Rallybio is a biopharmaceutical company committed to identifying and accelerating the development of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. We are focused on rapidly advancing our pipeline of promising product candidates and on further expanding our portfolio to execute on our mission.
The Company’s lead product candidate, RLYB211, is in development for the prevention of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a potentially life-threatening rare disease that can cause uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns.
FNAIT is a disorder that can occur during pregnancy and is caused by an incompatibility between mother and fetus of a specific human platelet antigen (HPA), most commonly HPA-1. This incompatibility can cause a pregnant woman to develop antibodies that attack the platelets of her fetus. The destruction of platelets in the fetus can result in severe thrombocytopenia in the baby, potentially leading to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The consequences of ICH can be devastating, and include miscarriage of the fetus, loss of the newborn, and severe lifelong neurological disability in those babies who survive.
With RLYB211, Rallybio hopes to eradicate FNAIT resulting from HPA-1a incompatibility. RLYB211 is designed to prevent FNAIT through a mechanism known as antibody-mediated immune suppression (AMIS). There is currently no approved therapy for the prevention or treatment of FNAIT.
Beyond RLYB211, Rallybio has a pipeline of product candidates in the areas of hematology, immuno-inflammation and metabolic disease.
Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, with an additional location at the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program in Farmington, Connecticut, Rallybio continues to place considerable scientific resources behind the development of promising product candidates to deliver on its mission.
Rallybio Team
Founded by biopharma industry leaders with extensive research, development, and business experience, Rallybio has built a formidable team uniquely capable of effectively identifying, attaining and developing assets that are aligned with Rallybio’s mission.
Rachael has more than 15 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in all aspects of technical operations. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Global Process Development at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where she led biologic and small molecule development, early and late stage process development, analytical and formulation development, tech transfer, regulatory submissions and life cycle management.
Rachael earned both her B.Sc. in Chemistry and PhD in Biophysical Chemistry from Imperial College, London, and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Yale University.
My favorite book/magazine is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (I’m a sucker for historical fiction)
I cannot live without Friendship
I don’t like it when It rains on the weekend
My favorite charity Women’s refugee commission – I feel incredibly fortunate that I was born in a time and place where women are free to define their own path and identity. I’m hopeful this can be true for all women
I grew up in A sleepy village in the English countryside
Róisín Armstrong, PhD
Róisín has over 25 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, specifically in advancing products through the development continuum to commercialization. Most recently, she served as Vice President and Global Medicine Team leader at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where she led teams in the development and registration of new treatments for rare and ultra-rare neurology indications. In 2019, Róisín was the recipient of an HBA Luminary Award by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. Prior to Alexion, Róisín worked with Pfizer in the UK and the US in various roles of increasing responsibility, including early and late-stage Development Portfolio Operations and global clinical leadership roles in different therapeutic areas.
Róisín received her PhD in Neuropharmacology from the University of Wales, College of Cardiff, having previously obtained a BSc in Pharmacy from DeMonfort University in Leicester, UK.
My dream vacation Hiking in Patagonia
My favorite book To Serve Them All My Days (R F Delderfield), early 20th century historical fiction
When I’m not working, I’m likely gone golfing (regardless of season), or otherwise outdoors
Last concert I attended Hansel and Gretel, Perth (W Aus.) Opera in the Park
I grew up in the north of Ireland, Belfast and Portstewart
Zubin Bhagwagar, MD, PhD
Zubin is a physician scientist with more than 25 years of experience in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Rallybio, Zubin was Vice President External Innovation at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and led the Strategic Evaluation team in Business Development. He previously held positions of increasing responsibility at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he worked in multiple therapeutic areas including neuroscience and clinical pharmacology. Zubin received his medical degree and completed his first psychiatry residency at Delhi University; he subsequently completed clinical training in psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where he was awarded a D.Phil (PhD) in neuroimaging and neurobiology. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, U.K., has authored more than 80 papers in neuroscience/psychiatry and has been on the faculty at the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine since 2005, where he is an Adjunct Associate Professor.
My favorite book/magazine is No longer in print
I cannot live without Oxygen
My favorite city to visit Paris
My favorite animal Sloth
Favorite sports team Won four World Series Championships this century
Dominic Carrano CPA, MSA
Dominic is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 10 years of experience managing areas of technical accounting and financial reporting. Prior to joining Rallybio, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, most recently as Associate Director of Technical Accounting. In this role he oversaw the implementation of new accounting standards, technical accounting assessments, forecasting and modeling, external reporting disclosures, and lent his expertise in these areas to various strategic projects. Dominic began his accounting career at Deloitte & Touche.
