan Loh, M.D. appointed CEO
- **2019** — Visits Bulgaria as lecturer in entrepreneurship for Varna Free University's Master's program
- **2022** — Founds Firebrand River Capital as Managing Director
- **2023** — Concludes role as Executive Chairman at Paratek Pharmaceuticals

## Achievements

- Led FDA approval and US commercial launch of NUZYRA (omadacycline) in October 2018 - a first-in-class tetracycline antibiotic for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin infections
- Secured approximately $93 million in capital commitments for Paratek's merger with Transcept Pharmaceuticals
- Early employee and senior executive (EVP Operations, CFO) at Gilead Sciences, helping build the company in its formative years
- Founded and served as Chairman/CEO of Avila Therapeutics during its early-stage financing
- Led Coulter Pharmaceuticals (oncology) and successfully merged it into Corixa Corporation
- General Partner at Abingworth LLP for over 12 years, investing in leading life sciences companies globally
- Over 30 years of senior leadership experience spanning investment banking, venture capital, and C-suite biopharmaceutical roles
- Board service across multiple public and private biotechnology companies including Adamas, Avedro, Supernus, Portola, and Valeritas

## Latest updates

- **2022-01** — Founded Firebrand River Capital as Managing Director, pivoting from executive operator to dedicated investment focus
- **2023-01** — Concluded tenure as Executive Chairman of Paratek Pharmaceuticals after nearly a decade of leadership
- **2014-07** — Appointed as independent board member of Spirit of America, supporting the US-allied civilian organizations overseas

## Links

- Website: https://paratekpharma.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbigham
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/paratekpharma

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-bigham
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-16