Experience

Artax Biopharma Inc

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of in vitro Biology

  • Nov 2019 - Present

  Developing and overseeing in vitro assays to confirm compound activity, target engagement and mechanism for the next generation of drugs targeting the interaction between T-cell Receptors (TCR) and Nck, a cytoplasmic adapter protein which plays a role in T-cell activation. Highly selective control over T-cells through TCR provides the compounds with the potential to become first-in-class immuno-modulators for the treatment of a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Developing and overseeing in vitro assays to confirm compound activity, target engagement and mechanism for the next generation of drugs targeting the interaction between T-cell Receptors (TCR) and Nck, a cytoplasmic adapter protein which plays a role in T-cell activation. Highly selective control over T-cells through TCR provides the compounds with the potential to become first-in-class immuno-modulators for the treatment of a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.



Sanofi

• France
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Research Investigator (Advanced PhD level position)

  • 2011 - Nov 2019

  In vitro Biology Lead on multiple simultaneous projects in various research stages progressing them towards pre-clinical development, and providing mechanism of action information for clinical candidates.• Led the transfer of a lab of 15 scientists from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Was instrumental in bringing new technologies and techniques to the site and integrating the teams. • Spearheaded research on new innovative targets: tasked by the director of research with critically evaluating new targets for consideration. Made proposals resulting in the creation of new targets. Coordinated input from clinical, marketing, regulatory, and external opportunities departments. • Championed a project on Allosteric Modulators, developing the initial and secondary assays, demonstrated functional modulators, and confirmed their activity in downstream assays. This resulted in fast-track status for the project, one of a select group to receive this distinction.• Evaluated human primary cell lines (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells) for relevant receptors and signaling pathways using gene arrays, qPCR, and Western Blots. Explored pathway links and downstream effects to demonstrate the human disease relevance of these targets.• Troubleshot in vivo assays using in vitro techniques, saving nine months of the more costly in vivo studies. Show less

• Research Investigator/Project Team Leader (PhD level position)

  • 2008 - 2011

  Project Team Leader and research investigator charting the scientific direction of projects and developing key new assays which overcame obstacles to project progression.• Led an international project team to the timely conclusion of an advanced stage research project: based on the results of a dozen different in vivo and in vitro studies. Got approval from the Research Head and his management committee for project proposals. • Designed, optimized, and troubleshot new cell-based and cell signaling assays, including primary human lines and primary rat neurons, allowing evaluation of innovative new targets which were previously inaccessible.• Performed research in Multiple Sclerosis , Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Dermal Scarring, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, and other diseases, specializing in showing the clinical relevance of the in vitro effects. Show less

• Lead Scientist and Technology Liaison

  • 2004 - 2008

  Developed new cell-based assays for mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship determination, which were crucial in selecting several compounds as clinical candidates. Brought several new technologies to the department and led the way to their widespread adoption.• Co-developed a new data analysis system which provided a method whereby scientists worldwide could access each other’s data saving up to a year in early development for many projects.• Developed a training program that enabled us to be the first department in the company to completely adopt the new system. Conducted this training course throughout multiple departments.• Coordinated and led efforts to standardize departmental data analysis, improving analysis times twofold and increasing the usefulness of the data. Show less



Sanofi

• France
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Laboratory Scientist and Automation Expert

  • 1998 - 2003

  Developed in vitro assays for adaptation to high throughput screening and automating assays to save time and improve performance. • Outfitted a new Oncology in vitro lab. Developed new assays, targets, and protein purification methods. • Performed research independently, and as part of a concerted effort. Developed in vitro assays for adaptation to high throughput screening and automating assays to save time and improve performance. • Outfitted a new Oncology in vitro lab. Developed new assays, targets, and protein purification methods. • Performed research independently, and as part of a concerted effort.