Dominic earned his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Connecticut.
My dream vacation Visiting national parks
When I’m not working, I’m… in my garden, I grow too many tomatoes every year
I cannot live without coffee, pizza, and ice cream
Favorite sports team Greenbay Packers (go Cheeseheads!)
My greatest non-work accomplishment being a dad to my two children and a husband to my wife
Laura Ekas, PhD
Laura has more than 10 years of experience in the biotech industry. Her broad background includes experience in global pricing and reimbursement, corporate operations and investor relations at Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Prior to her time at Alexion, Laura spent time in healthcare strategy consulting and also held positions of increasing responsibility at Canaccord Genuity Group, including Vice President, Biotech Equity Research. She has a PhD in pharmacology and signal transduction from New York University, School of Medicine and a B.A. in behavioral biology from Johns Hopkins University.
My Dream vacation Definitely not a cruise
My favorite city to visit Rome
My favorite charity The Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation
I grew up in Virginia, but I’m a New Yorker at heart
My favorite book The Great Gatsby
Jeffrey Fryer, CPA
Jeff is a co-founder of Rallybio and has more than 25 years of experience in business finance and the economics of operations, as well as corporate strategy and taxation. He has held leadership roles at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Chemtura Corporation, and Lydall, and began his career in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He earned a Master of Science in taxation from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Bryant University. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Bryant University School of Business.
My dream vacation A trip on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station
My favorite book/magazine is Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney – my favorite book to read to my two boys when they were little. Now that they’re all grown up, anything from John Locke
When I’m not working, I’m… Never sitting still. I enjoy biking, skiing, boating, taking pictures, and even some acting now and then – maybe you’ve seen me on TV!
My favorite city to visit Lausanne, Switzerland
My greatest non-work accomplishment Being a dad to two amazing guys who make me smile every day
Michael Greco, JD
Mike has more than 20 years of legal and business experience, including in private practice and as a member of life science leadership and executive management teams. Prior to joining Rallybio, Mike served as General Counsel and Secretary for SpringWorks Therapeutics where he helped facilitate the successful implementation of the company’s IPO, among other milestones and accomplishments. Previously, he held leadership roles at Alexion Pharmaceuticals where he assumed positions of increasing responsibility in the company’s legal department, oversaw corporate governance initiatives, public reporting and securities compliance and corporate transactions. He was also responsible for managing the legal department’s corporate, R&D, business development and employment law legal teams. Prior to Alexion, Mike was a corporate attorney at Wiggin and Dana LLP and Bingham McCutchen LLP (now Morgan Lewis).
Mike served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and received a JD from Suffolk University Law School and a B.S. from the United States Military Academy, West Point.
My dream vacation Fishing in the fjords of Norway with my family
My favorite book/magazine is Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin
My favorite city to visit Pietrasanta, Italy (Portland, Maine a close second)
My favorite animal Our family dog, Austin
Favorite sports team Bronx Bombers, 27-Time World Series Champions
Amanda Hayward, PhD
Amanda has 20 years of
biopharmaceutical industry experience, specifically in venture capital,
portfolio management, business development, and licensing transactions. Most
recently, she served as Managing Director of Venture Investments for
Connecticut Innovations, and is Chairman of Hoba Therapeutics. She has also
played a significant role in founding and growing multiple companies.
Amanda
earned her PhD in Cell Biology and Anatomy from Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale.
My dream vacation Antarctica
When I’m not working, I’m… Singing or hiking
Last concert I attended was Metallica in Las Vegas
I grew up in Cornwall, England
My greatest non-work accomplishment My children
Ann Houston, MA, PMP
Ann has more than 24 years of experience
in drug discovery, development and project management expertise, including
leadership positions at Inozyme Pharma and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Ann has
also held senior positions with increasing responsibility in project, portfolio
management and therapeutic area strategy at Bristol Myers-Squibb and Pfizer,
driving the delivery of medicines in all phases of development across a range
of therapeutic areas. Ann is a Certified
Project Management Professional. She received her M.A. in molecular biology
and biochemistry from Wesleyan University. She also holds a B.S. in biology and
a B.A. in chemistry from Providence College.
