Selective Targeting of Highly Cytotoxic T Cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Abcuro is developing its lead product candidate ABC008 for autoimmune disorders and rare cancers, including inclusion body myositis (IBM), T Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (T-LGLL) and T and NK cell lymphomas. ABC008 is a monoclonal antibody designed to selectively deplete highly cytotoxic T cells by targeting killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1), a marker selectively expressed on these highly cytotoxic T cells.
In IBM and T-LGLL, cytotoxic T cells are a major source of chronic tissue damage. For mature T and NK cell lymphomas, the KLRG1 expressing T cells or NK cells are malignant. In November 2021, we presented initial results from a Phase 1 open-label trial of ABC008 in IBM at American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2021 (view poster) and an updated dataset was presented at GCOM 2022 (view poster). In this trial, ABC008 demonstrated potent depletion of KLRG1+ T cells in patients with IBM.
In cancer, inhibition of KLRG1, an inhibitory immune checkpoint not targeted by any of the currently available therapies, can activate highly cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells and leverage their potent anti-tumor activity. Abcuro is advancing ABC015, a KLRG1-blocking antibody through preclinical development for immune-oncology applications.
Martin, Alex
Alex Martin brings over 30 years of experience building companies and closing transactions in the biopharmaceutical industry. He was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Palladio Biosciences, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company which was acquired by Centessa Pharmaceuticals (CNTA), and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Realm Therapeutics (RLM) which was acquired by ESSA
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Wilkins, Jeffrey
Jeffrey Wilkins is the Chief Medical Officer of Abcuro. He is a highly experienced clinician, having advanced clinical programs from IND to regulatory approval. Jeff has deep expertise in the areas of immunology, rare diseases, and immuno-oncology. He has served in senior clinical leadership positions, including as Chief Medical Officer for over 20 years. Among
H. Jeffrey Wilkins, MD
Chief Medical Officer
H. Jeffrey Wilkins, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Jeffrey Wilkins is the Chief Medical Officer of Abcuro. He is a highly experienced clinician, having advanced clinical programs from IND to regulatory approval. Jeff has deep expertise in the areas of immunology, rare diseases, and immuno-oncology. He has served in senior clinical leadership positions, including as Chief Medical Officer for over 20 years. Among others, Jeff led clinical development programs at Avalo Therapeutics, Lycera, Ceptaris Therapeutics, Cephalon, and Ception Therapeutics. He entered the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline, where he rose to become Vice President of Discovery Medicine for GSK’s Center of Excellence in External Drug Discovery. Jeff received his M.D. from Temple University School of Medicine and his B.S. from Bucknell University.
Tubridy, Karen
Karen Tubridy is the Chief Operating Officer of Abcuro. She brings more than 30 years of experience in drug development strategy and operations supporting novel and first-in-class therapeutics. Previously, Karen served as a Chief Development Officer at Verseau Therapeutics, Akebia Therapeutics, and Eleven Bio. She has had responsibility for driving global program strategies to IND,
Karen Tubridy, PharmD
Chief Operating Officer
Karen Tubridy, PharmD
Chief Operating Officer
Amador, Stephanie
Stephanie Amador
Senior Manager,
CMC Project Management
Stephanie Amador
Senior Manager,
CMC Project Management
Borbas, Dave
Dave Borbas
Research VP,
Head of Data Management
Dave Borbas
Research VP,
Head of Data Management
Brennan, Eileen
Eileen Brennan
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Eileen Brennan
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Byrne, Donna
Donna Byrne
Director, Clinical Operations
Donna Byrne
Director, Clinical Operations
Chaney, Terry
Terry Chaney
Associate Director,
GMP QA Operations
Terry Chaney
Associate Director,
GMP QA Operations
Chartienitz, Brett
Brett Chartienitz
IT Operations Manager
Brett Chartienitz
IT Operations Manager
Chen, Weilee
Weilee Chen
Senior Manager,
CMC Downstream Manufacturing
Weilee Chen
Senior Manager,
CMC Downstream Manufacturing
Cooper, Ken
Ken Cooper
Clinical Operations, Trial Management
Ken Cooper
Clinical Operations, Trial Management
Geary, Jeff
Jeff Geary
Director, Human Resources
Jeff Geary
Director, Human Resources
Greenberg, Steven A.
