Our Team at
Aardvark Therapeutics
Tien Lee, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Tien Lee, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Lee has 20 years of experience as a biotechnology innovator and executive who has been integrally involved with the founding or advancement of several biopharmaceutical companies.
Since 2017, Dr Lee has been the founder/CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to this, Dr. Lee joined Nantkwest in 2014 and served as its Chief Strategy Officer until March, 2017. His experience includes therapeutics for immunology, cardiovascular, oncology, neurology, and infectious disease indications. Dr. Lee is also an inventor or co-inventor of multiple biomedical and biotechnology innovations, licensed or assigned to several companies for development including Nantkwest, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, Cellics Therapeutics, and Aardvark Therapeutics.
Dr. Lee earned his M.D. degree from UC San Diego and his B.A. degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular Biology where he was also a Regents and Alumni Scholar. Dr. Lee received post-graduate training in Internal Medicine through UC Los Angeles and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UC Irvine.
Since 2017, Dr Lee has been the founder/CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to this, Dr. Lee joined Nantkwest in 2014 and served as its Chief Strategy Officer until March, 2017. His experience includes therapeutics for immunology, cardiovascular, oncology, neurology, and infectious disease indications. Dr. Lee is also an inventor or co-inventor of multiple biomedical and biotechnology innovations, licensed or assigned to several companies for development including Nantkwest, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, Cellics Therapeutics, and Aardvark Therapeutics.
Dr. Lee earned his M.D. degree from UC San Diego and his B.A. degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular Biology where he was also a Regents and Alumni Scholar. Dr. Lee received post-graduate training in Internal Medicine through UC Los Angeles and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UC Irvine.
Manasi Jaiman, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer
Manasi Jaiman, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer
As a global, mission-driven Chief Medical Officer and Senior Executive, Dr. Manasi Jaiman advances breakthrough therapies through the integration of medicine and technology drawing from 15 years of clinical development, device development, regulatory filings, direct patient care, and scientific research.
Most recently, she provided strategic direction and oversight as CMO and Leadership Team member at ViaCyte, leading the team in the clinical development strategy and execution, partnering with CEO & CFO on capital raising, investor relations, business development and ViaCyte’s subsequent $320M acquisition by Vertex (NASDAQ: VRTX). Post acquisition, she also served as a Vertex Executive to oversee the integration and lead the company’s Clinical Development & Platform.
Through her expertise in stem cell therapy and endocrinology, she developed the world’s first FIH protocol using gene-edited cells in a medical device for Type 1 Diabetes, and successfully executed 2 clinical trials in Canada (successful CTA filing). Dr. Jaiman developed the first outpatient clinical trial to study a bi-hormonal artificial pancreas in adults and pediatrics at MassGeneral Hospital, then led clinical trials utilizing the bionic pancreas device, now used at Beta Bionics. She has also led obesity-related clinical research activities incl. post-bariatric surgery outcomes.
Most recently, she provided strategic direction and oversight as CMO and Leadership Team member at ViaCyte, leading the team in the clinical development strategy and execution, partnering with CEO & CFO on capital raising, investor relations, business development and ViaCyte’s subsequent $320M acquisition by Vertex (NASDAQ: VRTX). Post acquisition, she also served as a Vertex Executive to oversee the integration and lead the company’s Clinical Development & Platform.
Through her expertise in stem cell therapy and endocrinology, she developed the world’s first FIH protocol using gene-edited cells in a medical device for Type 1 Diabetes, and successfully executed 2 clinical trials in Canada (successful CTA filing). Dr. Jaiman developed the first outpatient clinical trial to study a bi-hormonal artificial pancreas in adults and pediatrics at MassGeneral Hospital, then led clinical trials utilizing the bionic pancreas device, now used at Beta Bionics. She has also led obesity-related clinical research activities incl. post-bariatric surgery outcomes.
Nelson Sun
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Nelson Sun
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Nelson Sun is Chief Financial Officer of Aardvark Therapeutics. He has more than 20 years’ experience in financial management, business operations, and corporate strategy, with various leadership roles at private equity firms.
