MannKind Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company focused on inhaled therapeutic products for endocrine and orphan lung diseases, has announced the appointment of Ajay Ahuja as Chief Medical Officer. He will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Michael Castagna, PharmD, and join the company’s executive leadership team.
“Ajay’s deep expertise in medical affairs, clinical development, and global strategy—combined with his background as a practicing physician—will be instrumental as we continue to advance our pipeline and expand our impact in endocrine and orphan lung diseases,” said Dr. Castagna. “In particular, his experience in the cardiometabolic area will be instrumental to our future. We are thrilled to welcome him to MannKind’s executive team.”
Dr. Ahuja brings over 20 years of leadership experience across development-stage and global pharmaceutical companies. Most recently, he was Development and Launch Leader for a late-stage DNA-based therapeutic at Kardigan Bio, a cardiology-focused biotech firm. Earlier, he held senior roles at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, where he built the U.S. Medical department and led multiple product launches.
At Allergan, Dr. Ahuja served as Global Head of Medical Affairs, managing teams across the U.S. and international markets. He previously led the cardiometabolic franchise at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, focusing on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. His earlier career includes leadership positions at Pfizer, Novartis, and Tepha, Inc.
“MannKind’s dedication to innovation and patient-centric solutions deeply resonates with my commitment to advancing transformative therapies,” said Dr. Ahuja. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s mission and helping shape the future of the organization and working to benefit patients.”
Dr. Ahuja holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Washington University School of Medicine, completed residency and fellowship training at Northwestern University and Harvard Medical School, and practiced at Boston Children’s Hospital for more than a decade. He also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School before transitioning into the biopharmaceutical industry.