Steven A Greenberg, M.D., M.S. is a founder of Abcuro and the Chief Scientific Advisor. Steve is a clinical neurologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. His clinical and laboratory research focus involves translational medicine, inventing diagnostics including blood tests for dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis, and therapeutics,
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor & Co-Founder
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor & Co-Founder
Gress, Mike
Mike Gress
VP, Clinical Development,
Head of Clinical Trial Management
Mike Gress
VP, Clinical Development,
Head of Clinical Trial Management
Han Fang
Fang Han
Associate Director, FP&A
Fang Han
Associate Director, FP&A
Hoffer, LaDonna
LaDonna Hoffer
Project Manager
LaDonna Hoffer
Project Manager
Houts, Ian
Ian Houts
Senior Director, Supply Chain
Ian Houts
Senior Director, Supply Chain
Hwang, Ella
Ella Hwang
Senior Director, Quality
Ella Hwang
Senior Director, Quality
Jiang, Lusi
Lusi Jiang
Accounting Manager
Lusi Jiang
Accounting Manager
LeMessurier, Hugo
Hugo LeMessurier
Director, Abcuro Pty Ltd
Hugo LeMessurier
Director, Abcuro Pty Ltd
Lewis, Samantha
Samantha Lewis
Associate Director,
CMC Supply Chain and Logistics
Samantha Lewis
Associate Director,
CMC Supply Chain and Logistics
Luk, Jeffrey
Jeffrey Luk
Director, Head of Manufacturing
Jeffrey Luk
Director, Head of Manufacturing
Lurk, Kristin
Kristin Lurk
Senior Director
Program Management
Kristin Lurk
Senior Director
Program Management
Mansuri, Daniel
Daniel Mansuri
Head of Corporate Development
Daniel Mansuri
Head of Corporate Development
Marth, Andrew
Andrew Marth
Director, Quality Control
Andrew Marth
Director, Quality Control
Martin, Alex
Alex Martin brings over 30 years of experience building companies and closing transactions in the biopharmaceutical industry. He was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Palladio Biosciences, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company which was acquired by Centessa Pharmaceuticals (CNTA), and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Realm Therapeutics (RLM) which was acquired by ESSA
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
McClain, Michael
Michael McClain
Associate Director, Clinical Operations
Michael McClain
Associate Director, Clinical Operations
Motschwiller, Ricky
Richard Motschwiller
VP, Finance
Richard Motschwiller
VP, Finance
Obi, Chidi
Chidi Obi
Director, Analytical Development
Chidi Obi
Director, Analytical Development
Orozco, Raquel
Raquel Orozco
Director, CMC
Process Development
Raquel Orozco
Director, CMC
Process Development
Patel, Zarna
Zarna Patel
Director, Quality Systems
Zarna Patel
Director, Quality Systems
Pepen, Johnny
Johnny Pepen
Staff Accountant
Johnny Pepen
Staff Accountant
Reyes, Armando
Armando Reyes
Director, Clinical Operations
Armando Reyes
Director, Clinical Operations
Searle, Stephen
Stephen A. Searle
Senior Program Manager
Stephen A. Searle
Senior Program Manager
Shen, Yuyi
Yuyi Shen, PhD
VP, Technical Operations
Yuyi Shen, PhD
VP, Technical Operations
Soler-Ferran, Dulce, PhD
Dulce Soler-Ferran, PhD
VP, Biology
Dulce Soler-Ferran, PhD
VP, Biology
Srinivasan, Usha
Usha Srinivasan
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Usha Srinivasan
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Sundaram, Sam
Sam Sundaram
Executive Assistant & Operations Manager
Sam Sundaram
Executive Assistant & Operations Manager
Tashi, Karma
Karma Tashi
Director, GMP Quality Drug Substance
Karma Tashi
Director, GMP Quality Drug Substance
Tubridy, Karen
Karen Tubridy is the Chief Operating Officer of Abcuro. She brings more than 30 years of experience in drug development strategy and operations supporting novel and first-in-class therapeutics. Previously, Karen served as a Chief Development Officer at Verseau Therapeutics, Akebia Therapeutics, and Eleven Bio. She has had responsibility for driving global program strategies to IND,
Karen Tubridy, PharmD
Chief Operating Officer
Karen Tubridy, PharmD
Chief Operating Officer
Weems Gary
Garry Weems
VP, Clinical Science
Garry Weems
VP, Clinical Science
Wilkins, Jeffrey
Jeffrey Wilkins is the Chief Medical Officer of Abcuro. He is a highly experienced clinician, having advanced clinical programs from IND to regulatory approval. Jeff has deep expertise in the areas of immunology, rare diseases, and immuno-oncology. He has served in senior clinical leadership positions, including as Chief Medical Officer for over 20 years. Among
H. Jeffrey Wilkins, MD
Chief Medical Officer
H. Jeffrey Wilkins, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Jeffrey Wilkins is the Chief Medical Officer of Abcuro. He is a highly experienced clinician, having advanced clinical programs from IND to regulatory approval. Jeff has deep expertise in the areas of immunology, rare diseases, and immuno-oncology. He has served in senior clinical leadership positions, including as Chief Medical Officer for over 20 years. Among others, Jeff led clinical development programs at Avalo Therapeutics, Lycera, Ceptaris Therapeutics, Cephalon, and Ception Therapeutics. He entered the pharmaceutical industry with GlaxoSmithKline, where he rose to become Vice President of Discovery Medicine for GSK’s Center of Excellence in External Drug Discovery. Jeff received his M.D. from Temple University School of Medicine and his B.S. from Bucknell University.
