Built and led Hepatic Infectious Disease Strategic Therapeutic AreaResponsible for strategy and execution of infectious disease RNAi drug pipeline, which including programs for chronic hepatitis B and Dhttp://www.alnylam.com/product-pipeline/hepatic-infectious-disease/siRNA platform optimization and new target discovery and validationBusiness development, licensing and strategic collaborations. Strategic partnership with Vir Biotechnology, Inc.

Responsible for biology strategy and activities towards identification/optimization of siRNAs and delivery vehicles, advancement of siRNA candidates, and utilization of siRNA tools for in vitro and in vivo target/biomarker validation and de-risking across functions and disease areas.Consolidated operations from Sirna San Francisco into single integrated Biology department at PA site (site closure, asset, personnel and technology transfer). Member of RNA Therapeutics Core Leadership Team, West Point Site Core Leadership Team, and RNA Review and Licensing Committee.

As member of the RNA Therapeutics Leadership team, designed, enabled and implemented area strategy, working effectively across organizational and geographic boundaries.Led department responsible for identification and development of safe and efficacious oligonucleotide delivery formulations. Oversaw project teams for three oligonucleotide delivery modalities: lipid nanoparticles (LNP), polymer conjugates and siRNA conjugates, as well as exploratory targeted delivery efforts. Led an innovative team of biochemists and pharmacologists employing cutting-edge biochemical, cell and in vivo technologies to advance mechanistic understanding of oligonucleotide delivery at the organismal, cellular and subcellular levels. Carried out investigative toxicology studies on delivery formulations and established predictive assays and protocols that enabled >100-fold widening of safety margins. Identified Lipid Nanoparticle formulations with potency and safety profile compatible with clinical development. Advanced siRNA therapeutic programs through internal R+D stage gates in collaboration with disease areas and development functions. Contributed to regulatory documents.Evaluated over 500 licensing opportunities; established numerous collaborations and partnerships to advance internal capabilities.

Pioneered the use of siRNA technology for in vivo studies and therapeutic applications.Played a significant role in establishing a strategic partnership with Alnylam Therapeutics and in the acquisition of Sirna Therapeutics.Member of Vaccines and Biologics Leadership Team, and Technology Review and Licensing Committee.

Responsible for cell cycle, checkpoint and cell survival Oncology target pipeline. Advanced three small molecule programs, from target validation through clinical development (Phase I/II). Member of Site Leadership Team, Franchise Operating Committee and Oncology Review and Licensing Committee. Participated in establishing and executing on licensing strategy; performed multiple licensing evaluations and due-diligence; in-licensed Vertex VX-680 (member of Joint Steering Committee) and Pierre Fabre IGF-I receptor monoclonal antibody.Evaluated and implemented enabling technologies: established high-throughput, high-content imaging facility, and performed tumor responder and drug combination in vitro assays for established and pipeline drugs. Partnered with Biologics Research to identify tumor antigens for targeted delivery.

Led interdisciplinary team for small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of KDR and Flt-3. Successfully advanced program through all drug discovery and development stages, from target validation, lead optimization, biomarker development, in vivo pharmacology. Authored biology section of IND; supported phase I trials by developing and performing bone marrow target engagement biomarker assays. Designed new tools and protocols for anti-angiogenesis drug discovery, including development, validation and qualification of patient enrichment and response biomarkers. First Oncology program at Merck to incorporate patient expression profiling – early adopter of new technology (Rosetta Inpharmatics) - and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI.

Translational cancer programs and research collaborations with several pharmaceutical companies. Investigated mechanism of action of inhibitors of Hsp90, farnesyl transferases, receptor and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, and of several fully synthetic natural products in collaboration with Professors Neal Rosen and Sam Danishefsky. Contributed to advancing 17-allyl-amino-geldanamycin Hsp90 inhibitor program to the clinic and contributed to the identification and characterization of next generation Hsp90 inhibitors. Explored targeted delivery of Hsp90 inhibitors to prostate cancer using small molecule and monoclonal antibody conjugates.