Selective Targeting of Highly Cytotoxic T Cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Abcuro is developing its lead product candidate ABC008 for autoimmune disorders. 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 autoimmune diseases such as inclusion body myositis (IBM), cytotoxic T cells are a major source of chronic tissue damage. 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
Greenberg, Steven A.
Steven A Greenberg, M.D., M.S. is a founder of Abcuro and is the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board. 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
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor and
Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor and
Chair, Medical Advisory Board
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 Development 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
Chief Development Officer
Karen Tubridy
Chief Development Officer
Subramanyam, Janaki
Janaki (Jana) Subramanyam is Vice President, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Abcuro. Jana is an experienced regulatory affairs professional having worked on small molecule and biologic development programs across rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, and psychiatry for more than twenty years. Her regulatory drug development expertise spans clinical, nonclinical, manufacturing, quality, post marketing advertising, and promotional activities.
Janaki M. Subramanyam
VP, Head of Regulatory Affairs
Janaki M. Subramanyam
VP, Head of Regulatory Affairs
Anderson, Jeff
Jeff Anderson
Office Manager
Jeff Anderson
Office Manager
Borbas, Dave
Dave Borbas
Research VP,
Head of Data Management
Dave Borbas
Research VP,
Head of Data Management
Chartienitz, Brett
Brett Chartienitz
IT Operations Manager
Brett Chartienitz
IT Operations Manager
Cooper, Ken
Ken Cooper
Clinical Operations, Trial Management
Ken Cooper
Clinical Operations, Trial Management
Deware, Patricia
Patricia Deware
VP, Finance and Planning
Patricia Deware
VP, Finance and Planning
Edwards, John
John Edwards brings over 30 years of experience in discovery, development, and global commercialization of biopharmaceuticals. He was involved in the development or commercialization of ten FDA-approved biologics and has had successful exits at eight of the ten biotech companies he helped to build, including Tilos Therapeutics, Siamab Therapeutics, Exonics Therapeutics, Adnexus Therapeutics, F-star Therapeutics,
John Edwards
Executive Chair
John Edwards
Executive Chair
Greenberg, Steven A.
Steven A Greenberg, M.D., M.S. is a founder of Abcuro and is the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board. 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
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor and
Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Steven A. Greenberg, MD
Chief Scientific Advisor and
Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Gress, Mike
Mike Gress
VP, Clinical Development,
Head of Clinical Trial Management
Mike Gress
VP, Clinical Development,
Head of Clinical Trial Management
Hoffer, LaDonna
LaDonna Hoffer
Senior Director, Operations
LaDonna Hoffer
Senior Director, Operations
Hwang, Ella
Ella Hwang
Senior Director, Quality
Ella Hwang
Senior Director, Quality
Jiang, Lusi
Lusi Jiang
Senior Accountant
Lusi Jiang
Senior Accountant
LeMessurier, Hugo
Hugo LeMessurier
Director, Abcuro Pty Ltd
Hugo LeMessurier
Director, Abcuro Pty Ltd
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
Clinical Trial Manager
Michael McClain
Clinical Trial Manager
Motschwiller, Ricky
Richard Motschwiller
Controller
Richard Motschwiller
Controller
Reyes, Armando
Armando Reyes
Associate Clinical Director
Armando Reyes
Associate Clinical Director
Rozzo, Aldo
Aldo Rozzo, PhD, DVM
Lab Manager
Aldo Rozzo, PhD, DVM
Lab Manager
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
Subramanyam, Janaki
Janaki (Jana) Subramanyam is Vice President, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Abcuro. Jana is an experienced regulatory affairs professional having worked on small molecule and biologic development programs across rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, and psychiatry for more than twenty years. Her regulatory drug development expertise spans clinical, nonclinical, manufacturing, quality, post marketing advertising, and promotional activities.
Janaki M. Subramanyam
VP, Head of Regulatory Affairs
Janaki M. Subramanyam
VP, Head of Regulatory Affairs
Tubridy, Karen
Karen Tubridy is the Chief Development 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
Chief Development Officer
Karen Tubridy
Chief Development Officer
Ward, Antonio
Antonio Ward, PhD
Senior Scientist
Antonio Ward, PhD
Senior Scientist
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.
Edwards, John
John Edwards brings over 30 years of experience in discovery, development, and global commercialization of biopharmaceuticals. He was involved in the development or commercialization of ten FDA-approved biologics and has had successful exits at eight of the ten biotech companies he helped to build, including Tilos Therapeutics, Siamab Therapeutics, Exonics Therapeutics, Adnexus Therapeutics, F-star Therapeutics,
John Edwards
Executive Chair
John Edwards
Executive Chair
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
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.
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
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
McCarthy, Donnie
Donald McCarthy is Vice President at Samsara Biocapital. Prior to joining Samsara, he was a Partner at Global Founders Capital where he founded and invested in multiple therapeutics companies. Previously, Donald served as a Senior Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Life Science Angels where he helped source and evaluate new deals and was a Managing Director
Donnie McCarthy, PhD
Vice President, Samsara BioCapital
Donnie McCarthy, PhD
Vice President, Samsara BioCapital
Deptula-Hicks, Darlene
Ms. Deptula-Hicks currently serves as F-star’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Darlene has operated Crimson Advisors, a strategic and financial consulting services company, and has served as acting Chief Financial Officer for Northern Biologics as well Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of T2 Biosystems. Previously she was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Darlene Deptula-Hicks
Chief Financial Officer,
F-star Therapeutics
Darlene Deptula-Hicks
Chief Financial Officer,
F-star Therapeutics
Ms. Deptula-Hicks currently serves as F-star’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Darlene has operated Crimson Advisors, a strategic and financial consulting services company, and has served as acting Chief Financial Officer for Northern Biologics as well Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of T2 Biosystems. Previously she was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pieris Pharmaceuticals and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Microline Surgical. Darlene currently also serves on the board of directors and as audit committee chair of Aerami Therapeutics and previously served on the board of directors and as audit committee chair of Giner Life Sciences, Xentic Biosciences, and IMCOR Pharmaceuticals. Darlene received an M.B.A. from Rivier University and a B.S in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.
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.
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.
