Melanie Leitner

Melanie Leitner is the Chief Scientific Officer and Partner at the ALS Investment Fund, a specialized venture capital firm focused on neurodegeneration. In this capacity, she manages the largest diversified portfolio of ALS-related biotech companies globally, which recently generated notable market exits including Amylyx in 2023. She also operates Accelerating NeuroVentures, LLC, a specialized consulting firm advising early-stage neuroscience ventures on scientific strategy and commercial translation. Previously, Leitner served as the Chief Scientific Officer at the nonprofit Prize4Life and held strategic director roles at the pharmaceutical company Biogen. Earlier in her career, she contributed to federal healthcare policy as a staff member on the health team for United States Senator Dick Durbin. Leitner's professional background centers on advancing biotech drug development and translating complex neuroscience research into viable clinical therapies for severe neurodegenerative diseases.