Prior to joining Aardvark, Mr. Sun served as an Operating Partner at Dubilier & Company, where he assessed underperforming assets and strategic acquisition opportunities, alongside providing executive level oversight to portfolio companies spanning business operations, financial planning, and strategic exits. Before that, he was a Vice President at Valor Equity Partners, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions, portfolio management, as well as providing executive level oversight to portfolio companies including operations leadership, corporate strategy, financial management, and operational scalability. Earlier in his career, Mr. Sun worked in financial valuation analysis and transaction support at Dubilier & Company, in product management at National Electronics Warranty, and in business development at Revbox.com.
Mr. Sun received an M.B.A. in Finance from The Wharton School, an M.A. in International Studies from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego.
Prior to joining Aardvark, Mr. Sun served as an Operating Partner at Dubilier & Company, where he assessed underperforming assets and strategic acquisition opportunities, alongside providing executive level oversight to portfolio companies spanning business operations, financial planning, and strategic exits. Before that, he was a Vice President at Valor Equity Partners, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions, portfolio management, as well as providing executive level oversight to portfolio companies including operations leadership, corporate strategy, financial management, and operational scalability. Earlier in his career, Mr. Sun worked in financial valuation analysis and transaction support at Dubilier & Company, in product management at National Electronics Warranty, and in business development at Revbox.com.
Mr. Sun received an M.B.A. in Finance from The Wharton School, an M.A. in International Studies from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego.
Derrick Li
Chief Business Officer
Derrick Li
Chief Business Officer
Mr. Li is a seasoned biotechnology executive with more than 20 years of global experience in biopharmaceutical business development, investment banking, and corporate strategy.
Prior to joining Aardvark, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at ODC Life Sciences, a Latin America-focused clinical research organization, where he drove growth strategy and global partnerships. He has also held senior leadership roles, including Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Cellular Biomedicine Group (now AbelZeta).
Additionally, he has extensive investment banking and investment management experience, most recently serving as a Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Group at Robert W. Baird.
Mr. Li earned a dual bachelor's degree in accountancy and finance from Villanova University.
Prior to joining Aardvark, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at ODC Life Sciences, a Latin America-focused clinical research organization, where he drove growth strategy and global partnerships. He has also held senior leadership roles, including Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Cellular Biomedicine Group (now AbelZeta).
Additionally, he has extensive investment banking and investment management experience, most recently serving as a Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Group at Robert W. Baird.
Mr. Li earned a dual bachelor's degree in accountancy and finance from Villanova University.
Tim Kieffer, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Tim Kieffer, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Timothy Kieffer, Ph.D., is a globally recognized academic leader in diabetes mechanisms and translational medicine. He previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at ViaCyte Inc. (acquired by Vertex Pharmaceuticals), followed by Fractyl Health.
Before his roles in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Kieffer oversaw the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine with a focus on the development of novel gene and cell therapy approaches to treat diabetes at the University of British Columbia. He has contributed to groundbreaking research and the development of novel modalities of treatment in diabetes. Dr. Kieffer holds patents in the field and has co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited more than 25,000 times.
He received his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of British Columbia and completed his post-doctoral training in Molecular Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kieffer received the Diabetes Canada Young Scientist Award and was elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Before his roles in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Kieffer oversaw the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine with a focus on the development of novel gene and cell therapy approaches to treat diabetes at the University of British Columbia. He has contributed to groundbreaking research and the development of novel modalities of treatment in diabetes. Dr. Kieffer holds patents in the field and has co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications that have been cited more than 25,000 times.
He received his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of British Columbia and completed his post-doctoral training in Molecular Endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kieffer received the Diabetes Canada Young Scientist Award and was elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Danny Villeneuve
Chief Commercial Officer
Danny Villeneuve
Chief Commercial Officer
Danny Villeneuve brings more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across U.S. and International markets.
Most recently, he served as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer for Ironshore Pharmaceuticals, where he successfully led the commercial strategy and execution for the relaunch of their flagship product in the ADHD market. His leadership contributed significantly to the company's turnaround and subsequent acquisition by Collegium Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to this role, Mr. Villeneuve commercialized products in the ADHD, CNS, diabetes and obesity markets with industry leaders including Orexigen Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Villeneuve earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology at Université du Québec in Canada.
