New York, New York, United States
Physician with 20 years of clinical and industry experience in Internal Medicine, Research & Development and Global Medical Affairs - Pioneering Patient Care
As Chief Medical Officer at Akebia Therapeutics, I lead global clinical and regulatory strategy across a diverse portfolio, including Auryxia® (ferric citrate), Vafseo® (vadadustat), praliciguat, AKB-9090, AKB-10108, and future assets. My role focuses on advancing innovative therapies, accelerating development timelines, and ensuring every program reflects a strong commitment to patient outcomes. I oversee the full lifecycle of drug development—from early research to commercialization—driving rigorous clinical trial design, NDA submissions, and pharmacovigilance activities while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. I also lead the Medical Affairs Organization including the US, enabling a successful launch and adoption of Vafseo and supporting the continued growth of Auryxia. Collaboration is core to my leadership. I partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team to shape company strategy, maximize product value, and align our scientific vision with business goals. I work closely with regulators, advisory boards, KMEs, patient advocacy groups, payers, and investors to advance Akebia’s mission and strengthen trust with global stakeholders. In addition, I advise on business development opportunities, including licensing and acquisitions, and mentor high-performing clinical, regulatory, and medical affairs teams. As a public-facing leader, I represent Akebia at conferences, investor presentations, regulatory meetings, and in peer-reviewed publications, promoting thought leadership in nephrology, hematology, and cardiovascular innovation. Through this work, I aim to bridge science, strategy, and patient needs, delivering life-changing therapies while positioning Akebia as a leader in renal and rare disease care.
After more than 15 years of global leadership at Bayer, I took a career break to reorient and reflect on the next chapter of my professional journey. On January 7, 2025 disaster struck and we lost our home in the Los Angeles fires. I took the time to manage the challenges that followed this life-changing event. I also dedicated time to my family, supporting my youngest daughter as she completed her International Baccalaureate and moved back from New York to Berlin thereafter. Last but not least this period gave me the opportunity to travel, recharge, and refocus my energy, ultimately crystallizing my thinking on what I want to do next.
Global Clinical Research Director responsible for several CV development projects at different stages (I-III), including the conduct, reporting, submission and publication of the pivotal CV outcome trial ATHENA as well as for the the registration and launch of dronedarone Multaq (TM) for treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.
Head of up to 3 cardiovascular pharmacology laboratories with up to 9 direct reports, including 2 veterinary doctors, 2 biomedical engineers and 5 technicians developing animal models of CV disease and implementing them for drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry