Dr. Stephen Machatha to deliver keynote address at College of Science Convocation Ceremony

Dr. Stephen Machatha will deliver the keynote address at the College of Science Spring 2025 Convocation Ceremony on May 16, 2025 at McKale Center.

Dr. Machatha holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, an M.A. in Chemistry, and a B.S. in Chemistry, all from the University of Arizona. His family has a storied legacy at the university: his father earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, his mother and sister are also graduates in Economics, and continuing the tradition, his daughter is also a recent proud Wildcat.

Dr. Machatha has served as the Chief Development Officer at Aldeyra Therapeutics since January 2021, where he oversees a broad and critical portfolio, including Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) Operations, Translational Science, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, and Intellectual Property Management.

With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Machatha brings deep expertise across multiple functional and therapeutic areas. Since joining Aldeyra in 2016 as Vice President of CMC, he quickly rose through the ranks—first to Senior Vice President of Technical Operations in 2019, and then to his current role. His prior roles included scientific and product development leadership positions at Synageva Biopharmaceuticals, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, and CyDex Pharmaceuticals—companies later acquired by major players such as Alexion, Merck & Co., and Ligand Pharmaceuticals.

Throughout his career, Dr. Machatha has played an instrumental role in the development and FDA approval of several critical therapies, including KANUMA® indicated for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of Lysosomal Acid Lipase, NEXTERONE®  indicated for initiation of treatment of frequently recurring ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia, Evomela® a high-dose conditioning treatment prior to stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma, and SESQUIENT® for the prevention and treatment of seizures in adult patients.