Most recently, he served as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer for Ironshore Pharmaceuticals, where he successfully led the commercial strategy and execution for the relaunch of their flagship product in the ADHD market. His leadership contributed significantly to the company's turnaround and subsequent acquisition by Collegium Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to this role, Mr. Villeneuve commercialized products in the ADHD, CNS, diabetes and obesity markets with industry leaders including Orexigen Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Villeneuve earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology at Université du Québec in Canada.
Zhenhuan Zheng, PhD
Chief Research Officer
Zhenhuan Zheng, PhD
Chief Research Officer
Dr. Zheng is the Chief Research Officer of Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to joining Aardvark Therapeutics, Dr. Zheng served as Senior Manager, Scientific Affairs of NantKwest, Inc. from Apr 2016 to Jun 2017. Previously, Dr. Zheng served as Manager of Business Development for Simcere Pharmaceutical Group from 2009 to 2012 and earned his PhD. degree from Tsinghua University.
Terrie Kellmeyer, PhD
SVP, Regulatory Affairs
Terrie Kellmeyer, PhD
SVP, Regulatory Affairs
Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D., brings nearly 30 years of deep regulatory strategy and clinical development expertise across multiple therapeutic areas to Aardvark.
Dr. Kellmeyer has contributed to the submission of multiple successful New Drug Applications to the FDA and Marketing Authorization Applications to the European Medicines Agency, among them OLPRUVA® (sodium phenylbutyrate), REZDIFFRA® (resmetirom), BYETTA® (exenatide injection), SYMLIN® (pramlintide acetate), and OCALIVA® (obeticholic acid). She previously served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs at Anavex Life Sciences.
Prior to that, she held strategic leadership positions, including Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, and positions of increasing responsibility at Acer Therapeutics, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and Gen-Probe.
Dr. Kellmeyer received her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from SUNY Syracuse, and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Kellmeyer has contributed to the submission of multiple successful New Drug Applications to the FDA and Marketing Authorization Applications to the European Medicines Agency, among them OLPRUVA® (sodium phenylbutyrate), REZDIFFRA® (resmetirom), BYETTA® (exenatide injection), SYMLIN® (pramlintide acetate), and OCALIVA® (obeticholic acid). She previously served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs at Anavex Life Sciences.
Prior to that, she held strategic leadership positions, including Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, and positions of increasing responsibility at Acer Therapeutics, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and Gen-Probe.
Dr. Kellmeyer received her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from SUNY Syracuse, and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester.
Christian Zapf, JD
General Counsel
Christian Zapf, JD
General Counsel
Christian Zapf, J.D., has extensive roots in the biotechnology sector with over 20 years of legal and transactional experience in a variety of settings.
Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel at Abpro Corporation, a company developing next-generation antibody therapies.
Previously, he was Vice President and Counsel at NantWorks, a healthcare investment company, and at Abraxis BioScience, an oncology-focused company and developer of ABRAXANE® (nab-paclitaxel).
Prior to that, he served as Counsel, Corporate Development at American Pharmaceutical Partners, a manufacturer of generic injectables.
Mr. Zapf received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Cambridge University, a J.D. from Columbia University, and an M.B.A. from INSEAD.
Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel at Abpro Corporation, a company developing next-generation antibody therapies.
Previously, he was Vice President and Counsel at NantWorks, a healthcare investment company, and at Abraxis BioScience, an oncology-focused company and developer of ABRAXANE® (nab-paclitaxel).
Prior to that, he served as Counsel, Corporate Development at American Pharmaceutical Partners, a manufacturer of generic injectables.
Mr. Zapf received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Cambridge University, a J.D. from Columbia University, and an M.B.A. from INSEAD.
Ron Lewis, II, PhD
VP, Head of CMC
Ron Lewis, II, PhD
VP, Head of CMC
Ron Lewis, II, PhD, has more than twenty (20) years professional experience
spanning pre-clinical to late-stage product development of small molecule oral
solid and parenteral dosage in the biopharmaceutical/drug development
industries.
