Biography:
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:
My work experience not only spans basic research and drug development but also includes
organization building and being an entrepreneur. I have more than 25 years’ experience in diverse
fields such as dairy and food science, physiology, cell biology, public health, and drug development.
Before joining Vicus Therapeutics, I was at Reliance Life Sciences and with Cato Research Limited.
During my tenure at Reliance, I was the Head of RCRS, the clinical contract research arm of the
organization. In this capacity, I had overall responsibility for all aspects of this important service
arm of the organization. Additionally, I fostered corporate and business development in the US as
well provided guidance regarding the most appropriate scientific, clinical and regulatory strategies
for advancing the development of the organization’s product pipeline.
During my tenure at Cato Research, I served in multiple capacities; most recently as the Associate
Director of Clinical Development. I managed and led multiple cross-functional project teams
involved in the development of a broad range of technologies ranging from chemical entities to
biologics including gene transfer technologies and cell based therapies. I also led a number of crucial
internal/organizational activities; some of these include the following: (a) The group of scientists
belonging to the “Clinical Development” department; (b) The monthly review with upper
management of all ongoing projects at Cato Research; (c) The weekly meeting of the Senior
Strategic Council; (d) An organizational initiative in assessing how the emerging area of
pharmacogenomics and related areas could be integrated with drug development; and (e) Member of
a core group assessing how to improve project management and execution in an integrated manner
across the organization.
Before joining Cato Research, my research focused on proteolysis: I explored the functional
cooperation among distinct protease