When I’m not working I’m taking photos, listening to music (U2), being a good dog mom to Max and Ruby, and enjoying time with my family
Last concert I attended was Our Lady Peace/Bush/Live, and the one before that was U2 of course.
My greatest non-work accomplishment Raising 3 kids, Tim, Abby and Samantha who are now smart, successful, funny and kind young adults
Favorite sports team NY Yankees!
I grew up in Smithfield, RI
Zhiyao Lu, PhD
Yao was trained as a scientist with expertise in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. Before joining Rallybio, Yao was a Fellow at the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation at Yale, where he assessed early-stage life-science opportunities and helped with company formation. Prior to that, he served as the co-founder and CTO of Catapower Inc., a seed-stage company developing and commercializing technologies for anti-microbial materials. Yao began his career at Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, where he identified and evaluated new business development opportunities.
He received his B.S. in pharmacy and M.S. in medicinal chemistry from Peking University and earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Southern California.
My dream vacation Seychelles
My favorite book/magazine is Keigo Higashino’s Dark Laugh series
When I’m not working, I’m playing with my dogs, watching movies, trying out new restaurants, traveling with family…
Last concert I attended was Metallica, San Francisco, many years ago
I grew up in Xi’an, China
Martin Mackay, PhD
Martin is a co-founder of Rallybio, and has worked in pharmaceutical and biotech R&D for more than 30 years, holding leadership roles at companies including Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) and Alexion. Martin obtained a First Class Honours Degree in microbiology from Heriot-Watt University and his PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Edinburgh. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NOVO), and is a Senior Advisor at New Leaf Ventures. Martin summarizes the three loves in his life as being family, work, and soccer, but not necessarily in that order.
When I’m not working, I’m… Playing soccer, boating, ballroom dancing, training our German Shepard puppy, hanging with my grandson Charlie.
My favorite charity Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation
Favorite sports team Heart of Midlothian Football Club
I grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland
My greatest non-work accomplishment Still playing competitive soccer at 63
Steve Ryder, MD
Steve has more than 30 years of leadership experience in global healthcare development and a proven track record in the rare disorders space. Prior to joining Rallybio, Steve served as Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where he led the global development, registration, and approval of new drug candidates for rare diseases, and contributed to the overall growth of the company. Previously, he was founding President, Astellas Pharma Global Development, and spent 21 years in development at Pfizer. Steve received his MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
My dream vacation two weeks anywhere with my family
My favorite book/magazine is The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
My favorite city to visit Seattle, WA and Charlotte, NC (a tie)
Favorite sports team New York Yankees
I grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island
Jackie Schumacher
Jackie has more than 30 years of diverse experience in global regulatory affairs, development, commercialization and portfolio management from initial clinical investigation through registration. Prior to joining Rallybio, Jackie served as Vice President of Regulatory and Quality at Lyndra Therapeutics where she was responsible for regulatory strategy and operations and for overseeing the Company’s global GxP quality strategy and Quality Management System. Previously, she spent more than two decades in pharmaceutical sciences within Pfizer, starting as an analytical chemist followed by a long tenure within the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) regulatory organization. During her time at Pfizer, she developed and led successful global CMC registration strategies for new small molecules, product enhancements, and combination products, held regulatory leadership positions within the nascent Established Products Sterile Injectables organization and was responsible for helping to optimize the value of the company’s 600+ established molecule portfolio. She is currently on the board of directors for Women in the Enterprise of Science and Technology (WEST), a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of women in science, technology, and engineering. Jackie received a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and classical studies from Hamilton College.
My dream vacation Hawaii
My favorite book/magazine Mindset by Carol Dweck
I cannot live without chocolate and peanut butter
My favorite animal Bichon Frise dogs, we have two Duke and Dexter
My favorite charity Power of Together, a group of individuals from my town who are combining monetary forces for local charities
Douglas Sheridan, PhD
Doug has more than 20 years of R&D experience, both academically and professionally. He is a co-inventor of five clinical drug candidates, including an orphan drug approved by the FDA in 2018. Prior to joining Rallybio, Doug served as Executive Director, Global Program Team Leader at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where he led the cross-functional development teams responsible for the strategy, budget and operational activities required to launch two global development programs. Doug earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Yale University. He also holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Pennsylvania State University.