Yates, Bill
Bill Yates
Vice President, Information Technology
Bill Yates
Vice President, Information Technology
Pruzanski, Mark
Mark Pruzanski is a physician and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the life sciences. Most recently he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Versanis Bio where he spearheaded the development of novel therapies for obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases until the company’s acquisition in 2023 by Eli Lilly and
Mark Pruzanski, MD
Chairman of the Board
Mark Pruzanski, MD
Chairman of the Board
Martin, Alex
Alex Martin brings over 30 years of experience building companies and closing transactions in the biopharmaceutical industry. He was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Palladio Biosciences, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company which was acquired by Centessa Pharmaceuticals (CNTA), and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Realm Therapeutics (RLM) which was acquired by ESSA
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Boyce, Sarah
Sarah Boyce joined Avidity as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors in October 2019. She has more than 25 years of global leadership experience in both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Sarah’s tenure at Avidity has been marked by transformative leadership, starting with the company’s successful Series C funding
Sarah Boyce
President and Chief Executive Officer
Avidity Biosciences
Sarah Boyce
President and Chief Executive Officer
Avidity Biosciences
Deptula-Hicks, Darlene
Darlene Deptula-Hicks has served on the board of directors and as audit committee chair of Abcuro since July 2021. Darlene joined Aerami Therapeutics as Chief Financial Officer in October 2023, where she has been on the board of directors and chair of the audit committee since October 2021. Prior to Aerami, Darlene most recently served
Darlene Deptula-Hicks
Board of Directors & Audit Committee Chair
Darlene Deptula-Hicks
Board of Directors & Audit Committee Chair
Dybbs, Mike
Mike is currently a partner at Samsara BioCapital, where he has worked since March 2017. Prior to joining Samsara, Mike was a partner at New Leaf Venture Partners. Before New Leaf Venture Partners Mike was a principal at the Boston Consulting Group, where he consulted for biotech and pharma clients. Mike currently serves on the
Mike Dybbs, PHD
Partner, Samsara BioCapital
Mike Dybbs, PHD
Partner, Samsara BioCapital
Fang, Ming
Ming Fang is a Managing Director at Redmile Group, LLC, a healthcare-focused investment firm. Prior to joining Redmile in 2016, Ming worked in the healthcare space as an investor at Safeguard Scientifics, a consultant at McKinsey & Company and ZS Associates, and an operator at Gilead Sciences. He received a B.A. in Computer Science from
Ming Fang
Managing Director, Redmile Group
Ming Fang
Managing Director, Redmile Group
Hafler, Jason P. , PhD
Jason P. Hafler is the Managing Director of Sanofi Ventures. Prior to joining Sanofi in 2014, Jason was the Director of Corporate Development at RaNA Therapeutics, a company co-founded by his previous firm Atlas Venture. While at Atlas, Jason was an Associate in the Life Sciences group. Previously, he was a Flagship Ventures Entrepreneurial Fellow,
Jason P. Hafler, PhD
Managing Director, Sanofi Ventures
Jason P. Hafler, PhD
Managing Director, Sanofi Ventures
Jason P. Hafler is the Managing Director of Sanofi Ventures. Prior to joining Sanofi in 2014, Jason was the Director of Corporate Development at RaNA Therapeutics, a company co-founded by his previous firm Atlas Venture. While at Atlas, Jason was an Associate in the Life Sciences group. Previously, he was a Flagship Ventures Entrepreneurial Fellow, and consulted for the technology transfer company at the University of Cambridge while performing his doctoral research. Before his time at Cambridge, Jason was an analyst at JSB Partners LP, an investment banking firm. Jason’s active investments include Abcuro, Amathus Therapeutics, Escient Pharmaceuticals, Expansion Therapeutics, Glycomine, Q32 Bio, ReCode Therapeutics, Rome Therapeutics and Navitor Pharmaceuticals. Jason graduated with honors from Bowdoin College and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.
Kariv, Tomer
Tomer is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pontifax. He serves as an active board member of many of the funds’ portfolio companies, assuming a special responsibility for strategic planning. Among other positions, Tomer serves as the chairman at Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, board member in Cathworks, Keros Therapeutics, Ocon Healthcare, ARMGO and V-Wave. During the
Tomer Kariv
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pontifax
Tomer Kariv
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pontifax
Knowles, Julius (Jay)
Jay Knowles joined Mass General Brigham Ventures in 2014 as a Partner. Previously, Jay was Chief Executive Officer of X-BODY Biosciences, which was acquired by Juno Therapeutics. Prior to X-BODY, he was at Novartis in charge of the Platforms team for Strategic Alliances, responsible for global technology and drug discovery collaborations. Jay was also President
Julius (Jay) Knowles
Partner, Mass General Brigham Ventures
Julius (Jay) Knowles
Partner, Mass General Brigham Ventures
Jay Knowles joined Mass General Brigham Ventures in 2014 as a Partner. Previously, Jay was Chief Executive Officer of X-BODY Biosciences, which was acquired by Juno Therapeutics. Prior to X-BODY, he was at Novartis in charge of the Platforms team for Strategic Alliances, responsible for global technology and drug discovery collaborations. Jay was also President of Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Vice President of Business Development at Novacea, and Director, R&D Planning at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He represents Mass General Brigham Ventures on the boards of Apres Therapeutics, Keros Therapeutics, SwanBio Therapeutics, and Triplet Therapeutics. Jay earned his M.B.A in Finance from Wharton Business School, an M.Sc. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, and a B.A. with Distinction in Chemistry from Carleton College.
Shah, Rajeev
Rajeev Shah has been a Managing Partner at RA Capital Management since 2004. Raj is active in both public and private investments in companies developing drugs, medical devices, diagnostics, and research tools. He is also active in the firm’s outreach efforts, speaking frequently both at industry events and in classrooms. He previously worked as a
Rajeev Shah
Managing Partner, RA Capital Management
Rajeev Shah
Managing Partner, RA Capital Management
Berger, Dietmar
Dietmar Berger is currently the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Development at Sanofi, where he oversees the clinical portfolio of Sanofi across all therapeutic areas. With over 20 years of experience in leadership positions across both large pharmaceutical companies as well as innovative biotech companies, Dr. Berger brings extensive expertise in clinical development
Dietmar Berger, MD, PhD
Observer
Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Development at Sanofi
Dietmar Berger, MD, PhD
Observer
Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Development at Sanofi
Dietmar Berger is currently the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Development at Sanofi, where he oversees the clinical portfolio of Sanofi across all therapeutic areas. With over 20 years of experience in leadership positions across both large pharmaceutical companies as well as innovative biotech companies, Dr. Berger brings extensive expertise in clinical development and advancing programs all the way to market approval to Abcuro. As a trained hematologist and oncologist, Dr. Berger has extensive experience in therapeutic areas of high relevance to Abcuro’s programs. Prior to Sanofi, he was Global Head of R&D at Atara Biotherapeutics, an off-the-shelf cell therapy company. Previously he held senior positions in clinical development at Amgen, Bayer and Genentech where he served as the Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development, Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Berger holds an M.D. and Ph.D. from the Albert-Ludwigs University School of Medicine in Freiburg, Germany, where he still maintains an adjunct faculty position.
Cashdan, Jonah
Jonah Cashdan joined Bain Capital Life Sciences in 2018. Prior to joining Bain Capital, he worked at J.P. Morgan in their healthcare investment banking group, evaluating and executing strategic alternatives including M&A and debt/equity financings for clients across the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Jonah studied synaptic physiology and sensory system
Jonah Cashdan
Observer
Principal, Bain Capital Life Sciences
Jonah Cashdan
Observer
Principal, Bain Capital Life Sciences
Xu, Yajun
Yajun Xu is currently president of Hongsen Investment Group. She also serves as Senior Advisor for Shangbay Capital, co-founder of Epimab, and board member and advisor on numerous biotech companies in U.S. and China. Previously, she was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Shangpharma, Executive Vice President of Biology and Pre-Clinical Service at Chempartner
Yajun Xu, PhD
Observer
President, Hongsen
Yajun Xu, PhD
Observer
President, Hongsen
Yajun Xu is currently president of Hongsen Investment Group. She also serves as Senior Advisor for Shangbay Capital, co-founder of Epimab, and board member and advisor on numerous biotech companies in U.S. and China. Previously, she was Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Shangpharma, Executive Vice President of Biology and Pre-Clinical Service at Chempartner in Shanghai, China. Prior to Joining Shangpharma, Yajun was Director of Inflammation at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Senior Scientist at BASF Bioresearch (now AbbVie Bioresearch). She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Brandeis University and postdoctoral training at Harvard School of Public Health.