Prior to joining Aardvark, he served as a key member of the MEI Pharma CMC and Technical Operations leadership team with responsibilities focused on CMC strategy, cGMP manufacturing of Drug Substance (API) and Drug Product (DP) for early to late-stage drug product and commercial readiness. Prior to MEI, Dr. Lewis held positions as the Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Scientific Advisor at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati and Sr. Scientist at Pfizer La Jolla.
Prior to starting his career in biotech, Dr. Lewis performed his post-doctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute with Carlos F. Barbas, III, PhD. He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Wesleyan University (CT) and Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University (MD).
Prior to joining Aardvark, he served as a key member of the MEI Pharma CMC and Technical Operations leadership team with responsibilities focused on CMC strategy, cGMP manufacturing of Drug Substance (API) and Drug Product (DP) for early to late-stage drug product and commercial readiness. Prior to MEI, Dr. Lewis held positions as the Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Scientific Advisor at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati and Sr. Scientist at Pfizer La Jolla.
Prior to starting his career in biotech, Dr. Lewis performed his post-doctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute with Carlos F. Barbas, III, PhD. He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Wesleyan University (CT) and Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University (MD).
Dvorit Samid, PhD
EVP, Medical Affairs
Dvorit Samid, PhD
EVP, Medical Affairs
Dr. Samid joined Aardvark in 2020, bringing over 3 decades of experience in taking novel drugs from discovery, through clinical development and commercialization. Prior to joining Aardvark, Dr. Samid lead Medical Affairs of other pharmaceutical companies including Hoffman-La Roche, ImClone/Lilly, Abraxis, and NantKwest. She served also as Associate Professor at the University of Virginia’s Medical School and as Section Chief at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Samid holds 19 patents and has published over 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Justin Stege, PhD
VP, Head of Project Management and Strategy
Justin Stege, PhD
VP, Head of Project Management and Strategy
Justin Stege, PhD, is a seasoned biotechnology executive with over 20 years of experience leading drug development and strategic operations across startups and Fortune 50 companies.
Before joining Aardvark, Justin served as site head for Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ cell manufacturing facility, where he oversaw GMP manufacturing of cell and device products, as well as engineering, QC, analytical, and program management functions. He also led CMC program management for the Phase 3 Povetacicept program (acquired from Alpine Immune Sciences) and managed the CRISPR Therapeutics alliance, advancing gene-edited stem cell therapies for diabetes.
Earlier in his career, Justin held leadership roles at ViaCyte, Palisade Bio, Primordial Genetics, BP, and Diversa. He directed cross-functional teams, advanced clinical programs, and drove strategic collaborations. Over the course of his career, he has secured more than $45M in funding, contributed to multiple patents and peer-reviewed publications, and advanced numerous programs from discovery to late-stage development.
Justin completed his postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute. He holds a PhD in Biology from UC San Diego and a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College.
Before joining Aardvark, Justin served as site head for Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ cell manufacturing facility, where he oversaw GMP manufacturing of cell and device products, as well as engineering, QC, analytical, and program management functions. He also led CMC program management for the Phase 3 Povetacicept program (acquired from Alpine Immune Sciences) and managed the CRISPR Therapeutics alliance, advancing gene-edited stem cell therapies for diabetes.
Earlier in his career, Justin held leadership roles at ViaCyte, Palisade Bio, Primordial Genetics, BP, and Diversa. He directed cross-functional teams, advanced clinical programs, and drove strategic collaborations. Over the course of his career, he has secured more than $45M in funding, contributed to multiple patents and peer-reviewed publications, and advanced numerous programs from discovery to late-stage development.
Justin completed his postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute. He holds a PhD in Biology from UC San Diego and a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College.
Tien Lee, MD
Dr. Lee has 20 years of experience as a biotechnology innovator and executive who has been integrally involved with the founding or advancement of several biopharmaceutical companies.