My favorite book/magazine is It’s a tossup between Moby Dick and anything by Carl Hiaasen.
When I’m not working, I’m… Hiking in the woods or fishing on Long Island Sound with my dog, Rosie. She is a cheerful and willing companion, and rarely talks.
I cannot live without Being able to spend time in natural environments. It’s my most valuable time for creative thinking. I’ve never had a good idea sitting at a desk.
My favorite city to visit Copenhagen.
My greatest non-work accomplishment I didn’t go to college after high school, I restored antique furniture professionally from age 19-27. Quitting my job to go to college as an adult was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.
Lisa Sinclair
Lisa has more than 25 years of biopharmaceutical experience specializing in building and implementing portfolio strategy and new product development from pre-clinical to launch. Prior to joining Rallybio, Lisa served as the Head of Program and Alliance Management for SpringWorks Therapeutics where she led operational planning, lifecycle strategies and alliance collaborations. She previously served as Vice President of R&D Strategy, Portfolio and Project Management at Alexion and as the Vice President of Global R&D Portfolio and Performance at AstraZeneca. Before this, Lisa spent 18 years at Pfizer in various roles of increasing responsibility in R&D, Portfolio Management and Commercial. Lisa received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Vermont.
My dream vacation Sea kayaking in Cat Island
I cannot live without Yoga and tennis
I don’t like it when… The temperature is below freezing
My favorite charity St. Jude’s
My greatest non-work accomplishment Raising my son, Charlie
Michael Sullivan, MBA, PMP
Michael has more than 20 years of biopharmaceutical experience, with expertise in project and portfolio management. Mike has been focused on driving R&D programs through all stages of development as well as improving operational performance of various R&D functions. Prior to joining Rallybio and most recently, he served as Senior Director of Drug Safety Operational Performance and Excellence at Alexion Pharmaceuticals where he led critical and transformative programs across the company’s pharmacovigilance organization. He also held positions of increasing responsibilities in R&D strategy, portfolio and project management at Alexion and Pfizer.
Michael is a Certified Project Management Professional. He earned his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and holds a B.S. in industrial engineering from Iowa State University.
My favorite book/magazine is Devil in the White City
When I’m not working, I’m… spending time with my kids, hiking with my wife, visiting extended family, and playing golf and basketball
My favorite animal Our dog Wrigley, a cockapoo
Last concert I attended was The BoDeans
Favorite sports team Chicago Cubs, followed closely by Da Bears
Steven Tuch
Steven brings over 30 years of financial experience to Rallybio, of which 25 years have been spent working with Life Science companies. Most recently, he served as Managing Director, Head of U.S. Equity Capital Markets Originations for BMO Capital Markets, where he was responsible for building the firm’s equity capital markets business. Prior to assuming that role, Steven spent seven years as the Head of BMO’s Health Care Equity Capital Markets practice. While at BMO, Steven completed over 140 transactions raising over $20 billion. Previously, he was a Managing Director at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York, where his roles included Head of Health Care Equity Capital Markets, Head of Consumer and Business Services Equity Capital Markets and Head of Equity Private Placements. Before Deutsche Bank, Steven ran the Equity Private Placement Group at Thomas Weisel Partners and was a Vice President at Montgomery Securities.
Steven received an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a BBA from the University of Michigan.
My dream vacation Antarctica, the only continent I haven’t visited
My favorite book/magazine is The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
My favorite animal Tibetan Terriers, I have three
Favorite sports team NY Rangers
My greatest non-work accomplishment My family
Steve Uden, MD
Steve is a co-founder of Rallybio. He has more than 25 years of experience, serving in R&D leadership roles with prominent global pharmaceutical and biotech firms. Steve was previously head of research at Alexion Pharmaceuticals where he led a series of collaborations and external alliances, expanded its research base beyond antibodies to include small molecules, RNA-based therapies and broader protein engineering capabilities. Prior to Alexion, Steve led research and development groups in Japan for Wyeth and Novartis Oncology, and held positions of increasing responsibility at Pfizer in the U.K., Japan, and the U.S. Steve received his medical training at the University of London’s St. Thomas’ Hospital Medical School, and then practiced clinical and academic medicine within the U.K. National Health Service and the University of Manchester U.K.
