BusinessWeek Logo
Belspring, Va.

Belspring, Va.

Randal J. "RJ" Kirk
54

How'd he get so rich? Kirk is the fast-moving, faster-talking founder of GIV (General Injectibles & Vaccines) and New River Pharmaceuticals, which pioneered the development of the breakthrough ADHD drug Vyvanse. In 2005 he sold New River to Shire, the maker of Adderall, for $2.6 billion. Today he runs private equity firm Third Security, a life sciences venture fund.