John Cuozzo Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

New York, Ny, Us

Cambridge, Ma, Us

As VP of Discovery Technologies at Relay Therapeutics, I led a team of scientists who leverage machine learning and high-throughput selection technologies to discover novel small molecule drugs for challenging targets. I orchestrated the seamless integration of the ZebiAI team into existing organization at Relay. My efforts significantly enhanced collaboration and contributed to multiple research initiatives. My role extended to actively collaborating with the computation team, leading to breakthroughs in machine learning approaches. I successfully met post-acquisition milestones, demonstrating a track record of aligning with organizational objectives and recognizing value for shareholders.

As the Vice President and Head of Drug Discovery at ZebiAI Therapeutics, I led diligence discussions resulting in the acquisition by Relay Therapeutics for $85 million upfront. My leadership extended to building and leading teams in protein science, medicinal chemistry, and platform technology. I pioneered a machine learning-based drug discovery strategy in collaboration with Google Accelerated Science, X-Chem, and the Structural Genomics Consortium. Actively advancing internal oncology programs, I identified novel binders for undrugged targets using machine learning models, contributing to the success and growth of the organization.

Waltham, Ma, Us

In my role as Vice President at X-Chem Pharmaceuticals, I played a pivotal role in building and expanding the internal drug discovery team. This involved overseeing protein biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and medicinal/computational chemistry functions. I drove the pursuit of internal projects and collaborated on inflammation, immunotherapy, and infectious disease initiatives that resulted in partnerships with leading academic institutions. My leadership led to the spin-off of new companies and the progression of a molecule to Investigational New Drug (IND) status, showcasing a commitment to optimizing drug discovery for clinical success.

Waltham, Ma, Us

Us

Directed interdisciplinary teams in biology and chemistry, propelling diabetes drug discovery programs. Developed a groundbreaking discovery strategy for JNK kinase, leading to the identification of a potent lead series with a novel binding mode for obesity-related disorders. Established a phenotypic assay targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress associated with Type 2 Diabetes.

Brentford, Middlesex, Gb

Managed a dynamic team driving drug discovery across various therapeutic areas, including Inflammation, Metabolic Diseases, Oncology, Neurosciences, and Infectious Disease. Led collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, University College London, and Sirtris. Chaired the Encoded Library Target Portfolio Team, overseeing the progress of multiple targets.

Us

Successfully led a discovery collaboration with GSK, resulting in the acquisition of Praecis by GSK. Identified a small molecule series for epoxide hydrolase, advancing into clinical trials. Co-authored a seminal paper on DNA-encoded library screening for hit identification. Established and directed drug discovery strategies for multiple oncology programs.

New York, New York, Us

Led the TPL2/Cot kinase project, identifying the first potent inhibitors with efficacy in animal models of TNFα production and human arthritic tissue. Initiated and led the IRAK4 program. Established quantitative assays for analyzing signaling pathways triggered by inflammation in primary human monocytes, human whole blood, and animal tissues.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Used the power of yeast genetics combined with biochemical analysis to identify multiple components of disulfide bond formation pathways in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Phd, Cellular And Molecular Physiology

Ma, Archaeology

Sc.B, Biophysics