TIM CLACKSON, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Clackson brings three decades of experience building oncology companies, including three drug approvals. Dr. Clackson was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Theseus Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on development of targeted oncology therapies, where he led the Company through its initial public offering and early clinical development for its lead product candidate for the treatment of GIST. Prior to Theseus, Dr. Clackson served as President at Xilio Therapeutics, a privately held oncology company developing tumor-selective immunotherapies, where he led the development of the company’s technology and product strategy.

From 1994 to 2018, Dr. Clackson was with ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, where he was most recently President of Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer. He played a key role in the company’s evolution from early research to a global commercial oncology company, and its subsequent acquisition by Takeda. He led the multi-disciplinary R&D team that internally discovered and developed five clinical-stage product candidates, including ICLUSIG® (ponatinib), approved for patients with treatment-resistant Ph+ leukemias; ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib), approved for ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); and EXKIVITY™, approved for Exon20 insertion+ NSCLC. Prior to ARIAD, Dr. Clackson was a postdoctoral research fellow at Genentech.

He received his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Cambridge, and his B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford. Dr. Clackson serves as a Director on the Board of Elevation Oncology and previously served as a Director on the Boards of Forma Therapeutics (acquired by Novo Nordisk), Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio).

JESSICA CHRISTO

Chief Development Operations Officer

Jessica Christo brings to IDRx 29 years of development and oncology experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, Jessica was chief development officer at Constellation Pharmaceuticals.

Previously, she was senior vice president of development operations at Verastem Oncology, where she was responsible for clinical operations, data management, biostatistics, medical writing, safety, regulatory affairs, program planning and management, and translational medicine. While at Verastem, she led the team responsible for the recent approval of COPIKTRATM. Prior to Verastem, she held positions of increasing responsibility in clinical operations and program management at X4 Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Biotech, Taris Biomedical and CombinatoRx. Earlier in her career, she was a biostatistician at several pharmaceutical companies, notably Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where she led the statistics and programming teams for the approval of VELCADE®.

Jessica holds an M.A. from Texas Tech University.

DAVID KERSTEIN, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Kerstein has served as our Chief Medical Officer since March 2024. Dr. Kerstein brings to IDRx deep experience in early- and late-stage oncology drug development, including multiple precision oncology medicines.

Prior to joining IDRx, Dr. Kerstein served as Chief Medical Officer of Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he led the clinical development of the Company’s lead program for GIST. Before Theseus, Dr. Kerstein served as Chief Medical Officer of Anchiano Therapeutics Ltd. Prior to these roles, Dr. Kerstein served as Senior Medical Director in Oncology Clinical Research and Lung Cancer Clinical Portfolio Strategy Lead at Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Senior Medical Director of Clinical Research at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by Takeda in 2017) where he led the clinical development of ALUNBRIG®. Earlier in his career, Dr. Kerstein served as Director of Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs at Boston Biomedical, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

Dr. Kerstein holds an M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine and received a B.S. in Biology from Tufts University.

BRAD DAHMS

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Business Officer

Mr. Dahms has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer since March 2024. His responsibilities include financial operations, investor/public relations, business development, alliance management, and information technology.

He was most recently Chief Financial Officer of Theseus Pharmaceuticals. He led Theseus’ initial public offering and other capital raises, and led the sale of the Company to Concentra Biosciences. Prior to Theseus, Mr. Dahms served as Chief Financial Officer of Selecta Biosciences, Inc., He led Selecta through several significant financing and strategic transactions, including a $730 million licensing agreement for its lead program. Previously, Mr. Dahms was a Senior Vice President in the Healthcare Group at Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., focused on providing strategic and financial advice to life sciences companies. Prior to Cantor, Mr. Dahms held several other investment banking roles, including at RBC Capital Markets in the Healthcare Group, and at J.P. Morgan.

Mr. Dahms earned a B.S. in Economics, with honors, from The Ohio State University

SHRENIK DESAI

Vice President, Regulatory & Quality

Shrenik Desai has over a decade of global oncology drug development experience leading to marketing authorizations across multiple geographies. He has led multiple early and late phase programs and had significant involvement in the global registration and approval of products including XPOVIO®, TAZVERIK®, ASPARLAS™, ONCASPAR and ENTYVIO®.

