I am a senior research advisor and consultant at the Cancer Drug Discovery and Development Accelerator (CD3A) at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prior to this role, I worked in various leadership and management positions at EQRx International Inc, Eli Lilly and Company, and OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. With more than 25 years of experience in cancer drug discovery, translational science, and early clinical development in both biotech and big pharma, I have led several discovery programs as a cross-functional leader from portfolio entry to first-in-human studies. One such drug, imlunestrant, has completed phase 3 and an NDA has been submitted for regulatory review.
My expertise spans cancer biology, signal transduction, oncology drug discovery, preclinical pharmacology, translational research, clinical biomarkers, and early clinical development. I have a track record of delivering eight clinical candidates, three of which are currently in late-phase clinical development. I have deep expertise in establishing drug discovery cascade assays for many programs, including ERK inhibitors, oral SERDs, and PIK3CA H1047R inhibitors, which encompass in vitro biochemical, mechanistic, and functional assays, as well as in vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies and PD biomarkers. I have been involved in conducting translational research for several programs, identifying biomarkers for patient selection, and developing strategies to overcome or delay acquired resistance using combination therapies.
I have extensive experience working with central laboratories to support diagnostic testing, clinical biomarker studies, ctDNA analysis, and the development of companion diagnostics. Additionally, I have experience in conducting nonclinical IND studies and regulatory submission of INDs, NDAs, and BLAs. My deep expertise in integrated drug discovery, translational science, and leadership experience equips me to successfully support CD3A.
Throughout my career, I have worked on various modalities, including small molecules, biologics, PROTACs, ADCs, and radiopharmaceuticals.
Key Milestone Expertise in Drug Discovery & Development:
- Target Validation
- Hit Identification
- Lead Identification
- Lead Optimization
- Predevelopment (candidate selection)
- IND enabling
- Phase I-III trials
