Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Scientifically trained life-science executive with extensive leadership experience in drug discovery and development, business development and licensing, corporate management, fund-raising and shareholder relations.
Mission BioCapital brings together two U.S.-based early-stage life science venture funds: BioInnovation Capital and Mission Bay Capital. As Operating Partner, I work closely with some exceptionally talented young management teams for MBC's portfolio companies. Currently I am Executive Chairman for Mitokinin Therapeutics, Telo Therapeutics, Epiodyne, and ARase Therapeutics.
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of cancer patients by tackling key mechanisms of drug resistance that limit the rate and/or durability of response to existing cancer therapies. Our small molecule drug candidates are directed against an important family of enzymes called kinases, known to be directly involved in the growth and spread of many cancers. We use our deep understanding of kinase biology together with a proprietary chemistry library to purposefully design compounds that maintain kinases in a “switched off” or inactivated conformation. These investigational therapies comprise tumor-targeted agents designed to address therapeutic resistance causing mutations and immuno-targeted agents designed to control the activation of immunokinases that suppress critical immune system regulators, such as macrophages. We have used our platform to develop a diverse pipeline of tumor-targeted and immuno-targeted drug candidates designed to improve outcomes for patients with cancer by improving the quality, rate and/or durability of their responses to treatment. Deciphera was acquired by Ono Pharmaceutical in 2024.
CEO of groundbreaking Drug Discovery Company developing a novel class of therapeutics. Completed 7 Research Alliances with Major Pharma partners. Co-inventor of first-in-class small molecule inhibitors of IL-17, an important clinically-validated autoimmune modulator.
Served as Independent Director of this public company, including Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees.