Overview
Tessa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of novel next-generation cell therapies for cancer.
Off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapy has significant advantages and is the next frontier in cancer treatment. Tessa is developing a unique and potentially transformational allogeneic CD30-CAR EBVST platform capable of targeting a broad range of cancers. This platform is based on decades-long research and development on unique properties of Virus Specific T-cells (VSTs) by our Scientific Co-Founder, Dr. Malcolm Brenner, and his team at Baylor College of Medicine.
Tessa is proud to be innovators in the field of cancer immunotherapy, and remains committed to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients worldwide. Our global headquarters are in Singapore, where we are building our own state-of-the-art commercial manufacturing facility. We are also currently setting up our United States headquarters in New Jersey.
Malcolm K. Brenner,
M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Co-Founder & Advisor
Our Leadership
Thomas Willemsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Willemsen brings over 25 years of extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets enhancing the focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines, based in Singapore.
Prior to Takeda, Thomas held the position of Vice President, Oncology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its Intercontinental & Emerging Markets business, where he was assigned to develop the business’ strategy for Asia & Emerging Markets, including Access Strategy and Commercial structure design.
Prior to that, Thomas served as Chairman and General Manager for GSK in China, and as General Manager of GSK Taiwan. He also spent 12 years with Merck KGaA in various commercial and regional roles in the Asia Pacific region, and as the Head of its German Oncology business unit.
Thomas speaks German, English and Mandarin. He graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese Language Degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Thomas Willemsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Willemsen brings over 25 years of extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets enhancing the focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines, based in Singapore.
Prior to Takeda, Thomas held the position of Vice President, Oncology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its Intercontinental & Emerging Markets business, where he was assigned to develop the business’ strategy for Asia & Emerging Markets, including Access Strategy and Commercial structure design.
Prior to that, Thomas served as Chairman and General Manager for GSK in China, and as General Manager of GSK Taiwan. He also spent 12 years with Merck KGaA in various commercial and regional roles in the Asia Pacific region, and as the Head of its German Oncology business unit.
Thomas speaks German, English and Mandarin. He graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese Language Degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Thomas Willemsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Willemsen brings over 25 years of extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets enhancing the focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines, based in Singapore.
Prior to Takeda, Thomas held the position of Vice President, Oncology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its Intercontinental & Emerging Markets business, where he was assigned to develop the business’ strategy for Asia & Emerging Markets, including Access Strategy and Commercial structure design.
Prior to that, Thomas served as Chairman and General Manager for GSK in China, and as General Manager of GSK Taiwan. He also spent 12 years with Merck KGaA in various commercial and regional roles in the Asia Pacific region, and as the Head of its German Oncology business unit.
Thomas speaks German, English and Mandarin. He graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese Language Degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak has advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and has successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak has advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and has successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak has advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and has successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
John Ng
Chief Technical Officer
Mr. Ng has been the CTO of Tessa Therapeutics since 2015 and is a member of the founding executive leadership team. He is responsible for establishing and overseeing the company’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations, quality, CMC product development, and enterprise services. During this period, Mr. Ng has also led the set up and establishment of a global cell therapy operations platform which enables the conduct of the world’s first Phase III T-cell therapy trial across 5 countries and 30 hospital sites. Mr. Ng brings with him nearly 20 years of leadership and management experience in global supply chain, planning and product fulfilment, manufacturing and product quality, new product development and strategic partnership management in the medical devices and consumer goods industry with both PerkinElmer and Spectrum Brands. Mr. Ng holds a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore.
John Ng
Chief Technical Officer
Mr. Ng has been the CTO of Tessa Therapeutics since 2015 and is a member of the founding executive leadership team. He is responsible for establishing and overseeing the company’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations, quality, CMC product development, and enterprise services. During this period, Mr. Ng has also led the set up and establishment of a global cell therapy operations platform which enables the conduct of the world’s first Phase III T-cell therapy trial across 5 countries and 30 hospital sites. Mr. Ng brings with him nearly 20 years of leadership and management experience in global supply chain, planning and product fulfilment, manufacturing and product quality, new product development and strategic partnership management in the medical devices and consumer goods industry with both PerkinElmer and Spectrum Brands. Mr. Ng holds a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore.
John Ng
Chief Technical Officer
Mr. Ng has been the CTO of Tessa Therapeutics since 2015 and is a member of the founding executive leadership team. He is responsible for establishing and overseeing the company’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations, quality, CMC product development, and enterprise services. During this period, Mr. Ng has also led the set up and establishment of a global cell therapy operations platform which enables the conduct of the world’s first Phase III T-cell therapy trial across 5 countries and 30 hospital sites. Mr. Ng brings with him nearly 20 years of leadership and management experience in global supply chain, planning and product fulfilment, manufacturing and product quality, new product development and strategic partnership management in the medical devices and consumer goods industry with both PerkinElmer and Spectrum Brands. Mr. Ng holds a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore.
Wilson W. Cheung, CPA (US)
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Cheung was appointed CFO of Tessa Therapeutics in April 2022. He is responsible for overseeing the financial management, investor relations, legal and business development strategy of the company. Prior to joining Tessa, Mr. Cheung served as EVP and CFO at Apollomics Inc. from 2019 to 2022 where he led the efforts to complete a Series C round, and was CFO at KBP Biosciences Inc. in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Cheung served as SVP and CFO at SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: SCLN) where he led the sale of SciClone to a private equity firm. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Cheung worked for Velti Plc (formerly NASDAQ: VELT) as CFO where he took Velti on an IPO in the US. Prior to joining Velti Plc, Mr. Cheung served as CFO at AXT, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXTI) from 2004 to 2009.
Mr. Cheung has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, compliance and corporate leadership at both public and private companies. Mr. Cheung has been a California certified public accountant since 1994. He has also been a certified director of corporate governance from the executive program of the UCLA John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management since 2005. Mr. Cheung holds a B.A. in Economics-Business from UCLA.
Wilson W. Cheung, CPA (US)
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Cheung was appointed CFO of Tessa Therapeutics in April 2022. He is responsible for overseeing the financial management, investor relations, legal and business development strategy of the company. Prior to joining Tessa, Mr. Cheung served as EVP and CFO at Apollomics Inc. from 2019 to 2022 where he led the efforts to complete a Series C round, and was CFO at KBP Biosciences Inc. in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Cheung served as SVP and CFO at SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: SCLN) where he led the sale of SciClone to a private equity firm. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Cheung worked for Velti Plc (formerly NASDAQ: VELT) as CFO where he took Velti on an IPO in the US. Prior to joining Velti Plc, Mr. Cheung served as CFO at AXT, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXTI) from 2004 to 2009.
Mr. Cheung has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, compliance and corporate leadership at both public and private companies. Mr. Cheung has been a California certified public accountant since 1994. He has also been a certified director of corporate governance from the executive program of the UCLA John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management since 2005. Mr. Cheung holds a B.A. in Economics-Business from UCLA.
Wilson W. Cheung, CPA (US)
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Cheung was appointed CFO of Tessa Therapeutics in April 2022. He is responsible for overseeing the financial management, investor relations, legal and business development strategy of the company. Prior to joining Tessa, Mr. Cheung served as EVP and CFO at Apollomics Inc. from 2019 to 2022 where he led the efforts to complete a Series C round, and was CFO at KBP Biosciences Inc. in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Cheung served as SVP and CFO at SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: SCLN) where he led the sale of SciClone to a private equity firm. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Cheung worked for Velti Plc (formerly NASDAQ: VELT) as CFO where he took Velti on an IPO in the US. Prior to joining Velti Plc, Mr. Cheung served as CFO at AXT, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXTI) from 2004 to 2009.
Mr. Cheung has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, compliance and corporate leadership at both public and private companies. Mr. Cheung has been a California certified public accountant since 1994. He has also been a certified director of corporate governance from the executive program of the UCLA John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management since 2005. Mr. Cheung holds a B.A. in Economics-Business from UCLA.
Board of Directors
Steve Krognes
Chairman
Mr. Krognes is a professional independent board member in the biotech and life science sector. He currently serves as a director at Denali Therapeutics Inc., Guardant Health, Gritstone bio, Inc. and RLS Global AB, and previously served on the board at Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Krognes has close to 30 years of life sciences leadership experience and before becoming a board member of Denali Therapeutics, served as its founding chief financial officer. In this role he led the company’s IPO efforts and built the corporate finance, information technology and site organizations to enable the company to reach greater scale.
Prior to Denali, Mr. Krognes worked at Genentech and Roche for twelve years. At Genentech, he served as the CFO and as a member of the Executive Committee for six years, where he was responsible for finance, site services and IT. Steve also represented Genentech on the Board and Executive Committee of the California Life Science Association and served as Chairman of the Genentech Access to Care Foundation.
At Roche in Switzerland, Mr. Krognes led the global Mergers & Acquisition team for more than five years. Under Steve’s leadership, the M&A team executed more than 30 transactions worldwide, including the acquisitions of Ventana Medical Systems and Genentech. Steve worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in London, a management consultant at McKinsey in London, and as a venture capitalist in Stockholm.
Steve holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Steve Krognes
Chairman
Mr. Krognes is a professional independent board member in the biotech and life science sector. He currently serves as a director at Denali Therapeutics Inc., Guardant Health, Gritstone bio, Inc. and RLS Global AB, and previously served on the board at Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Krognes has close to 30 years of life sciences leadership experience and before becoming a board member of Denali Therapeutics, served as its founding chief financial officer. In this role he led the company’s IPO efforts and built the corporate finance, information technology and site organizations to enable the company to reach greater scale.
Prior to Denali, Mr. Krognes worked at Genentech and Roche for twelve years. At Genentech, he served as the CFO and as a member of the Executive Committee for six years, where he was responsible for finance, site services and IT. Steve also represented Genentech on the Board and Executive Committee of the California Life Science Association and served as Chairman of the Genentech Access to Care Foundation.
At Roche in Switzerland, Mr. Krognes led the global Mergers & Acquisition team for more than five years. Under Steve’s leadership, the M&A team executed more than 30 transactions worldwide, including the acquisitions of Ventana Medical Systems and Genentech. Steve worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in London, a management consultant at McKinsey in London, and as a venture capitalist in Stockholm.
Steve holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Steve Krognes
Chairman
Mr. Krognes is a professional independent board member in the biotech and life science sector. He currently serves as a director at Denali Therapeutics Inc., Guardant Health, Gritstone bio, Inc. and RLS Global AB, and previously served on the board at Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Krognes has close to 30 years of life sciences leadership experience and before becoming a board member of Denali Therapeutics, served as its founding chief financial officer. In this role he led the company’s IPO efforts and built the corporate finance, information technology and site organizations to enable the company to reach greater scale.
Prior to Denali, Mr. Krognes worked at Genentech and Roche for twelve years. At Genentech, he served as the CFO and as a member of the Executive Committee for six years, where he was responsible for finance, site services and IT. Steve also represented Genentech on the Board and Executive Committee of the California Life Science Association and served as Chairman of the Genentech Access to Care Foundation.
At Roche in Switzerland, Mr. Krognes led the global Mergers & Acquisition team for more than five years. Under Steve’s leadership, the M&A team executed more than 30 transactions worldwide, including the acquisitions of Ventana Medical Systems and Genentech. Steve worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in London, a management consultant at McKinsey in London, and as a venture capitalist in Stockholm.
Steve holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Dr. Fidah Alsagoff
Director
Dr Fidah Alsagoff is a Senior Managing Director at Temasek International, where he has been since 2008. He is currently Joint Head of Enterprise Development Group and Head of Life Sciences.
He was previously a Partner at Innosight Ventures, a boutique strategy consulting and venture capital firm, where he led the establishment of their first Disruptive Innovation centric Venture Capital Fund. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of MOH Holdings, the holding company of Singapore’s public healthcare clusters – National University Health System, National Healthcare Group and Singapore Health Services.
Dr Alsagoff graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, and later a Masters of Medicine in Public Health. He attended INSEAD and subsequently graduated with an Executive MBA (with distinction). As valedictorian, he was awarded the Claude Janssen Prize.
Dr. Fidah Alsagoff
Director
Dr Fidah Alsagoff is a Senior Managing Director at Temasek International, where he has been since 2008. He is currently Joint Head of Enterprise Development Group and Head of Life Sciences.
He was previously a Partner at Innosight Ventures, a boutique strategy consulting and venture capital firm, where he led the establishment of their first Disruptive Innovation centric Venture Capital Fund. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of MOH Holdings, the holding company of Singapore’s public healthcare clusters – National University Health System, National Healthcare Group and Singapore Health Services.
Dr Alsagoff graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, and later a Masters of Medicine in Public Health. He attended INSEAD and subsequently graduated with an Executive MBA (with distinction). As valedictorian, he was awarded the Claude Janssen Prize.
Dr. Fidah Alsagoff
Director
Dr Fidah Alsagoff is a Senior Managing Director at Temasek International, where he has been since 2008. He is currently Joint Head of Enterprise Development Group and Head of Life Sciences.
He was previously a Partner at Innosight Ventures, a boutique strategy consulting and venture capital firm, where he led the establishment of their first Disruptive Innovation centric Venture Capital Fund. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of MOH Holdings, the holding company of Singapore’s public healthcare clusters – National University Health System, National Healthcare Group and Singapore Health Services.
Dr Alsagoff graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery, and later a Masters of Medicine in Public Health. He attended INSEAD and subsequently graduated with an Executive MBA (with distinction). As valedictorian, he was awarded the Claude Janssen Prize.
Amy Schulman
Director
Amy Schulman is a healthcare investor and Managing Partner at Polaris Partners. She also co-founded and acts as Managing Partner of the Polaris Innovation Fund, which was formed in 2017.
Schulman currently serves as Executive Chair of SQZ Biotech, as well as Lyndra Therapeutics where she was a co-founder and the company’s initial CEO. She also represents Polaris as a Director of Kallyope, Volastra, Thirty Madison and ByHeart. Amy joined Polaris in 2014.
Prior to joining Polaris, Schulman held various executive roles at Pfizer including as General Counsel, President of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Pfizer Nutrition, where she was instrumental in its sale to Nestle for $11.85 billion.
Schulman has received numerous awards including 2019 PharmaVoice 100, Xconomy’s 2017 Newcomer Award, Scientific American’s 2015 Worldview 100 List, Fierce Biotech’s 2014 Top 15 Women in Biotech, and Fortune Magazine’s 2013 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALNY) and Mount Sinai Hospital, and served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. She is also a Member of Singapore’s Health and Biomedical Sciences International Advisory Council.
Schulman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan University with a joint degree in philosophy and English and earned her J.D. from Yale Law School.
Amy Schulman
Director
Amy Schulman is a healthcare investor and Managing Partner at Polaris Partners. She also co-founded and acts as Managing Partner of the Polaris Innovation Fund, which was formed in 2017.
Schulman currently serves as Executive Chair of SQZ Biotech, as well as Lyndra Therapeutics where she was a co-founder and the company’s initial CEO. She also represents Polaris as a Director of Kallyope, Volastra, Thirty Madison and ByHeart. Amy joined Polaris in 2014.
Prior to joining Polaris, Schulman held various executive roles at Pfizer including as General Counsel, President of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Pfizer Nutrition, where she was instrumental in its sale to Nestle for $11.85 billion.
Schulman has received numerous awards including 2019 PharmaVoice 100, Xconomy’s 2017 Newcomer Award, Scientific American’s 2015 Worldview 100 List, Fierce Biotech’s 2014 Top 15 Women in Biotech, and Fortune Magazine’s 2013 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALNY) and Mount Sinai Hospital, and served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. She is also a Member of Singapore’s Health and Biomedical Sciences International Advisory Council.
Schulman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan University with a joint degree in philosophy and English and earned her J.D. from Yale Law School.
Amy Schulman
Director
Amy Schulman is a healthcare investor and Managing Partner at Polaris Partners. She also co-founded and acts as Managing Partner of the Polaris Innovation Fund, which was formed in 2017.
Schulman currently serves as Executive Chair of SQZ Biotech, as well as Lyndra Therapeutics where she was a co-founder and the company’s initial CEO. She also represents Polaris as a Director of Kallyope, Volastra, Thirty Madison and ByHeart. Amy joined Polaris in 2014.
Prior to joining Polaris, Schulman held various executive roles at Pfizer including as General Counsel, President of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Pfizer Nutrition, where she was instrumental in its sale to Nestle for $11.85 billion.
Schulman has received numerous awards including 2019 PharmaVoice 100, Xconomy’s 2017 Newcomer Award, Scientific American’s 2015 Worldview 100 List, Fierce Biotech’s 2014 Top 15 Women in Biotech, and Fortune Magazine’s 2013 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALNY) and Mount Sinai Hospital, and served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. She is also a Member of Singapore’s Health and Biomedical Sciences International Advisory Council.
Schulman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wesleyan University with a joint degree in philosophy and English and earned her J.D. from Yale Law School.
Thomas Willemsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Willemsen brings over 25 years of extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets enhancing the focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines, based in Singapore.
Prior to Takeda, Thomas held the position of Vice President, Oncology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its Intercontinental & Emerging Markets business, where he was assigned to develop the business’ strategy for Asia & Emerging Markets, including Access Strategy and Commercial structure design.
Prior to that, Thomas served as Chairman and General Manager for GSK in China, and as General Manager of GSK Taiwan. He also spent 12 years with Merck KGaA in various commercial and regional roles in the Asia Pacific region, and as the Head of its German Oncology business unit.
Thomas speaks German, English and Mandarin. He graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese Language Degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Wilson W. Cheung, CPA (US)
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Cheung was appointed CFO of Tessa Therapeutics in April 2022. He is responsible for overseeing the financial management, investor relations, legal and business development strategy of the company. Prior to joining Tessa, Mr. Cheung served as EVP and CFO at Apollomics Inc. from 2019 to 2022 where he led the efforts to complete a Series C round, and was CFO at KBP Biosciences Inc. in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Cheung served as SVP and CFO at SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: SCLN) where he led the sale of SciClone to a private equity firm. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Cheung worked for Velti Plc (formerly NASDAQ: VELT) as CFO where he took Velti on an IPO in the US. Prior to joining Velti Plc, Mr. Cheung served as CFO at AXT, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXTI) from 2004 to 2009.
Mr. Cheung has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, compliance and corporate leadership at both public and private companies. Mr. Cheung has been a California certified public accountant since 1994. He has also been a certified director of corporate governance from the executive program of the UCLA John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management since 2005. Mr. Cheung holds a B.A. in Economics-Business from UCLA.
Thomas Willemsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Willemsen brings over 25 years of extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets enhancing the focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines, based in Singapore.
Prior to Takeda, Thomas held the position of Vice President, Oncology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its Intercontinental & Emerging Markets business, where he was assigned to develop the business’ strategy for Asia & Emerging Markets, including Access Strategy and Commercial structure design.
Prior to that, Thomas served as Chairman and General Manager for GSK in China, and as General Manager of GSK Taiwan. He also spent 12 years with Merck KGaA in various commercial and regional roles in the Asia Pacific region, and as the Head of its German Oncology business unit.
Thomas speaks German, English and Mandarin. He graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese Language Degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Darren Carroll
Director
Darren Carroll is a Partner at Polaris Partners where he focuses on investing in therapeutics and healthcare technology companies.
Darren currently represents Polaris on the board of Noema Pharma and August Bioservices.
Prior to joining Polaris, Darren completed a 22-year career with the pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. For the past decade, Darren led Lilly’s global business development efforts, retiring in 2019 as senior vice president of corporate business development. He was responsible for all strategic transactions at Lilly, ranging from venture capital investments and acquisitions, to company formation and divestitures. During Lilly’s 145-year history, the two largest deals — the $8 billion acquisition of Loxo Oncology and the $13 billion spin-out of Elanco Animal Health — occurred during Darren’s leadership. Among the many deals Lilly completed during that time, Darren is most proud of the result that 10 new medicines became available to thousands of patients.
Earlier in Darren’s career at Lilly, he reorganized and led the company’s venture capital operations and formed the current Lilly Ventures. He also was the founder of Lilly Asia Ventures, one of the most successful life science VC funds in China. During his tenure leading Lilly’s venture activities, Darren served on the board of directors for multiple portfolio companies, including Citic Pharmaceuticals, Novast Holdings, and Hydra Biosciences (also a Polaris Partners portfolio company).
Darren was the founding CEO of InnoCentive, Inc., the first open-innovation company in the life sciences. He created the company as a Lilly subsidiary and spun it out to investors in 2005. During a “sabbatical” from Lilly, Darren led both corporate and new product development at RealMed, a healthcare transactions and technology company that is now part of Availity.
In the 1990s, Darren left private legal practice in New York and joined Lilly to head legal matters for Lilly’s global technology group, which included the pharmacy benefit manager PCS Healthcare. He later led legal matters for Lilly’s flagship medicine, Prozac.
Darren earned an AB in political science (summa cum laude), Masters in public administration, and JD in law from Syracuse University, where he held the University Fellowship, L.E.S. Fellowship, and Lehman Fellowship.
Darren Carroll
Director
Darren Carroll is a Partner at Polaris Partners where he focuses on investing in therapeutics and healthcare technology companies.
Darren currently represents Polaris on the board of Noema Pharma and August Bioservices.
Prior to joining Polaris, Darren completed a 22-year career with the pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. For the past decade, Darren led Lilly’s global business development efforts, retiring in 2019 as senior vice president of corporate business development. He was responsible for all strategic transactions at Lilly, ranging from venture capital investments and acquisitions, to company formation and divestitures. During Lilly’s 145-year history, the two largest deals — the $8 billion acquisition of Loxo Oncology and the $13 billion spin-out of Elanco Animal Health — occurred during Darren’s leadership. Among the many deals Lilly completed during that time, Darren is most proud of the result that 10 new medicines became available to thousands of patients.
Earlier in Darren’s career at Lilly, he reorganized and led the company’s venture capital operations and formed the current Lilly Ventures. He also was the founder of Lilly Asia Ventures, one of the most successful life science VC funds in China. During his tenure leading Lilly’s venture activities, Darren served on the board of directors for multiple portfolio companies, including Citic Pharmaceuticals, Novast Holdings, and Hydra Biosciences (also a Polaris Partners portfolio company).
Darren was the founding CEO of InnoCentive, Inc., the first open-innovation company in the life sciences. He created the company as a Lilly subsidiary and spun it out to investors in 2005. During a “sabbatical” from Lilly, Darren led both corporate and new product development at RealMed, a healthcare transactions and technology company that is now part of Availity.
In the 1990s, Darren left private legal practice in New York and joined Lilly to head legal matters for Lilly’s global technology group, which included the pharmacy benefit manager PCS Healthcare. He later led legal matters for Lilly’s flagship medicine, Prozac.
Darren earned an AB in political science (summa cum laude), Masters in public administration, and JD in law from Syracuse University, where he held the University Fellowship, L.E.S. Fellowship, and Lehman Fellowship.
Darren Carroll
Director
Darren Carroll is a Partner at Polaris Partners where he focuses on investing in therapeutics and healthcare technology companies.
Darren currently represents Polaris on the board of Noema Pharma and August Bioservices.
Prior to joining Polaris, Darren completed a 22-year career with the pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. For the past decade, Darren led Lilly’s global business development efforts, retiring in 2019 as senior vice president of corporate business development. He was responsible for all strategic transactions at Lilly, ranging from venture capital investments and acquisitions, to company formation and divestitures. During Lilly’s 145-year history, the two largest deals — the $8 billion acquisition of Loxo Oncology and the $13 billion spin-out of Elanco Animal Health — occurred during Darren’s leadership. Among the many deals Lilly completed during that time, Darren is most proud of the result that 10 new medicines became available to thousands of patients.
Earlier in Darren’s career at Lilly, he reorganized and led the company’s venture capital operations and formed the current Lilly Ventures. He also was the founder of Lilly Asia Ventures, one of the most successful life science VC funds in China. During his tenure leading Lilly’s venture activities, Darren served on the board of directors for multiple portfolio companies, including Citic Pharmaceuticals, Novast Holdings, and Hydra Biosciences (also a Polaris Partners portfolio company).
Darren was the founding CEO of InnoCentive, Inc., the first open-innovation company in the life sciences. He created the company as a Lilly subsidiary and spun it out to investors in 2005. During a “sabbatical” from Lilly, Darren led both corporate and new product development at RealMed, a healthcare transactions and technology company that is now part of Availity.
In the 1990s, Darren left private legal practice in New York and joined Lilly to head legal matters for Lilly’s global technology group, which included the pharmacy benefit manager PCS Healthcare. He later led legal matters for Lilly’s flagship medicine, Prozac.
Darren earned an AB in political science (summa cum laude), Masters in public administration, and JD in law from Syracuse University, where he held the University Fellowship, L.E.S. Fellowship, and Lehman Fellowship.
Dr. Gabriela Gruia
Director
Dr. Gruia is an oncologist by training with more than 25 years of oncology drug development experience across small molecules, biologics, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapy. She is currently the Founder and Independent Consultant at Gabriela Gruia Consulting LLC.
Dr. Gruia previously served as Chief Development Officer at Ichnos Sciences, where she oversaw several key functions including Regulatory Sciences, Clinical Operations, Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics and Drug Safety. Prior to Ichnos Sciences, she was Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs for Novartis Oncology, where she was responsible for leading the oncology regulatory affairs organization, and worked in close partnership with research collaborators, preclinical development, the development organization and senior management. Prior to that, she was Senior Director, Clinical Research Oncology at Pharmacia and Pfizer, where she designed and conducted Phase I through Phase III clinical trials investigating solid tumor treatments in the metastatic and adjuvant settings.
Dr. Gruia received her doctorate in medicine from Bucharest Medical School in Romania and has a Masters in Breast Pathology and Mammography from Rene Huguenin/Curie Institute Cancer Center in Paris, France. She received her training in oncology and hematology from Rene Descartes University in Paris, France.
Dr. Gabriela Gruia
Director
Dr. Gruia is an oncologist by training with more than 25 years of oncology drug development experience across small molecules, biologics, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapy. She is currently the Founder and Independent Consultant at Gabriela Gruia Consulting LLC.
Dr. Gruia previously served as Chief Development Officer at Ichnos Sciences, where she oversaw several key functions including Regulatory Sciences, Clinical Operations, Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics and Drug Safety. Prior to Ichnos Sciences, she was Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs for Novartis Oncology, where she was responsible for leading the oncology regulatory affairs organization, and worked in close partnership with research collaborators, preclinical development, the development organization and senior management. Prior to that, she was Senior Director, Clinical Research Oncology at Pharmacia and Pfizer, where she designed and conducted Phase I through Phase III clinical trials investigating solid tumor treatments in the metastatic and adjuvant settings.
Dr. Gruia received her doctorate in medicine from Bucharest Medical School in Romania and has a Masters in Breast Pathology and Mammography from Rene Huguenin/Curie Institute Cancer Center in Paris, France. She received her training in oncology and hematology from Rene Descartes University in Paris, France.
Dr. Gabriela Gruia
Director
Dr. Gruia is an oncologist by training with more than 25 years of oncology drug development experience across small molecules, biologics, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapy. She is currently the Founder and Independent Consultant at Gabriela Gruia Consulting LLC.
Dr. Gruia previously served as Chief Development Officer at Ichnos Sciences, where she oversaw several key functions including Regulatory Sciences, Clinical Operations, Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics and Drug Safety. Prior to Ichnos Sciences, she was Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs for Novartis Oncology, where she was responsible for leading the oncology regulatory affairs organization, and worked in close partnership with research collaborators, preclinical development, the development organization and senior management. Prior to that, she was Senior Director, Clinical Research Oncology at Pharmacia and Pfizer, where she designed and conducted Phase I through Phase III clinical trials investigating solid tumor treatments in the metastatic and adjuvant settings.
Dr. Gruia received her doctorate in medicine from Bucharest Medical School in Romania and has a Masters in Breast Pathology and Mammography from Rene Huguenin/Curie Institute Cancer Center in Paris, France. She received her training in oncology and hematology from Rene Descartes University in Paris, France.
Scientific Advisory Board
Malcolm K. Brenner, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor
Dr. Brenner is the Fayez Sarofim Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Founding Director of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Brenner’s expertise spans cell and gene therapy, molecular and human genetics, pediatrics, and translational biology & molecular medicine. His primary research interest is the use of gene transfer to augment the immune response to human tumors, using vaccines and adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells.
Dr. Brenner is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has earned recognition for his scientific achievements and leadership in the field. His accolades include the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGCT) Outstanding Achievement Award, Human Gene Therapy’s Pioneer Award, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Mentor Award.
Dr. Brenner is also a Former Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy (official journal of American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy), a former President of the International Society for Cellular Therapy, and a former President of the American Society of Gene Therapy. Dr. Brenner holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, an M.B. Ch.B. from Westminster Medical College, and a B.S. from the University of Cambridge.
Malcolm K. Brenner, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor
Dr. Brenner is the Fayez Sarofim Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Founding Director of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Brenner’s expertise spans cell and gene therapy, molecular and human genetics, pediatrics, and translational biology & molecular medicine. His primary research interest is the use of gene transfer to augment the immune response to human tumors, using vaccines and adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells.
Dr. Brenner is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has earned recognition for his scientific achievements and leadership in the field. His accolades include the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGCT) Outstanding Achievement Award, Human Gene Therapy’s Pioneer Award, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Mentor Award.
Dr. Brenner is also a Former Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy (official journal of American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy), a former President of the International Society for Cellular Therapy, and a former President of the American Society of Gene Therapy. Dr. Brenner holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, an M.B. Ch.B. from Westminster Medical College, and a B.S. from the University of Cambridge.
Malcolm K. Brenner, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Co-Founder & Scientific Advisor
Dr. Brenner is the Fayez Sarofim Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Founding Director of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Brenner’s expertise spans cell and gene therapy, molecular and human genetics, pediatrics, and translational biology & molecular medicine. His primary research interest is the use of gene transfer to augment the immune response to human tumors, using vaccines and adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells.
Dr. Brenner is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has earned recognition for his scientific achievements and leadership in the field. His accolades include the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGCT) Outstanding Achievement Award, Human Gene Therapy’s Pioneer Award, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Mentor Award.
Dr. Brenner is also a Former Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy (official journal of American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy), a former President of the International Society for Cellular Therapy, and a former President of the American Society of Gene Therapy. Dr. Brenner holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, an M.B. Ch.B. from Westminster Medical College, and a B.S. from the University of Cambridge.
Giulio F. Draetta, M.D., Ph.D.
Head of Scientific Advisory Board
Giulio Draetta is Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Draetta also co-leads the MD Anderson Moon Shots program, which pursues innovative projects to significantly reduce cancer deaths and transform cancer care.
Dr. Draetta has spent three decades in oncology research and drug discovery, during which he has held senior positions in both academic institutions and the biopharmaceutical industry. Before joining MD Anderson, Dr. Draetta served as Chief Research Business Development Officer and Deputy Director of the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He also co-founded several biotechnology companies and was a senior R&D executive with Pharmacia and Merck Research Laboratories.
Dr. Draetta earned his medical and graduate degrees from the University of Naples Medical School in Italy.
Giulio F. Draetta, M.D., Ph.D.
Head of Scientific Advisory Board
Giulio Draetta is Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Draetta also co-leads the MD Anderson Moon Shots program, which pursues innovative projects to significantly reduce cancer deaths and transform cancer care.
Dr. Draetta has spent three decades in oncology research and drug discovery, during which he has held senior positions in both academic institutions and the biopharmaceutical industry. Before joining MD Anderson, Dr. Draetta served as Chief Research Business Development Officer and Deputy Director of the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He also co-founded several biotechnology companies and was a senior R&D executive with Pharmacia and Merck Research Laboratories.
Dr. Draetta earned his medical and graduate degrees from the University of Naples Medical School in Italy.
Giulio F. Draetta, M.D., Ph.D.
Head of Scientific Advisory Board
Giulio Draetta is Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Draetta also co-leads the MD Anderson Moon Shots program, which pursues innovative projects to significantly reduce cancer deaths and transform cancer care.
Dr. Draetta has spent three decades in oncology research and drug discovery, during which he has held senior positions in both academic institutions and the biopharmaceutical industry. Before joining MD Anderson, Dr. Draetta served as Chief Research Business Development Officer and Deputy Director of the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He also co-founded several biotechnology companies and was a senior R&D executive with Pharmacia and Merck Research Laboratories.
Dr. Draetta earned his medical and graduate degrees from the University of Naples Medical School in Italy.
Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Rafi Ahmed is Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of Emory Vaccine Center.
A member of the National Academy of Science, Dr. Ahmed is a world-renowned immunologist whose work during the past decade has been highly influential in shaping current understanding of memory T cell differentiation and anti-viral T and B cell immunity. His findings are being applied to research into therapies for the treatment of cancer and the prevention of organ rejection.
Dr. Ahmed is a Georgia Research Alliance Eminant Scholar. He completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Immunology at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Osmania University, India, and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Rafi Ahmed is Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of Emory Vaccine Center.
A member of the National Academy of Science, Dr. Ahmed is a world-renowned immunologist whose work during the past decade has been highly influential in shaping current understanding of memory T cell differentiation and anti-viral T and B cell immunity. His findings are being applied to research into therapies for the treatment of cancer and the prevention of organ rejection.
Dr. Ahmed is a Georgia Research Alliance Eminant Scholar. He completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Immunology at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Osmania University, India, and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Rafi Ahmed is Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of Emory Vaccine Center.
A member of the National Academy of Science, Dr. Ahmed is a world-renowned immunologist whose work during the past decade has been highly influential in shaping current understanding of memory T cell differentiation and anti-viral T and B cell immunity. His findings are being applied to research into therapies for the treatment of cancer and the prevention of organ rejection.
Dr. Ahmed is a Georgia Research Alliance Eminant Scholar. He completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Immunology at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Osmania University, India, and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Tak W. Mak, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Tak Mak is the Director of the Campbell Family Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a University Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mak is best known as the lead scientist of the group that first cloned the genes encoding the human T cell antigen receptor, a discovery that provided essential insights into the molecular basis of cellular immunity. In addition, his group was also the first to define the functions of CTLA-4. Dr. Mak’s current research is focused on immune system cell functions and regulation, and the role of inflammation in the progression of autoimmune diseases and cancer. He is particularly interested in the molecular pathways underlying the survival, proliferation and death of normal and malignant cells. Currently, he is investigating the mechanisms of metabolic transformation used by cancer cells to fuel their uncontrolled growth, with the goal of identifying potential targets for novel cancer therapeutics. Dr. Tak Mak is a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (UK).
Tak W. Mak, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Tak Mak is the Director of the Campbell Family Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a University Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mak is best known as the lead scientist of the group that first cloned the genes encoding the human T cell antigen receptor, a discovery that provided essential insights into the molecular basis of cellular immunity. In addition, his group was also the first to define the functions of CTLA-4. Dr. Mak’s current research is focused on immune system cell functions and regulation, and the role of inflammation in the progression of autoimmune diseases and cancer. He is particularly interested in the molecular pathways underlying the survival, proliferation and death of normal and malignant cells. Currently, he is investigating the mechanisms of metabolic transformation used by cancer cells to fuel their uncontrolled growth, with the goal of identifying potential targets for novel cancer therapeutics. Dr. Tak Mak is a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (UK).
Tak W. Mak, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Tak Mak is the Director of the Campbell Family Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a University Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mak is best known as the lead scientist of the group that first cloned the genes encoding the human T cell antigen receptor, a discovery that provided essential insights into the molecular basis of cellular immunity. In addition, his group was also the first to define the functions of CTLA-4. Dr. Mak’s current research is focused on immune system cell functions and regulation, and the role of inflammation in the progression of autoimmune diseases and cancer. He is particularly interested in the molecular pathways underlying the survival, proliferation and death of normal and malignant cells. Currently, he is investigating the mechanisms of metabolic transformation used by cancer cells to fuel their uncontrolled growth, with the goal of identifying potential targets for novel cancer therapeutics. Dr. Tak Mak is a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (UK).
Waseem Qasim, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Waseem Qasim is Professor of Cell and Gene therapy at the University College London Institute of Child Health. He is also a consultant in immunology at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professor. He trained in Immunology and Paediatric Medicine, and completed his Ph.D. at University College London.
Professor Qasim is researching blood and marrow stem cell transplantation and the application of engineered cell therapies, and heads a research group developing genetic therapies, from basic laboratory development to first-in-human trials. His group has a strong focus on lentiviral technology and gene-editing tools including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas reagents for novel therapeutic applications.
Waseem Qasim, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Waseem Qasim is Professor of Cell and Gene therapy at the University College London Institute of Child Health. He is also a consultant in immunology at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professor. He trained in Immunology and Paediatric Medicine, and completed his Ph.D. at University College London.
Professor Qasim is researching blood and marrow stem cell transplantation and the application of engineered cell therapies, and heads a research group developing genetic therapies, from basic laboratory development to first-in-human trials. His group has a strong focus on lentiviral technology and gene-editing tools including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas reagents for novel therapeutic applications.
Waseem Qasim, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Waseem Qasim is Professor of Cell and Gene therapy at the University College London Institute of Child Health. He is also a consultant in immunology at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professor. He trained in Immunology and Paediatric Medicine, and completed his Ph.D. at University College London.
Professor Qasim is researching blood and marrow stem cell transplantation and the application of engineered cell therapies, and heads a research group developing genetic therapies, from basic laboratory development to first-in-human trials. His group has a strong focus on lentiviral technology and gene-editing tools including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas reagents for novel therapeutic applications.
Pamela Ohashi, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Ohashi received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto with Dr. Tak Mak, and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Zinkernagel, and Dr. Hans Hengartner. She is the Co-Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. She is also Director of the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Her interests include understanding CD8+ T cell biology and mechanisms that regulate anti-tumor immunity.
Dr. Ohashi has received a number of prestigious awards and honors including the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Pharmingen Investigator Award, the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s William E. Rawls Award, the Canadian Society of Immunology’s Investigator Award and Cinader Award as well as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. She recently received the Canadian Cancer Society’s Robert L. Noble Prize. She served as Chair of the Cancer Immunotherapy Steering Committee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Canada. She currently is a member of the Executive Council for the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).
Pamela Ohashi, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Ohashi received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto with Dr. Tak Mak, and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Zinkernagel, and Dr. Hans Hengartner. She is the Co-Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. She is also Director of the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Her interests include understanding CD8+ T cell biology and mechanisms that regulate anti-tumor immunity.
Dr. Ohashi has received a number of prestigious awards and honors including the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Pharmingen Investigator Award, the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s William E. Rawls Award, the Canadian Society of Immunology’s Investigator Award and Cinader Award as well as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. She recently received the Canadian Cancer Society’s Robert L. Noble Prize. She served as Chair of the Cancer Immunotherapy Steering Committee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Canada. She currently is a member of the Executive Council for the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).
Pamela Ohashi, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Ohashi received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto with Dr. Tak Mak, and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Zurich with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Zinkernagel, and Dr. Hans Hengartner. She is the Co-Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Professor in the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Immunology at the University of Toronto. She is also Director of the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Her interests include understanding CD8+ T cell biology and mechanisms that regulate anti-tumor immunity.
Dr. Ohashi has received a number of prestigious awards and honors including the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Pharmingen Investigator Award, the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s William E. Rawls Award, the Canadian Society of Immunology’s Investigator Award and Cinader Award as well as a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. She recently received the Canadian Cancer Society’s Robert L. Noble Prize. She served as Chair of the Cancer Immunotherapy Steering Committee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Canada. She currently is a member of the Executive Council for the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).
Lillian L. Siu, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Lillian Siu is a senior medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Siu is the Director of the Phase I Program and Co‐Director of both the Bras and Family Drug Development Program and the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu’s major research focus is in the area of new anti-cancer drug development, particularly with respect to Phase I trials and head and neck malignancies. She is the Principal Investigator of a Phase I cooperative agreement UM1 award (2014-2020) sponsored by the United States National Cancer Institute. In addition to her active research in early phase clinical trials, she has been leading genomics initiatives and immuno-oncology trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu was the recipient of the US NCI Michaele C. Christian Award in Oncology Drug Development in 2010 and has served on various committees of highly-recognized international oncology societies. Dr. Siu currently serves on the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Board of Directors. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and as a member of AACR’s Nomination Committee.
Lillian L. Siu, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Lillian Siu is a senior medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Siu is the Director of the Phase I Program and Co‐Director of both the Bras and Family Drug Development Program and the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu’s major research focus is in the area of new anti-cancer drug development, particularly with respect to Phase I trials and head and neck malignancies. She is the Principal Investigator of a Phase I cooperative agreement UM1 award (2014-2020) sponsored by the United States National Cancer Institute. In addition to her active research in early phase clinical trials, she has been leading genomics initiatives and immuno-oncology trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu was the recipient of the US NCI Michaele C. Christian Award in Oncology Drug Development in 2010 and has served on various committees of highly-recognized international oncology societies. Dr. Siu currently serves on the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Board of Directors. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and as a member of AACR’s Nomination Committee.
Lillian L. Siu, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Lillian Siu is a senior medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Siu is the Director of the Phase I Program and Co‐Director of both the Bras and Family Drug Development Program and the Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu’s major research focus is in the area of new anti-cancer drug development, particularly with respect to Phase I trials and head and neck malignancies. She is the Principal Investigator of a Phase I cooperative agreement UM1 award (2014-2020) sponsored by the United States National Cancer Institute. In addition to her active research in early phase clinical trials, she has been leading genomics initiatives and immuno-oncology trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Dr. Siu was the recipient of the US NCI Michaele C. Christian Award in Oncology Drug Development in 2010 and has served on various committees of highly-recognized international oncology societies. Dr. Siu currently serves on the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Board of Directors. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and as a member of AACR’s Nomination Committee.
Dmitriy Zamarin, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and specializes in the care of women with gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Dr. Zamarin is currently a principal investigator and a translational chair on multiple institutional and national clinical trials exploring novel immunotherapy combinations in gynecologic cancers and other solid tumors. Dr. Zamarin’s clinical and laboratory research is focused on the development of new ways to use the immune system to treat cancer. He is particularly interested in genetically engineered oncolytic viruses, an emerging class of immune therapeutic drugs that have shown significant clinical promise in the recent years. By manipulating the oncolytic viruses and the immune system, Dr. Zamarin is exploring different ways to enhance the immune recognition of tumors and to develop novel treatment strategies that would be applicable to different cancer types.
Dr. Zamarin has received various awards for his work, including the 2014 Bladder Cancer Awareness Network Young Investigator Award, 2013 Conquer Cancer Foundation ASCO Young Investigator Award, the Damon Runyon Foundation Fellowship Award as well as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Liz Tilberis Early Career Award in 2017.
Dr. Zamarin received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.
Dmitriy Zamarin, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and specializes in the care of women with gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Dr. Zamarin is currently a principal investigator and a translational chair on multiple institutional and national clinical trials exploring novel immunotherapy combinations in gynecologic cancers and other solid tumors. Dr. Zamarin’s clinical and laboratory research is focused on the development of new ways to use the immune system to treat cancer. He is particularly interested in genetically engineered oncolytic viruses, an emerging class of immune therapeutic drugs that have shown significant clinical promise in the recent years. By manipulating the oncolytic viruses and the immune system, Dr. Zamarin is exploring different ways to enhance the immune recognition of tumors and to develop novel treatment strategies that would be applicable to different cancer types.
Dr. Zamarin has received various awards for his work, including the 2014 Bladder Cancer Awareness Network Young Investigator Award, 2013 Conquer Cancer Foundation ASCO Young Investigator Award, the Damon Runyon Foundation Fellowship Award as well as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Liz Tilberis Early Career Award in 2017.
Dr. Zamarin received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.
Dmitriy Zamarin, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and specializes in the care of women with gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Dr. Zamarin is currently a principal investigator and a translational chair on multiple institutional and national clinical trials exploring novel immunotherapy combinations in gynecologic cancers and other solid tumors. Dr. Zamarin’s clinical and laboratory research is focused on the development of new ways to use the immune system to treat cancer. He is particularly interested in genetically engineered oncolytic viruses, an emerging class of immune therapeutic drugs that have shown significant clinical promise in the recent years. By manipulating the oncolytic viruses and the immune system, Dr. Zamarin is exploring different ways to enhance the immune recognition of tumors and to develop novel treatment strategies that would be applicable to different cancer types.
Dr. Zamarin has received various awards for his work, including the 2014 Bladder Cancer Awareness Network Young Investigator Award, 2013 Conquer Cancer Foundation ASCO Young Investigator Award, the Damon Runyon Foundation Fellowship Award as well as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Liz Tilberis Early Career Award in 2017.
Dr. Zamarin received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.
Anthony Chan Tak Cheung, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Anthony Chan is Li Shu Fan Professor of Clinical Oncology; Director of the Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Hong Kong Cancer Institute; Chief Director of Phase I Clinical Trial Centre and Associate Dean (External Affairs) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Professor Chan has conducted pivotal studies setting new treatment standards in multimodality approaches in nasopharynx cancer, developed the clinical application of the biomarker EBV DNA and pioneered immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutics in this disease. He has published over 260 peer-reviewed papers, 49 book chapters and reviews, and delivered over 150 international lectures. He has also served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Clinical Oncology and is currently Associate Editor of Annals of Oncology.
Professor Chan obtained his MBBS in University College Hospital and Middlesex Joint School of Medicine in London and completed his postgraduate training in the U.K. at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Anthony Chan Tak Cheung, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Anthony Chan is Li Shu Fan Professor of Clinical Oncology; Director of the Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Hong Kong Cancer Institute; Chief Director of Phase I Clinical Trial Centre and Associate Dean (External Affairs) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Professor Chan has conducted pivotal studies setting new treatment standards in multimodality approaches in nasopharynx cancer, developed the clinical application of the biomarker EBV DNA and pioneered immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutics in this disease. He has published over 260 peer-reviewed papers, 49 book chapters and reviews, and delivered over 150 international lectures. He has also served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Clinical Oncology and is currently Associate Editor of Annals of Oncology.
Professor Chan obtained his MBBS in University College Hospital and Middlesex Joint School of Medicine in London and completed his postgraduate training in the U.K. at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Anthony Chan Tak Cheung, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Professor Anthony Chan is Li Shu Fan Professor of Clinical Oncology; Director of the Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Hong Kong Cancer Institute; Chief Director of Phase I Clinical Trial Centre and Associate Dean (External Affairs) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Professor Chan has conducted pivotal studies setting new treatment standards in multimodality approaches in nasopharynx cancer, developed the clinical application of the biomarker EBV DNA and pioneered immunotherapeutic and targeted therapeutics in this disease. He has published over 260 peer-reviewed papers, 49 book chapters and reviews, and delivered over 150 international lectures. He has also served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Clinical Oncology and is currently Associate Editor of Annals of Oncology.
Professor Chan obtained his MBBS in University College Hospital and Middlesex Joint School of Medicine in London and completed his postgraduate training in the U.K. at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Mario Sznol, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Mario Sznol is a Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, Co-Director of the Cancer Immunology Program at Yale Cancer Center, and Leader of the Disease-Related Translational Program in Melanoma.
Dr. Sznol has an international reputation in cancer drug development with expertise in cancer immunotherapy and the treatment of patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. He is currently an investigator in several clinical trials at the Yale Cancer Center, including those focusing on immunotherapy and novel agents.
Dr. Sznol was previously Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Executive Officer at Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Prior to joining Vion Pharmaceuticals, he worked for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an institute of the National Institutes of Health, and served as Head of the Biologics Evaluation Section, Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program from 1994 to 1999. From March 1997 to October 1998, he served as an Acting Chief of NCI’s Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program.
Dr. Sznol received his BA from Rice University and an M.D. from the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), completed the internal medicine residency program at BCM and a medical oncology fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC.
Mario Sznol, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Mario Sznol is a Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, Co-Director of the Cancer Immunology Program at Yale Cancer Center, and Leader of the Disease-Related Translational Program in Melanoma.
Dr. Sznol has an international reputation in cancer drug development with expertise in cancer immunotherapy and the treatment of patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. He is currently an investigator in several clinical trials at the Yale Cancer Center, including those focusing on immunotherapy and novel agents.
Dr. Sznol was previously Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Executive Officer at Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Prior to joining Vion Pharmaceuticals, he worked for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an institute of the National Institutes of Health, and served as Head of the Biologics Evaluation Section, Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program from 1994 to 1999. From March 1997 to October 1998, he served as an Acting Chief of NCI’s Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program.
Dr. Sznol received his BA from Rice University and an M.D. from the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), completed the internal medicine residency program at BCM and a medical oncology fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC.
Mario Sznol, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Mario Sznol is a Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, Co-Director of the Cancer Immunology Program at Yale Cancer Center, and Leader of the Disease-Related Translational Program in Melanoma.
Dr. Sznol has an international reputation in cancer drug development with expertise in cancer immunotherapy and the treatment of patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. He is currently an investigator in several clinical trials at the Yale Cancer Center, including those focusing on immunotherapy and novel agents.
Dr. Sznol was previously Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Executive Officer at Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Prior to joining Vion Pharmaceuticals, he worked for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an institute of the National Institutes of Health, and served as Head of the Biologics Evaluation Section, Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program from 1994 to 1999. From March 1997 to October 1998, he served as an Acting Chief of NCI’s Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program.
Dr. Sznol received his BA from Rice University and an M.D. from the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), completed the internal medicine residency program at BCM and a medical oncology fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC.
Josep Tabernero, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr Josep Tabernero is Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, and Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
He also co-directs the VHIO’s Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumours Group and the Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) and is Principal Investigator of several Phase I pharmacodynamic studies and translational projects with molecular targeted therapies, as well as phase II and III studies with novel chemotherapeutics.
Dr. Tabernero is currently President (2018 – 2019) of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and an Executive Board and Council Member. He is also member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and has been appointed as member of several Educational and Scientific Committees of ESMO, ASCO, AACR, AACR/NCI/EORTC, ASCO Gastrointestinal, and ESMO-GI/WCGIC meetings.
Dr. Tabernero holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Josep Tabernero, M.D., Ph.D
Scientific Advisor
Dr Josep Tabernero is Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, and Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
He also co-directs the VHIO’s Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumours Group and the Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) and is Principal Investigator of several Phase I pharmacodynamic studies and translational projects with molecular targeted therapies, as well as phase II and III studies with novel chemotherapeutics.
Dr. Tabernero is currently President (2018 – 2019) of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and an Executive Board and Council Member. He is also member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and has been appointed as member of several Educational and Scientific Committees of ESMO, ASCO, AACR, AACR/NCI/EORTC, ASCO Gastrointestinal, and ESMO-GI/WCGIC meetings.
Dr. Tabernero holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Josep Tabernero, M.D., Ph.D
Scientific Advisor
Dr Josep Tabernero is Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, and Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
He also co-directs the VHIO’s Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumours Group and the Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) and is Principal Investigator of several Phase I pharmacodynamic studies and translational projects with molecular targeted therapies, as well as phase II and III studies with novel chemotherapeutics.
Dr. Tabernero is currently President (2018 – 2019) of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and an Executive Board and Council Member. He is also member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and has been appointed as member of several Educational and Scientific Committees of ESMO, ASCO, AACR, AACR/NCI/EORTC, ASCO Gastrointestinal, and ESMO-GI/WCGIC meetings.
Dr. Tabernero holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Louis M. Weiner, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Louis Weiner is Director of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds the Francis L. and Charlotte G. Gragnani Chair and is Professor of oncology and Chair of the Department of Oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Weiner also serves as Director of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, a cancer service line serving patients in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas.
Dr. Weiner previously served as Chairman of the Medical Oncology Department and Vice President for Translational Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and also served as Professor in the Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. He is known for his laboratory and clinical research focusing on new therapeutic approaches that mobilize the patient’s immune system to fight cancer using monoclonal antibodies and other modalities of therapy. His current research focuses on identifying and therapeutically exploiting mechanisms employed by malignant cells to combat immune destruction.
Dr. Weiner is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and founded the AACR Cancer Immunology Working Group. He has served as chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Board of Scientific Counselors for Clinical Sciences and Epidemiology and as a member of the NCI Clinical Trials Advisory Committee (CTAC). He also served on the NCI’s blue ribbon panel working group on immunotherapy for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Research (CSR), which administers NIH research grants. He is recipient of the 2019 AACR Distinguished Public Service Award.
Dr. Weiner earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Louis M. Weiner, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Louis Weiner is Director of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds the Francis L. and Charlotte G. Gragnani Chair and is Professor of oncology and Chair of the Department of Oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Weiner also serves as Director of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, a cancer service line serving patients in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas.
Dr. Weiner previously served as Chairman of the Medical Oncology Department and Vice President for Translational Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and also served as Professor in the Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. He is known for his laboratory and clinical research focusing on new therapeutic approaches that mobilize the patient’s immune system to fight cancer using monoclonal antibodies and other modalities of therapy. His current research focuses on identifying and therapeutically exploiting mechanisms employed by malignant cells to combat immune destruction.
Dr. Weiner is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and founded the AACR Cancer Immunology Working Group. He has served as chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Board of Scientific Counselors for Clinical Sciences and Epidemiology and as a member of the NCI Clinical Trials Advisory Committee (CTAC). He also served on the NCI’s blue ribbon panel working group on immunotherapy for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Research (CSR), which administers NIH research grants. He is recipient of the 2019 AACR Distinguished Public Service Award.
Dr. Weiner earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Louis M. Weiner, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Louis Weiner is Director of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds the Francis L. and Charlotte G. Gragnani Chair and is Professor of oncology and Chair of the Department of Oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Weiner also serves as Director of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, a cancer service line serving patients in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas.
Dr. Weiner previously served as Chairman of the Medical Oncology Department and Vice President for Translational Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and also served as Professor in the Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. He is known for his laboratory and clinical research focusing on new therapeutic approaches that mobilize the patient’s immune system to fight cancer using monoclonal antibodies and other modalities of therapy. His current research focuses on identifying and therapeutically exploiting mechanisms employed by malignant cells to combat immune destruction.
Dr. Weiner is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and founded the AACR Cancer Immunology Working Group. He has served as chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Board of Scientific Counselors for Clinical Sciences and Epidemiology and as a member of the NCI Clinical Trials Advisory Committee (CTAC). He also served on the NCI’s blue ribbon panel working group on immunotherapy for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Research (CSR), which administers NIH research grants. He is recipient of the 2019 AACR Distinguished Public Service Award.
Dr. Weiner earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
Ivan D. Horak, M.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Horak brings more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, predominantly focused on oncology drug development, and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Prior to joining Tessa, Dr. Horak was Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Symphogen, a clinical-stage antibody company, and President of R&D at Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Horak has also held a number of senior research leadership positions in various pharmaceutical companies as well as at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During his career, Dr. Horak advanced multiple oncology treatments into the clinic, and successfully led a number of FDA new drug applications.
Roch Houot, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr Houot is a Professor of Hematology at the University Hospital of Rennes, France, and the Head of the Hematology Department. Dr Houot obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Lyon (France) and a Ph.D. from the University of Rennes (France) on immunostimulatory antibodies in lymphoma.
Dr Houot’s main research interests include novel drug development and immunotherapy for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T-cells. He was the principal investigator of several clinical trials (GALEN, VISMOLY, and ITSELF), including the first French academic trial for CAR-T cells, ALYCANTE. He also acted as the national coordinator for the CAR T-cell trials ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-2.
Dr Houot is a board member of the scientific committee for the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA), member of the Committee on Translational Research (Early drug development) of the LYSA, and member of the EHA-SWG on Immunotherapy. He has been an associate editor (Hemato-oncology) for the European Journal of Cancer since 2015, and the co-founder and secretary of the French Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (FITC).
Roch Houot, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr Houot is a Professor of Hematology at the University Hospital of Rennes, France, and the Head of the Hematology Department. Dr Houot obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Lyon (France) and a Ph.D. from the University of Rennes (France) on immunostimulatory antibodies in lymphoma.
Dr Houot’s main research interests include novel drug development and immunotherapy for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T-cells. He was the principal investigator of several clinical trials (GALEN, VISMOLY, and ITSELF), including the first French academic trial for CAR-T cells, ALYCANTE. He also acted as the national coordinator for the CAR T-cell trials ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-2.
Dr Houot is a board member of the scientific committee for the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA), member of the Committee on Translational Research (Early drug development) of the LYSA, and member of the EHA-SWG on Immunotherapy. He has been an associate editor (Hemato-oncology) for the European Journal of Cancer since 2015, and the co-founder and secretary of the French Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (FITC).
Roch Houot, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor
Dr Houot is a Professor of Hematology at the University Hospital of Rennes, France, and the Head of the Hematology Department. Dr Houot obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Lyon (France) and a Ph.D. from the University of Rennes (France) on immunostimulatory antibodies in lymphoma.
Dr Houot’s main research interests include novel drug development and immunotherapy for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T-cells. He was the principal investigator of several clinical trials (GALEN, VISMOLY, and ITSELF), including the first French academic trial for CAR-T cells, ALYCANTE. He also acted as the national coordinator for the CAR T-cell trials ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-2.
Dr Houot is a board member of the scientific committee for the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA), member of the Committee on Translational Research (Early drug development) of the LYSA, and member of the EHA-SWG on Immunotherapy. He has been an associate editor (Hemato-oncology) for the European Journal of Cancer since 2015, and the co-founder and secretary of the French Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (FITC).
Cell Manufacturing Advisory Board
Marc D. Better, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Better is a biotechnology professional with more than 25 years’ experience in cell therapy and biologics CMC. He is currently a Principal Consultant at Pharmafex Consulting, CMC Advisory Board Member at Nutcracker Therapeutics and core team member at Cell One Partners.
Previously, Dr. Better was Senior Vice President, Product Sciences at Kite, a Gilead Company, where he led process and analytical development, process characterization and process validation activities leading to the successful US licensure of Yescarta, a first in class anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy. Dr. Better joined Kite in Jan 2013 where he brought experience in biologics CMC; upstream, downstream, analytical and drug product development; GMP manufacturing; commercial manufacturing support; technology transfer; contract manufacturing; and regulatory interactions. He is also experienced authoring and reviewing regulatory documents for global submission, and working with regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, Japan and China. His expertise also includes working with CMOs as a customer and as a provider.
Prior to joining Kite, Dr. Better was Executive Director, Process Science at Boehringer Ingelheim, Executive Director, Process Development at Amgen and in key leadership roles at both Abgenix and XOMA. Dr. Better received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University and holds a B.S in Microbiology from Michigan State University.
Marc D. Better, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Better is a biotechnology professional with more than 25 years’ experience in cell therapy and biologics CMC. He is currently a Principal Consultant at Pharmafex Consulting, CMC Advisory Board Member at Nutcracker Therapeutics and core team member at Cell One Partners.
Previously, Dr. Better was Senior Vice President, Product Sciences at Kite, a Gilead Company, where he led process and analytical development, process characterization and process validation activities leading to the successful US licensure of Yescarta, a first in class anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy. Dr. Better joined Kite in Jan 2013 where he brought experience in biologics CMC; upstream, downstream, analytical and drug product development; GMP manufacturing; commercial manufacturing support; technology transfer; contract manufacturing; and regulatory interactions. He is also experienced authoring and reviewing regulatory documents for global submission, and working with regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, Japan and China. His expertise also includes working with CMOs as a customer and as a provider.
Prior to joining Kite, Dr. Better was Executive Director, Process Science at Boehringer Ingelheim, Executive Director, Process Development at Amgen and in key leadership roles at both Abgenix and XOMA. Dr. Better received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University and holds a B.S in Microbiology from Michigan State University.
Marc D. Better, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Better is a biotechnology professional with more than 25 years’ experience in cell therapy and biologics CMC. He is currently a Principal Consultant at Pharmafex Consulting, CMC Advisory Board Member at Nutcracker Therapeutics and core team member at Cell One Partners.
Previously, Dr. Better was Senior Vice President, Product Sciences at Kite, a Gilead Company, where he led process and analytical development, process characterization and process validation activities leading to the successful US licensure of Yescarta, a first in class anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy. Dr. Better joined Kite in Jan 2013 where he brought experience in biologics CMC; upstream, downstream, analytical and drug product development; GMP manufacturing; commercial manufacturing support; technology transfer; contract manufacturing; and regulatory interactions. He is also experienced authoring and reviewing regulatory documents for global submission, and working with regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, Japan and China. His expertise also includes working with CMOs as a customer and as a provider.
