Dr. Dennis Erb returned to the University of Iowa in July 2019 as the Managing Director UI Pharmaceuticals.  Dennis has a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry including leadership positions spanning Research & Development and Manufacturing.  During his 30 year career at Merck he was directly involved in the approval of 18 original New Drug Applications / Biological License Applications.  Dennis has international experience in leading MSD's Research and Development organization in Japan.  After retiring from Merck as the Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs, he served as the CEO for a biotech start-up (CRESTOVO) exploring the clinical utility of the microbiome.  Dennis earned his Ph.D. in pharmaceutics from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1984.  He holds a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from the University of Connecticut.