Christopher Gerry Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Overall, I ensured that Kisbee’s CMC and Product Development activities proceeded efficiently and in alignment with the company's scientific objectives. Specific tasks included:- Working across the R&D team to establish and lead the process by which development candidates were evaluated- Directing activities at CROs and CDMOs regarding protein production, process development, and analytical testing to enable key preclinical studies- Driving RFP distribution and proposal review for potential CDMO partners for cGMP manufacturing- Providing operational and technical guidance for next-generation product evolution projects- Managing budgets, timelines, contracts, and meetings for the Tech Ops team

Cambridge, Ma, Us

I built and led the team (4 additional scientists) responsible for advancing Kisbee's engineered lipoprotein platform. Our group focused on the design, synthesis, and preliminary assessment of the molecules that constitute Kisbee's novel approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases. In doing so, we worked closely with Kisbee's Discovery Biology, Tech Ops, and Preclinical Research teams to generate leads, support existing programs, and establish new R&D capabilities.Personally, I provided regular updates to Kisbee's leadership, investors, and Scientific Advisory Board and was appointed to the company's expanded leadership team (LT+).Significant accomplishments included:- Spearheading protein engineering efforts that resulted in new classes of leads- Overhauling the hit-to-lead screening cascade to substantially increase the number of molecules that could be tested simultaneously- Demonstrating proof-of-concept for new modalities and indications- Designing, managing, and analyzing in vivo pharmacokinetic studies for dozens of molecules- Driving strategy meetings and scientific reviews with external IP counsel- Managing productive relationships with domestic and international CROs to enable a variety of R&D activities- Onboarding of new modules to Kisbee's electronic notebook and data management solution (Benchling)

Cambridge, Ma, Us

I was responsible for generating lipoproteins with improved PK/PD properties and supplying material for biological studies. To do so, I hired three additional scientists to build a team that worked on developing and executing biophysical assays, optimizing formulation conditions, and scaling up lipoprotein production. In concert, as the primary drug product SME, I spearheaded the search for an external CDMO partner to enable large-scale manufacturing and stability testing.As a result of the team's efforts:- Kisbee identified its first lead molecule from an in vitro screening campaign and conducted its first in vivo PK and PD studies- New assays to measure biophysical properties and in vitro activity were developed- A scalable solution to lipoprotein synthesis and formulation was establishedIn addition to my primary responsibilities, I also contributed to the company's data management, IP, and competitive intelligence activities.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

As Kisbee's fourth employee, I helped build the company's lab-based infrastructure and capabilities. I established the foundational methods for synthesizing lipoprotein particles from custom-designed apolipoprotein and phospholipid building blocks, generating the company's first sets of particles for characterization and testing. To do so required expertise in protein and lipid biochemistry, biophysics, and process development.I also developed a variety of in vitro assays to study their biophysical properties and biological performance. Results from these assays informed subsequent rounds of process optimization and particle synthesis via structure-activity relationship analysis.

Boston, Ma, Us

I expanded the capabilities and workflows of the Medicinal Chemistry department using automation and high-throughput experimentation. My efforts in reaction optimization, library synthesis, and analog generation supported several programs across the Vertex pipeline.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

I validated hits from the DNA-encoded library screens that I performed in graduate school using a variety of biochemical and biophysical assays. I also wrote reviews on diversity-oriented synthesis and on bifunctional, proximity-inducing small molecules.Advised by Prof. Stuart L. Schreiber.

Basel, Baselstadt, Ch

During graduate school, I collaborated closely with the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) to help establish DNA-encoded library capabilities at their Cambridge, MA site.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

I incorporated the principles of diversity-oriented synthesis into the design and production of DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) of small molecules. I developed new DEL-suitable reaction methodologies, synthesized the Schreiber lab's first DEL (DOS-DEL-1), performed affinity-based DEL screening experiments with a variety of proteins, and wrote code to analyze the screening data.I also explored how high-dimensional biological annotation of small molecules can be used in concert with synthetic organic chemistry to generate compounds that act via novel mechanisms of action. I focused on using changes in cell morphology and gene expression to inform compound activity.Advised by Prof. Stuart L. Schreiber.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

Spring '15: Section Teaching Fellow for Chem 20 (Organic Chemistry).Fall '15: Section Teaching Fellow for Chem 101 (Chemical Biology Towards Precision Medicine)For my work in this role, I received a Certificate of Distinction in Teaching from the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Chemistry

Master’S Degree, Chemistry

Bachelor'S Degree, Chemistry