NEWPORT BEACH, CA, July 09, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Michael E. Garst with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Garst celebrates many years' experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Garst's illustrious career in the pharmaceutical industry is marked by significant achievements and transformative leadership roles. As the owner of Garst Pharma LLC, he continues to influence the field with strategic and developmental initiatives. His work at Whitecap Therapeutics focuses on developing a prescription drug for glaucoma, while at Akrivista LLC, he has been involved in creating an over-the-counter ophthalmology product. Moreover, despite maintaining minimal involvement with PharmaChem Associates LLC, Dr. Garst ensures that his contributions remain impactful and free from conflicts of interest.

Beginning his career with a strong foundation in academia, Dr. Garst was an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of California, San Diego, from 1976 to 1984. In 1983, he joined Allergan plc as a section manager in synthetic chemistry, eventually rising to senior vice president of chemical sciences by 2004. Dr. Garst's tenure at Allergan plc was marked by pivotal contributions to drug development and chemical production for clinical trials. He also played a crucial role in the development of several new drugs, including Lumigan, a widely used glaucoma treatment that also led to patents for its eyelash growth properties.

Dr. Garst's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Winston Pharmaceuticals LLC in 2000 and later Alevium Pharmaceuticals in 2008. His leadership at these companies was instrumental in advancing pharmaceutical research and development. In 2015, Dr. Garst formed Akrivista LLC and Whitecap Biosciences/Therapeutics, where he continues to lead efforts in the field of chemical sciences.

Dr. Garst's educational background laid the groundwork for his successful career. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, with honors, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1969, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry from Dartmouth College in 1973. Dr. Garst's postdoctoral research experiences at prestigious institutions, such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, enriched his understanding of chemistry and fueled his passion for research.

Active in his professional community, Dr. Garst has been elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, underscoring his impact on the scientific community. His membership in organizations such as the American Chemical Society and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology further reflects his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

Beyond his professional affiliations, Dr. Garst has served on advisory boards for several universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, California State University, Fullerton, and the University of California, Irvine. These roles allowed him to contribute to academic excellence and foster future generations of scientists.

Throughout his career, Dr. Garst has been recognized for his contributions to science and innovation. He holds over 200 U.S. patents and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications that became integral to graduate courses, highlighting his commitment to education and research.

Reflecting on industry changes, Dr. Garst notes a decline in federal support for science in the U.S., which could impact its global leadership position. He advises young scientists to find environments that align with their values and adapt to evolving career landscapes where job changes are more common than before.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #