OUR SPEAKERS
Leo Kirkovsky
Director in Pfizer
Leo Kirkovsky
Director in Pfizer
Dr. Scola received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University where he conducted research under the guidance of Professor Steven Weinreb. He then assumed a postdoctoral position at Harvard University under the tutelage of Professor Yoshito Kishi. Paul joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1992, where he is currently a Director in the department of Discovery Chemistry and Molecular Technologies. The focus of Paul’s research efforts includes the discovery of small molecule antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. As part of that effort, Paul had the privilege of co-chairing the HCV NS3 protease inhibitor team which discovered BMS-650032 (asunaprevir), an approved treatment for HCV that is administered as a dual cocktail with BMS’ daclatasvir. More recently, Paul has co-led full-phase discovery teams in Immuno-Oncology. An important outcome of the team’s effort was the discovery of BMS-986189, a macrocyclic peptide that is a potent inhibitor of PD-L1 and has progressed to the clinical stage.
Meghna Das Thakur
Director at Oncology Biomarker Sciences Gilead Sciences
Meghna Das Thakur
Director at Oncology Biomarker Sciences Gilead Sciences
Dinesh has a PhD in immunology and 15 years of experience in oncology immunology drug discovery, target discovery validation, lead optimization, in vivo pharmacology, immunoassay development, MOA, PK/PD, translational biomarker development, and IND enabling studies. Lead and manage a team of PhD and non-PhD scientists, lead cross-functional drug discovery teams and ensure the timely progression of oncology programs from early concepts to First in Human (FIH). Support translational and biomarker research for clinical programs and clinical biomarker analysis.
Robert W. Mays
Executive Vice President Athersys
Robert W. Mays
Executive Vice President Athersys
He is biopharmaceutical professional with over 25 years experience at small biotech and large biopharma environments. Well-rounded background including business development, new product planning and commercial roles. Experience at all stages of the deal cycle from search and evaluation, due diligence, financial analysis and valuation, negotiation and execution. Effective at leading cross-functional teams, and communicating with all relevant functions including research, clinical, CMC, regulatory, marketing, legal and finance. Biopharmaceutical professional with over 25 years experience at small biotech and large biopharma environments. Well-rounded background including business development, new product planning and commercial roles. Experience at all stages of the deal cycle from search and evaluation, due diligence, financial analysis and valuation, negotiation and execution. Effective at leading cross-functional teams, and communicating with all relevant functions including research, clinical, CMC, regulatory, marketing, legal and finance.