Over his biopharmaceutical career, Shrenik has held positions of increasing responsibility at both large pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Most recently, he played a critical role in establishing the regulatory affairs department at Constellation Pharmaceuticals (now MorphoSys AG) and served as an interim program lead for the company’s Phase 3 oncology program. In his spare time, Shrenik is passionate about advancing the field of drug development, and serves on several RAPS committees, and as an adjunct faculty at Northeastern University where he teaches drug development graduate course.

Shrenik is a licensed pharmacist and holds an M.S. in regulatory affairs from Northeastern University, honors in pharmacy from Nirma University, India, and regulatory affairs certification (RAC) for the U.S., Europe and Canada.

DEBBIE JOHNSON

Vice President, Clinical Operations

Debbie Johnson is a visionary biotech leader with extensive global experience building, managing and directing the clinical operations function at IDRx. With more than 18 years in the biotech industry, she is recognized as an innovative problem solver and team leader with the ability to collaborate cross functionally to make data driven decisions. Adept in Phase 1-3 oncology clinical trials, vendor partnership and KOL engagement, Debbie is passionate about coaching, mentoring, and empowering people and teams to collectively achieve their goals.

Prior to IDRx, Debbie was integral to building the clinical operations departments at Constellation Pharmaceuticals and ImmunoGen.

Debbie holds a B.S in healthcare management and biology from Northeastern University.

DEBRA MAZAIK

Vice President, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Debra Mazaik is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in small molecule drug development. Debra was previously Senior Director and Head of Formulation Sciences at Blueprint Medicines where she led a high-performing team responsible for the development and manufacturing of innovative drug therapies. Her expertise spans from pre-clinical stages through commercialization and life cycle management, including roles in CMC oversight, regulatory compliance, and global supply chain management.

Throughout her career, which has included roles at Millennium and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Debra has been instrumental in advancing pivotal therapies, notably including work on Ayvakit™ (avapritinib), Gavreto® (pralsetinib), and Ninlaro® (ixazomib). Recognized for her strategic approach, she has established successful teams and cultivated valuable partnerships with CDMOs , contributing to the progression of programs throughout development.

Debra holds an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The University of Arizona.

JAMES SHAO

Vice President, Biostatistics

James Shao brings to IDRx over two decades of experience in biostatistics and drug development. Most recently, James was Vice President, Biostatistics at Lyra Therapeutics, Inc.

Prior to Lyra, James was Executive Director, Biostatistics at Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by MorphoSys AG), where he built and led a team of biostatisticians and statistical programmers that played a critical role in the advancement of the Phase 3 myelofibrosis program. Before Constellation, James was Director, Biostatistics at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals where he made significant contributions to the late-stage development and subsequent approval of LINZESS®. Earlier in his career, James gained valuable experiences in clinical trial design, statistical methodology, and regulatory strategy with companies such as Eli Lilly & Company and Amgen Inc, as well as Synta Pharmaceuticals and Sarepta Therapeutics.

James holds a Master of Applied Statistics from Louisiana State University and received a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

AMY JABANOSKI

Vice President, Medical Writing

Amy Jabanoski is a patient-focused medical writing leader who brings over 20 years of combined experience across the biopharmaceutical industry and clinical practice.

Dr. Jabanoski is a Doctor of Chiropractic who formerly practiced in NJ and FL. Upon returning to industry, Dr. Jabanoski has held positions of increasing responsibility at both small and large pharmaceutical companies and has experience with small molecules and biologics spanning early to late phases of development.

Prior to joining IDRx, Dr. Jabanoski served as Executive Director, Medical Writing and Regulatory Affairs at Lexeo Therapeutics. There she oversaw medical writing activities for neurological and cardiac gene therapy programs and successfully led IND efforts for a rare cardiac indication. During her tenure at Amicus Therapeutics, Dr. Jabanoski progressed through roles of increasing responsibility ultimately serving as the Head of Medical Writing and Document Quality. She played a key role in the development and oversight of the function which contributed to multiple global rare disease programs and approvals of Galafold^® and the combination product Pombiliti^® + Opfolda^®. Dr. Jabanoski has also held roles at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and Novartis, Oncology Submission Management.

