Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A scientist with a strong preclinical, translational, and clinical research and development record in biopharma industry and academia (discovery, preclinical models, biomarkers, clinical trials, clinical operations, genomics, oncology, immuno-oncology, cancer research, precision medicine, targeted therapies, immunotherapy…). Proven R&D experience from target validation to clinical development, and in the definition of translational and biomarker strategies. Highly experienced in designing, writing, coordinating, managing, and directing scientific projects; leading cross-functional teams; obtaining non-dilutive funding; collaborating with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs); science communication; and business development & scientific licensing.
In 2016 I joined Ability Pharmaceuticals as a Director of Translational Research. I am responsible for developing the biomarkers program associated to our clinical stage drug candidates. I design, coordinate and analyze preclinical and clinical studies required to identify predictive biomarkers (companion diagnostics) and pharmacodynamics biomarkers to monitor drug activity, as well as preclinical studies to investigate drug´s mechanism of action. I am also responsible for non-dilutive public funding seek and preparation of grants. My additional responsibilities include: management of academic collaborations; coordination of multidisciplinary teams that include research centers, hospitals and CROs; establishment and development of relationships with key opinion leaders; preparation of regulatory documents (IND, CTA, ODD…); diffusion of results by writing papers and attending meetings; and scientific support for intellectual property. In 2020 I was promoted and joined the business development and licensing team where my main responsibility is leading due diligences, but I am also involved in scouting licensing opportunities, preparing marketing materials, attending partnering meetings, fundraising activities and market analysis and competitive intelligence. In October 2022 I was promoted to be the Head of Operations assuming the top line management and operations of the company, while continuing leading the translational research and the scientific aspects of the BDL team.
During my time at Vasgen Ltd. I worked as a principal scientist developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to treat ocular neovascular diseases and cancers. My project aimed to use targeted antibodies as inhibitors of metalloproteinases activity, with a particular focus in a metalloproteinase known to promote angiogenesis in ocular neovascular diseases and whose expression correlates strongly with the progression of several aggressive adenocarcinomas. My work included the design, purification and biochemical characterisation of antibodies and developing cell-based systems and in vivo assays to study their functional effects. I stablished and managed our laboratory and my work led to technology proof-of-concept and lead selection.
I investigated the use of Brentuximab vedotin (AdcetrisTM), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for the treatment of chemoresistant testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs).
During my time working at Barts Cancer Institute I studied molecular mechanisms involved in the development of prostate cancer and testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). My main projects were the study of the involvement of cyclin D1 in the development of cisplatin resistance in TGCTs, and the identification and functional characterization of ZDHHC14, a putative palmitoyl transferase, as a tumour suppressor in human cancers.