About B.J. Viau

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B.J. Viau (pronounced "View") has been a passionate advocate for Huntington’s disease (HD) since 1995, when his mother was diagnosed with the condition. At just 10 years old, B.J. launched his first community fundraiser—a “Hoopathon” in support of his mom. Over the next 15 years, the event raised more than $1 million and became a powerful source of connection and support for the Huntington’s community in Minneapolis.  

Over this time, B.J. learned there was a greater need in the HD community and that led him to co-found the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization, an international non-profit that supports, connects and educates young people living in families impacted by HD.

Professionally, B.J. most recently served as the Director of Patient Advocacy at Horizon Therapeutics and Amgen from 2018 - 2025. He oversaw efforts across both rare and ultra rare business units working with commercially available medicines for Thyroid Eye Disease, Urea Cycle Disorder, Cystinosis, Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Cystic Fibrosis. He led teams and collaborated cross-functionally to develop innovative solutions and external partnerships that were valued by all stakeholders. During his time at Horizon, the company ranked #1 in corporate reputation across pharmaceutical companies according to a survey of patient advocacy organizations. 

B.J. began his career in the pharmaceutical industry at Lundbeck, where he held diverse roles spanning patient advocacy, marketing, and field sales. He gained specialized experience across several therapeutic areas, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. 

In 2022, he founded and launched HD Genetics, offering an accessible genetic testing and counseling service for people across the USA who are at-risk for HD. HD Genetics has served over 1,000 individuals through their testing journey and has expanded services to offer clinical trial recruitment and retention.

B.J. holds an undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas, where he also played collegiate basketball, and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He currently serves on the Board of the Huntington's Disease Study Group.