VP of Research & Development, Biotech
AmaraOkonkwo
Molecular biologist turned executive with 18 years advancing therapeutics from bench to clinic. Built and led R&D…
About
Molecular biologist turned executive with 18 years advancing therapeutics from bench to clinic. Built and led R&D organizations of 120+ scientists, brought three novel treatments through FDA approval, and raised over 200M dollars in program funding.
Experience
VP, Research & Development
Helix Therapeutics · 2019 – Present
- Lead a 120-person R&D organization spanning discovery, translational science, and clinical development
- Advanced two first-in-class oncology candidates from discovery into Phase II trials
- Secured 140M dollars in program funding across strategic partnerships and grants
Senior Director, Translational Medicine
Genentech · 2013 – 2019
- Directed biomarker strategy for a portfolio of five immunology programs
- Established a cross-site translational lab that cut assay turnaround from weeks to days
Principal Scientist
Broad Institute · 2007 – 2013
- Published 24 peer-reviewed papers on gene regulation and disease modeling
- Built collaborations with three academic centers on rare disease research
Selected Projects
First-in-Class Oncology Program
Led the discovery-to-clinic journey of a novel targeted therapy now in Phase II.
Translational Lab Buildout
Founded a centralized translational science lab serving five therapeutic programs.
Capabilities
Education
PhD in Molecular Biology
Harvard University · 2002 – 2007
BS in Biochemistry
MIT · 1998 – 2002
Science moves fastest when brilliant people are given room to be curious and the discipline to follow the data.
Amara Okonkwo