Prior to joining Kite, Dr. Better was Executive Director, Process Science at Boehringer Ingelheim, Executive Director, Process Development at Amgen and in key leadership roles at both Abgenix and XOMA. Dr. Better received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University and holds a B.S in Microbiology from Michigan State University.
Cliona M. Rooney, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Rooney is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Pathology and Director of Translational Research Laboratories of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Rooney is a renowned virologist and immunologist who, in collaboration with Drs. Heslop and Brenner, was the first to demonstrate that antigen-specific T cells generated in the laboratory could prevent and cure viral-associated malignancies in humans following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She has been key in extending this successful strategy to develop and clinically test a range of post-transplant viral infections and diseases.
Dr. Rooney has published over 200 peer reviewed articles on immunotherapies for virus and non-virus-associated malignancies and diseases. She serves on the Editorial Boards for several scientific journals, including Molecular Therapy, Cytotherapy, Molecular and Cellular Therapies.
Dr. Rooney is a founder member and scientific advisory board member of Marker Therapeutics, a founder member of Allovir, and a co-founder of ViraCyte, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Cambridge and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of East Anglia in England.
Cliona M. Rooney, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Rooney is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Pathology and Director of Translational Research Laboratories of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Rooney is a renowned virologist and immunologist who, in collaboration with Drs. Heslop and Brenner, was the first to demonstrate that antigen-specific T cells generated in the laboratory could prevent and cure viral-associated malignancies in humans following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She has been key in extending this successful strategy to develop and clinically test a range of post-transplant viral infections and diseases.
Dr. Rooney has published over 200 peer reviewed articles on immunotherapies for virus and non-virus-associated malignancies and diseases. She serves on the Editorial Boards for several scientific journals, including Molecular Therapy, Cytotherapy, Molecular and Cellular Therapies.
Dr. Rooney is a founder member and scientific advisory board member of Marker Therapeutics, a founder member of Allovir, and a co-founder of ViraCyte, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Cambridge and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of East Anglia in England.
Cliona M. Rooney, Ph.D.
Cell Manufacturing Advisor
Dr. Rooney is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Pathology and Director of Translational Research Laboratories of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Rooney is a renowned virologist and immunologist who, in collaboration with Drs. Heslop and Brenner, was the first to demonstrate that antigen-specific T cells generated in the laboratory could prevent and cure viral-associated malignancies in humans following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She has been key in extending this successful strategy to develop and clinically test a range of post-transplant viral infections and diseases.
Dr. Rooney has published over 200 peer reviewed articles on immunotherapies for virus and non-virus-associated malignancies and diseases. She serves on the Editorial Boards for several scientific journals, including Molecular Therapy, Cytotherapy, Molecular and Cellular Therapies.
Dr. Rooney is a founder member and scientific advisory board member of Marker Therapeutics, a founder member of Allovir, and a co-founder of ViraCyte, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Cambridge and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of East Anglia in England.
Strategic Partners
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine (Baylor) has a heritage of more than a century of biomedical research. It is a leading global institution with initiatives that bring basic science, translational, and clinical researchers together across disciplines and specialties to discover fundamental insights into human health and disease.
Founded by Dr Malcolm Brenner, The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) at Baylor interacts with basic research and clinical departments at Baylor College of Medicine and affiliated hospitals to discover and develop novel therapies for a range of diseases including cancer, HIV and cardiovascular diseases.
Baylor is a key strategic partner for Tessa. Tessa is collaborating with Baylor on multiple fronts, including on our TT11 cHL Pivotal trial, early phase trials testing new therapies and co-development of novel allogeneic platform.
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine (Baylor) has a heritage of more than a century of biomedical research. It is a leading global institution with initiatives that bring basic science, translational, and clinical researchers together across disciplines and specialties to discover fundamental insights into human health and disease.
Founded by Dr Malcolm Brenner, The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) at Baylor interacts with basic research and clinical departments at Baylor College of Medicine and affiliated hospitals to discover and develop novel therapies for a range of diseases including cancer, HIV and cardiovascular diseases.
Baylor is a key strategic partner for Tessa. Tessa is collaborating with Baylor on multiple fronts, including on our TT11 cHL Pivotal trial, early phase trials testing new therapies and co-development of novel allogeneic platform.
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine (Baylor) has a heritage of more than a century of biomedical research. It is a leading global institution with initiatives that bring basic science, translational, and clinical researchers together across disciplines and specialties to discover fundamental insights into human health and disease.
Founded by Dr Malcolm Brenner, The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) at Baylor interacts with basic research and clinical departments at Baylor College of Medicine and affiliated hospitals to discover and develop novel therapies for a range of diseases including cancer, HIV and cardiovascular diseases.
Baylor is a key strategic partner for Tessa. Tessa is collaborating with Baylor on multiple fronts, including on our TT11 cHL Pivotal trial, early phase trials testing new therapies and co-development of novel allogeneic platform.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger is one of the select academic centers in the United States with the scientific, technical and clinical capabilities to identify novel tumor targets and develop innovative CAR-T immunotherapy for patients. In 2015, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center recruited Gianpietro Dotti, MD and Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, in its pursuit of harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer. The two investigators bring more than a decade of experience in the use of T cell therapy for the treatment of cancer patients – with a particular focus on the design and implementation of CAR-T cells.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger is one of the select academic centers in the United States with the scientific, technical and clinical capabilities to identify novel tumor targets and develop innovative CAR-T immunotherapy for patients. In 2015, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center recruited Gianpietro Dotti, MD and Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, in its pursuit of harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer. The two investigators bring more than a decade of experience in the use of T cell therapy for the treatment of cancer patients – with a particular focus on the design and implementation of CAR-T cells.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger is one of the select academic centers in the United States with the scientific, technical and clinical capabilities to identify novel tumor targets and develop innovative CAR-T immunotherapy for patients. In 2015, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center recruited Gianpietro Dotti, MD and Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, in its pursuit of harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer. The two investigators bring more than a decade of experience in the use of T cell therapy for the treatment of cancer patients – with a particular focus on the design and implementation of CAR-T cells.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research (St Jude) Hospital leads the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, by advancing cures, and means of prevention for paediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
The goal of the partnership is to explore a new approach to cellular immunotherapy by targeting multiple tumor antigens with CARs using Tessa’s VST platform.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research (St Jude) Hospital leads the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, by advancing cures, and means of prevention for paediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
The goal of the partnership is to explore a new approach to cellular immunotherapy by targeting multiple tumor antigens with CARs using Tessa’s VST platform.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research (St Jude) Hospital leads the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, by advancing cures, and means of prevention for paediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
The goal of the partnership is to explore a new approach to cellular immunotherapy by targeting multiple tumor antigens with CARs using Tessa’s VST platform.
National Cancer Centre Singapore
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a national and regional center of excellence in research, education and clinical services, and patient care.
It is the base for the largest number of oncologists, researchers, and clinician-scientists in Singapore, with research widely recognized by the international medical community. The community of onsite research staff work to resolve clinically relevant questions to cancer in Singapore and other countries in the region.
National Cancer Centre Singapore
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a national and regional center of excellence in research, education and clinical services, and patient care.
It is the base for the largest number of oncologists, researchers, and clinician-scientists in Singapore, with research widely recognized by the international medical community. The community of onsite research staff work to resolve clinically relevant questions to cancer in Singapore and other countries in the region.
National Cancer Centre Singapore
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a national and regional center of excellence in research, education and clinical services, and patient care.
It is the base for the largest number of oncologists, researchers, and clinician-scientists in Singapore, with research widely recognized by the international medical community. The community of onsite research staff work to resolve clinically relevant questions to cancer in Singapore and other countries in the region.
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry, and its research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) is one of the foundational Research Institutes in A*STAR with over 30 years of scientific excellence, publishing over 2,500 papers in top peer reviewed journals. Several of its Principal Investigators have received national science and technology awards and medals.
Tessa has established a Joint Lab with IMCB leveraging on IMCB’s platform research capabilities, state of the art equipment and scientific networks, to collaboratively create novel T cell therapies for a wide range of cancers.
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry, and its research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) is one of the foundational Research Institutes in A*STAR with over 30 years of scientific excellence, publishing over 2,500 papers in top peer reviewed journals. Several of its Principal Investigators have received national science and technology awards and medals.
Tessa has established a Joint Lab with IMCB leveraging on IMCB’s platform research capabilities, state of the art equipment and scientific networks, to collaboratively create novel T cell therapies for a wide range of cancers.
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore’s lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry, and its research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) is one of the foundational Research Institutes in A*STAR with over 30 years of scientific excellence, publishing over 2,500 papers in top peer reviewed journals. Several of its Principal Investigators have received national science and technology awards and medals.
Tessa has established a Joint Lab with IMCB leveraging on IMCB’s platform research capabilities, state of the art equipment and scientific networks, to collaboratively create novel T cell therapies for a wide range of cancers.