Since 2017, Dr Lee has been the founder/CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to this, Dr. Lee joined Nantkwest in 2014 and served as its Chief Strategy Officer until March, 2017. His experience includes therapeutics for immunology, cardiovascular, oncology, neurology, and infectious disease indications. Dr. Lee is also an inventor or co-inventor of multiple biomedical and biotechnology innovations, licensed or assigned to several companies for development including Nantkwest, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, Cellics Therapeutics, and Aardvark Therapeutics.
Dr. Lee earned his M.D. degree from UC San Diego and his B.A. degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular Biology where he was also a Regents and Alumni Scholar. Dr. Lee received post-graduate training in Internal Medicine through UC Los Angeles and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UC Irvine.
Since 2017, Dr Lee has been the founder/CEO of Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to this, Dr. Lee joined Nantkwest in 2014 and served as its Chief Strategy Officer until March, 2017. His experience includes therapeutics for immunology, cardiovascular, oncology, neurology, and infectious disease indications. Dr. Lee is also an inventor or co-inventor of multiple biomedical and biotechnology innovations, licensed or assigned to several companies for development including Nantkwest, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, Cellics Therapeutics, and Aardvark Therapeutics.
Dr. Lee earned his M.D. degree from UC San Diego and his B.A. degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular Biology where he was also a Regents and Alumni Scholar. Dr. Lee received post-graduate training in Internal Medicine through UC Los Angeles and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UC Irvine.
Victor Tong, Jr
Mr. Victor Tong, Jr. is a Managing Director at Decheng Capital and has been with the firm since its inception.
Mr. Tong focuses on investments in biotechnology and medical technology companies in the US and China. He currently serves on the boards of Cellares, CG Oncology (NASDAQ: CGON), Harton Therapeutics, Hummingbird Bioscience, LevitasBio, Nalu Medical, Take2 and Watchmaker Genomics. Previously, Mr. Tong served as Chairman at ReadCoor before its acquisition by 10X Genomics. He also held board positions at Cirina (acquired by GRAIL / Illumina) and GeneWEAVE Biosciences (acquired by Roche).
Prior to joining Decheng, Mr. Tong was a Principal at Bay City Capital, a life sciences investment firm, and a member of the healthcare investment banking division at Morgan Stanley.
Mr. Tong holds a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology and B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Tong focuses on investments in biotechnology and medical technology companies in the US and China. He currently serves on the boards of Cellares, CG Oncology (NASDAQ: CGON), Harton Therapeutics, Hummingbird Bioscience, LevitasBio, Nalu Medical, Take2 and Watchmaker Genomics. Previously, Mr. Tong served as Chairman at ReadCoor before its acquisition by 10X Genomics. He also held board positions at Cirina (acquired by GRAIL / Illumina) and GeneWEAVE Biosciences (acquired by Roche).
Prior to joining Decheng, Mr. Tong was a Principal at Bay City Capital, a life sciences investment firm, and a member of the healthcare investment banking division at Morgan Stanley.
Mr. Tong holds a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology and B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.
Jeffrey Chi, PhD, CFA
Dr. Jeffrey Chi is a veteran in the venture capital industry and a strong advocate for the promotion of venture capital, entrepreneurship & socially responsible investing. Dr. Chi co-founded Vickers Venture Partners in 2005 is currently its Vice Chairman for Asia and a member of its Investment Committee. He is also former Chairman and currently Ambassador of the Singapore Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.Dr. Chi also sits on board of SEEDS Capital (Investment arm of Enterprise Singapore) and on the advisory panels of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, A*ccelerate, the commercialization arm of A*Star and the National University of Singapore Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management.
Based out of Shanghai, Dr. Chi heads Vickers Venture’s investments in Asia and has investments in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, education, healthcare/wellness and financial services (including fintech) technology companies. Dr Chi’s wealth of experience include investment banking (Partner at Pegasus Capital), strategy consulting (senior consultant at Monitor Deloitte) and operations (Managing Director of Spandeck Engineering SEA).
Dr. Chi is a CFA Charter holder and graduated from Cambridge University with 1st Class Honours in Engineering. He earned his PhD. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in organizational knowledge and information technology.
