BioNTX is Proud to Announce John F. Crowley

to Receive the 2025 Dennis K. Stone Award

John F. Crowley is the President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders, and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. Crowley, a longtime BIO board member, was previously the Founder and Executive Chairman of Amicus Therapeutics, a global biotechnology company focusing on developing treatments for rare genetic diseases. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Amicus from 2005 to 2022. 

John’s decades of biotech experience and deep passion for the field have made him a strong supporter of policies that empower innovation, enable entrepreneurship, and put people and patients first. His involvement with biotechnology stems from the 1998 diagnosis of two of his children with Pompe disease—a severe and often fatal neuromuscular disorder. In his drive to find a cure for them, John left his position at Bristol Myers Squibb and became an entrepreneur as the Co-founder, President and CEO of Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, a biotech start-up conducting research on a new experimental treatment for Pompe disease (which he credits as ultimately saving his children’s lives). In 2001, Novazyme was acquired by Genzyme Corporation, where John continued to play a lead role in the development of a drug for Pompe disease as Senior Vice President, Genzyme Therapeutics.

Past recipients of the Dennis Stone Award

Who was Dennis K. Stone?

Dennis K. Stone was an accomplished scientist and an instrumental figure in biotechnology developments and advancements at UT Southwestern and in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Stone led UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Office for Technology Development and launched its BioCenter at Southwestern Medical District. Of his many contributions, Dr. Stone is remembered by colleagues as ”having an infectious enthusiasm and passion for the biotechnology industry”. This passion helped fuel the confidence of companies and investors and kicked off an emergence of the industry in North Texas.

Dennis Stone was born and raised in Dallas before receiving his undergraduate degree from UT Austin in 1973 and his medical degree from UT Southwestern in 1977. Following an internship and residency training at Columbia-Presbyterian, he obtained his postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern and Cornell University.

Dr. Stone joined the faculty of UT Southwestern as a member of the Nephrology Division of Internal Medicine and then became the Chief of the Division of Molecular Transport. He quickly ascended the academic ranks, becoming Professor of Internal Medicine, Physiology, and Biochemistry. He was the first Associate Dean for Medical Student Research and then was appointed Vice President of Technology Development (1998-2011).

In 2011, Dr. Stone left UT Southwestern to become the Chief Scientific Officer of Remeditex Ventures. Dr. Stone held this position from August 2011 to June 2016. During his time at Remeditex, he was involved in key investments into Texas-based companies such as Bellicum Pharmaceuticals and Peloton Therapeutics that not only were successful investments but also developed efficacious products that are either approved or in late stage clinical trials, benefitting patients across the globe.

The impact that Dr. Stone left on the DFW biotech industry is immeasurable. Dr. Stone’s legacy is carried on by his wife and colleague, Dr. Helen H. Hobbs, with whom he shared a strong commitment for the UT Southwestern mission. “Dennis was committed to the development of biotechnology in Dallas both as a faculty member of UT Southwestern and after he left to join the venture capital firm of Remeditex.”

Dennis K. Stone Award Criteria

BioNTX honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the biotechnology industry through the Dennis K. Stone Award. This recognition celebrates those who have advanced life science research and inspired others to do the same.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Industry Growth & Innovation: Contributed to the formation and growth of multiple life science businesses.

• Generosity: Donated time, resources, or funds to support the life science community.

• Mentorship & Inspiration: Inspired and mentored others, fostering the continued growth of the life science industry.

• Regional Advocacy: Actively championed the region as a thriving hub for successful life science ventures.