Project Lead for Takeda cell engagers platform across solid tumor & Hematological cancer indications. Strived to develop a pipeline of next-generation cell engagers with enhanced safety and efficacy considerations.• Developed and implemented the translational research strategy and led in vitro/in vivo studies for bispecific antibody programs, in both early and late stages of preclinical drug development.• ODDU Lead for addressing immunogenicity concerns for biologics and work cross-functionally with the team to develop risk mitigation plans.• Oversaw strategy development and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to steer program path and inform Go/No-Go decisions• Mentored a group of PhD scientists & associates and provided research strategy and program oversight.

Led multiple oncology discovery programs developing cancer biotherapeutics through immune cell redirection (T cells & myeloid cells), ADCC, and oncogenic signaling modulation. Responsible for coordination of multi-disciplinary team, strategy development, and communicating results.• Collaborated with our bispecific/multispecific program partners in addition to external CROs and KOLs to progress programs through to the development pipeline• Lead early target validation efforts with confirmation of MOA (target engagement, PD measurements, and modulation of tumor immunity) in cancer therapy. Developed disease-relevant in vitro cellular assays to understand the mechanism of action and differentiate Incyte assets from other leading competitors.• Inventor of two pending patent applications related to bispecific cell engager therapies.

Designed in vivo studies for new targets screening, validation, and preclinical characterization of cancer immunotherapeutics. Extensive immunophenotyping experience for profiling tumor microenvironments and mechanistic characterization (MOA) of anti-tumor immune responses using syngeneic and humanized mouse models.• Developed and characterized humanized mouse platform (CD34+ engrafted) and second-generation transgenic precision humanized mouse models for advancing immunotherapeutic oncology programs.• Evaluated PK/PD profiles of cancer immunbiologics in preclinical models and analyzed their relative tumor (target) receptor occupancy and immunomodulatory properties.• Contributed to preclinical studies for identifying lead and combinations for enfortumab vedotin (Nectin-4 ADC molecule) in urothelial cancer.

Developed in vitro bioassays using tumor cell lines & primary immune cells for evaluating binding, activation, and in vitro efficacy of preclinical biotherapeutics. Experience in characterizing cancer therapeutics modulating the immunotherapeutic potential of T cells.• Developed PDX and cell line-derived xenograft models and designed in vivo efficacy studies for preclinical oncology biotherapeutics (ADC's and CD3 bispecifics).• Preclinical pharmacology experience in studying the PK/PD properties of cancer immunotherapeutics, and evaluated their whole-body biodistribution profiles, and immune cell trafficking in humanized rodent models, using noninvasive longitudinal imaging modalities like FMT, IVIS & MicroCT.

Piloted microbiome screening efforts at Novartis (GNF). A collaborative research initiative between GNF and Joint Centers for Structural Genomics (PSI-Biology phase).Developed phenotypic and functional cell based assays as well as Biochemical assays using 2D/3D assays systems.Preclinical drug discovery efforts by employing a combination of gene expression profiling analysis, bioinformatics, signaling pathway and biochemical characterization approaches.

Performed Research in the area of Microbial-Pathogenesis with specific focus on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying persistence and successful colonization of a human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori.Discovered a novel host cellular determinant (receptor) responsible for the intoxication by Vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA), a key virulence factor of gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori.Characterized lipid raft dependent intracellular trafficking pathway responsible for the VacA receptor internalization and subsequent downstream intracellular targeting.

Research & Process development for a recombinant therapeutic protein Erythropoietin (rhEPO)Process development using mammalian expression (CHO based) system for increasing productivity, purity and quality.Developed in-process bioanalytical assays as well as potency assays for final product.