Based out of Shanghai, Dr. Chi heads Vickers Venture’s investments in Asia and has investments in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, education, healthcare/wellness and financial services (including fintech) technology companies. Dr Chi’s wealth of experience include investment banking (Partner at Pegasus Capital), strategy consulting (senior consultant at Monitor Deloitte) and operations (Managing Director of Spandeck Engineering SEA).
Dr. Chi is a CFA Charter holder and graduated from Cambridge University with 1st Class Honours in Engineering. He earned his PhD. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in organizational knowledge and information technology.
Roy Baynes, MD, PhD
Roy Baynes is Chief Medical Officer at Eikon Therapeutics, leading all clinical development programs.
Roy was previously Chief Medical Officer and head of clinical development at Merck, where he supervised the entire clinical portfolio in Merck Research Laboratories and was the architect of the development strategy for dozens of important new medicines including Keytruda®, a drug that has revolutionized cancer treatment globally. Prior to Merck, Roy held clinical development leadership positions for oncology, respiratory and inflammation at Gilead Sciences and hematology/oncology at Amgen. Prior to industry, Roy held academic positions at South African and American Universities in hematology and oncology, in addition to leading the bone marrow transplantation service at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he was Professor of Medicine and Oncology, and the Charles Martin Professor of Cancer Research.
Roy received his degree in medicine and surgery (MB, BCh) from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he also received an MMed (specialist registration) and completed a Ph.D. exploring human iron metabolism. Roy is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the College of Physicians of South Africa.
Roy was previously Chief Medical Officer and head of clinical development at Merck, where he supervised the entire clinical portfolio in Merck Research Laboratories and was the architect of the development strategy for dozens of important new medicines including Keytruda®, a drug that has revolutionized cancer treatment globally. Prior to Merck, Roy held clinical development leadership positions for oncology, respiratory and inflammation at Gilead Sciences and hematology/oncology at Amgen. Prior to industry, Roy held academic positions at South African and American Universities in hematology and oncology, in addition to leading the bone marrow transplantation service at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he was Professor of Medicine and Oncology, and the Charles Martin Professor of Cancer Research.
Roy received his degree in medicine and surgery (MB, BCh) from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he also received an MMed (specialist registration) and completed a Ph.D. exploring human iron metabolism. Roy is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the College of Physicians of South Africa.
Susan E. Graf, RPh, MBA
Susan Graf has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2023. Ms. Graf is currently a Senior Advisor and Entrepreneur in Residence at Locust Walk Partners, LLC, a global life science transaction firm.
Ms. Graf previously served as Chief Executive Officer of biotechnology company Akamara Therapeutics from August 2019 to May 2021. Prior to Akamara Therapeutics, Ms. Graf was Chief Business Officer and Principal Financial Officer at Epizyme, a biopharmaceutical company, from April 2016 to September 2018. Prior to Epizyme, Ms. Graf held the position of Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy for NPS Pharma before it was acquired by Shire in 2015.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Graf spent nearly 18 years at Roche in a number of leadership and executive positions. Ms. Graf currently chairs the board of directors and audit committee of Finch Therapeutics, a publicly-traded microbiome therapeutics company and serves on the board of directors of Kaléo, a privately held pharmaceutical company.
Ms. Graf has an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a B.Pharm. from Purdue University. Ms. Graf’s extensive experience in the life sciences industry and her financial expertise contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that she should serve as a director of our company.
Ms. Graf previously served as Chief Executive Officer of biotechnology company Akamara Therapeutics from August 2019 to May 2021. Prior to Akamara Therapeutics, Ms. Graf was Chief Business Officer and Principal Financial Officer at Epizyme, a biopharmaceutical company, from April 2016 to September 2018. Prior to Epizyme, Ms. Graf held the position of Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy for NPS Pharma before it was acquired by Shire in 2015.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Graf spent nearly 18 years at Roche in a number of leadership and executive positions. Ms. Graf currently chairs the board of directors and audit committee of Finch Therapeutics, a publicly-traded microbiome therapeutics company and serves on the board of directors of Kaléo, a privately held pharmaceutical company.
Ms. Graf has an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a B.Pharm. from Purdue University. Ms. Graf’s extensive experience in the life sciences industry and her financial expertise contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that she should serve as a director of our company.