Dr. Jabanoski holds a D.C. from Palmer College of Chiropractic, summa cum laude, a B.S. in Animal Science from Cook College, Rutgers University, and a CAPM from the Project Management Institute.

BEN AUSPITZ

Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board

Ben Auspitz has worked in biotechnology for two decades as an entrepreneur, operator and investor. He has been involved in the funding and founding of more than 20 companies, which have currently generated six approved drugs. He was previously the founding CEO of IDRX, and is currently a founding partner at Forge Life Science Partners and the Chairman of IDRX’s Board of Directors.

Prior to IDRx, Ben was a partner at F-Prime Capital, where he focused on Series A and company formation. At F-Prime, Ben led first venturfe investments in Ultragenyx, Modis Therapeutics, REGENXBio, Symbiomix, Orchard Therapeutics, Precision Biosciences, Xilio Therapeutics and Atalanta Therapeutics, among others.

Ben holds a B.A. from Harvard University.

ELI CASDIN

Chief Investment Officer, Casdin Capital

Eli Casdin founded Casdin Capital in 2011 and serves as chief investment officer and founder. Casdin Capital engages as productive investor-partners, helping to fuel the visions of industry leaders by adding expertise and experience to their funding. Focused on emergent technologies in life sciences for more than two decades, Eli has been active in both private and public capital markets, following a passion for analyzing and investing in new technologies and business models within the life sciences and healthcare industry.

Prior to founding Casdin Capital, Eli served as vice president at Alliance Bernstein’s thematic investment arm, focusing personally on new technologies for the life sciences and healthcare sectors. While there he authored the 2011 black book, “The Dawn of Molecular Medicine,” detailing the (then) early-yet-accelerating wave of innovations transforming healthcare and creating opportunity for investors from testing to targeted medicine, diagnostics to industrial agriculture. Earlier, he worked as a financial analyst at Bear Stearns and Cooper Hill Partners, a healthcare-focused investment firm.

Today, Eli serves as a director or an observer on various boards for a number of public and private life sciences companies, trade groups and academic institutes, including Rockefeller University, the New York Genome Center Board and The Columbia University School of General Studies Board of Visitors.

Eli holds a B.S. from Columbia University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

JORGE CONDE

General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)

Jorge Conde is a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), where he leads investments at the cross section of biology, computer science and engineering. Jorge has more than 20 years of experience in leading, building, operating and investing in life sciences and healthcare, with a broad range of operational roles in early-stage and commercial companies.

Prior to joining a16z, Jorge served as chief strategy officer, chief financial officer and chief product officer for Syros, which is advancing small molecules to control the expression of genes. Jorge was also co-founder and CEO of Knome, a human genome interpretation company acquired by Tute Genomics in 2015. Earlier in his career, Jorge worked in marketing and operations at MedImmune and as a biotechnology investment banker at Morgan Stanley.

Jorge was named one of the top 35 young innovators in the world by the MIT Technology Review and is a Henry Crown fellow of the Aspen Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He previously served on the board of the Museum of Science, Boston.

Jorge currently serves on the boards of the following Andreessen Horowitz portfolio companies: Aria, Asimov, Camp4, Dyno, Earli, EQRx, Komodo Health, Octant Bio and Tmunity.

Jorge holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an M.S. from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology and a B.A. in biology from Johns Hopkins University.

DEREK DIROCCO, Ph.D.

Partner, RA Capital

Derek DiRocco is a Partner at RA Capital Management. Derek works on both public and private investments and serves as a Board Director for 89Bio, Achilles Therapeutics, iTeos Therapeutics, Connect Bio, CANbridge, and Werewolf Therapeutics. Previously, Derek covered solid tumor oncology landscapes. Derek holds a BA in Biology from Holy Cross College and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Washington. He conducted his postdoctoral research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where he researched the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in mouse models of kidney disease, and was part of a team that discovered a stem cell subtype responsible for solid organ fibrosis.

ROBERT FORRESTER

Co-Founder

Robert has more than 20 years of experience as the CEO, CXO, COO or CFO of both private and public life science companies, including EQRx (where he was also the co-founder), Verastem Oncology (VSTM), Forma Therapeutics (acquired by Novo), CombinatoRx (now ZLCS) and Coley (acquired by Pfizer).

In addition to co-founding IDRX and EQRx, Robert has co-founded six other companies to discover and develop cancer therapeutics, and to develop medical device products to encourage wound healing, to treat chronic and acute pain, and to relieve dry eye. Robert was a managing director of the Proprietary Investment Group at MeesPierson, part of the Fortis Group, investing in life science companies. Prior to MeesPierson, Robert worked for the investment banks, Barclays Capital and UBS, in the corporate finance groups undertaking M&A, and public and private finance transactions. Robert started his career as a lawyer with Clifford Chance in London and Singapore. He has completed more than $20 billion of transactions.

Robert holds an LL.B. from Bristol University, UK

CHRISTOPH LENGAUER, Ph.D.

Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer, Curie.Bio

Christoph Lengauer is a co-founder and chief scientific officer of Curie.Bio, where he co-pilots seed-stage companies through series A financing. Until recently, Christoph ideated, founded and built several life science companies as partner at Third Rock Ventures, including Blueprint Medicines, Relay Therapeutics, Thrive – An Exact Sciences Company, Celsius Therapeutics and MOMA Therapeutics.

Christoph has contributed to the approval of nine FDA-approved cancer medicines. Prior to joining biotech, Christoph was global head of oncology drug discovery at Sanofi and senior unit head of oncology discovery at Novartis. He has been an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he was involved in the identification of several cancer driver genes including PIK3CA and BRAF. As part of his research in Dr. Bert Vogelstein’s lab, Christoph discovered that all cancers are genetically unstable, which explains the molecular heterogeneity of cancer and why cancers develop resistance to drugs. He has authored more than 100 scientific articles published in top-tier scientific journals, including Cell, Nature and Science.

Several years ago, Christoph founded Advice Connect Inspire to provide both strategic consulting and hands-on operational support to startups and young European companies so they can more easily succeed globally.

Christoph has received numerous awards, including the Novartis Oncology President’s Award for Top Innovator. He has been elected to membership in the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars. Christoph is a strong and outspoken advocate of patients’ rights and co-founded EQRx, which makes innovative medicines at radically lower prices. He is featured in the New York Times bestseller and HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Christoph studied human genetics in Salzburg, Austria and obtained a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. He received his MBA with a focus on medical services management from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

TIM CLACKSON, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Clackson brings three decades of experience building oncology companies, including three drug approvals. Dr. Clackson was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Theseus Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on development of targeted oncology therapies, where he led the Company through its initial public offering and early clinical development for its lead product candidate for the treatment of GIST. Prior to Theseus, Dr. Clackson served as President at Xilio Therapeutics, a privately held oncology company developing tumor-selective immunotherapies, where he led the development of the company’s technology and product strategy.

From 1994 to 2018, Dr. Clackson was with ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, where he was most recently President of Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer. He played a key role in the company’s evolution from early research to a global commercial oncology company, and its subsequent acquisition by Takeda. He led the multi-disciplinary R&D team that internally discovered and developed five clinical-stage product candidates, including ICLUSIG® (ponatinib), approved for patients with treatment-resistant Ph+ leukemias; ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib), approved for ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); and EXKIVITY™, approved for Exon20 insertion+ NSCLC. Prior to ARIAD, Dr. Clackson was a postdoctoral research fellow at Genentech.

He received his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Cambridge, and his B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford. Dr. Clackson serves as a Director on the Board of Elevation Oncology and previously served as a Director on the Boards of Forma Therapeutics (acquired by Novo Nordisk), Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio).

GEORGE DEMETRI, M.D.

Co-Founder and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board Director of the Sarcoma Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

SEBASTIAN BAUER, M.D.

University Hospital Essen

JEAN-YVES BLAY, M.D., Ph.D.

University Claude Bernard, Lyon

JONATHAN FLETCHER, M.D.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

SUZANNE GEORGE, M.D.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

MICHAEL HEINRICH, M.D.

Oregon Health & Science University

STEVE KELSEY, M.D.

President of Research & Development, Revolution Medicines

VICTOR RIVERA, Ph.D.

Former Chief Scientific Officer, Theseus Pharmaceuticals

PATRICK SCHÖFFSKI, M.D., M.P.H.

University Hospital Leuven

CÉSAR SERRANO, M.D.

Vall d’Hebron Hospital

BARBARA WEBER, M.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Tango Therapeutics