My dream vacation Diving in Truk Lagoon
I cannot live without Getting outdoors
My favorite animal Jack Russell Terriers
My favorite charity RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution
My greatest non-work accomplishment 21 years’ service in UK Army Reserve (though it was sort of a job)
Haren Vasavada, PhD
Dr. Vasavada has more than 25 years of experience as a scientist, manager, and R&D leadership team member in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, small molecule therapeutics, and research technologies. Prior to joining Rallybio, he served as the Head of New Targets and Therapeutics at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Vice President, Process Science at Optherion, Inc. He began his career in the biopharmaceutical industry at Bayer, Inc., where he rose to the position of Director of Research, Department of Research Technologies, advancing a both small molecule and biologic drug candidates into product development. Before his industry career, Dr. Vasavada was an associate research scientist in Yale University’s Department of Human Genetics. He received his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and did his postdoctoral work at Yale University.
When I’m not working, I’m Spending time with family & taking long walks
I cannot live without Indian food
My favorite city to visit My hometown, Junagadh
Favorite sports team Indian cricket team
My greatest non-work accomplishment Yet to come
Eric Watsky, MD
Having held executive positions in pharmaceutical research and development, Eric also has extensive experience in patient care and academic research. Prior to joining Rallybio, Eric served as Vice President, Global Development Team Leader for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Executive Director in Pfizer’s Specialty Care Business Unit focused on rare disease indications. He was also Senior Staff Research Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health. Eric received his MD from Boston University and has taught at the medical schools of Harvard, where he was Chief Resident in Psychopharmacology, and George Washington University.
My dream vacation Acadia National Park
When I’m not working, I’m… On the water
My favorite city to visit New York
Last concert I attended was New York Philharmonic
I grew up in New York
Carrie White
Carrie has a proven track record of leading and managing venture capital investments and strategic initiatives in the bioscience industry. She has held various positions with increasing responsibility for Connecticut Innovations, most recently leading or supporting 27 early-stage bioscience venture capital investment deals totaling more than $21M. Previously, Carrie worked for Pfizer specializing in clinical data management, before transitioning into a business operations role where she managed the budget development and reporting process for the statistical programming and medical writing departments. Carrie has also achieved her Six Sigma Green Belt. She received her MBA from Northeastern University and holds a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Arizona.
My favorite book/magazine Any history of the U.S. Presidents
I cannot live without My morning coffee
My favorite city to visit is Prague
I don’t like it when I freestyle cook and the meal isn’t as tasty as I had hoped
Favorite sports team Arizona Wildcats basketball
Ting Yi, PhD, MBA
A scientist with expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, Ting has valuable experience in business development. Before joining Rallybio, Ting was Director of Business Development for Tangen Biosciences Inc., where she managed a government project, led contract and license negotiations and cross-functional marketing efforts. Prior to that, she served as an Investment Associate at Connecticut Innovations bioscience venture, focused on sourcing new deal opportunities, managing portfolio companies and fund raising. Ting began her career as a Postdoctoral Associate at Yale University Medical School using stem cell techniques to investigate cardiac disease.
She received her B.S. in biological engineering and M.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Beijing Institute of Technology and earned a Ph.D. in molecular physiology and biophysics from the University of Vermont.
My dream vacation Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
When I’m not working, I’m… Traveling or gardening
My favorite animal My cat “Dumpling”
Last concert I attended was The Piano Guys
I grew up in Sichuan Province, China
Board of Directors
Helen M. Boudreau
Ms. Boudreau is a retired senior executive with a 30-year career in the biotech, pharmaceuticals, consulting and banking industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. Over the course of her career, Ms. Boudreau held positions of increasing scope and responsibility in finance in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, including roles as Chief Financial Officer for Proteostasis Therapeutics (NASDAQ: PTI), Chief Financial Officer for FORMA Therapeutics, Chief Financial Officer for Novartis Corporation in the U.S., global Chief Financial Officer for Novartis Oncology and senior finance positions at Pfizer, Inc. She currently serves on the Board of Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), a healthcare improvement company, and three private biotechnology companies. She previously served on the board of Proteostasis Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTI), and was Chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Boudreau received a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland, and an MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia.
Ms. Boudreau is the Chair of the Audit Committee at Rallybio.
Rob Hopfner, RPh, PhD, MBA
Dr. Hopfner is a Managing Partner at Pivotal bioVenture Partners, where he focuses on drug discovery and development investments. He has a long track record of working successfully with entrepreneurs to progress novel, important medicines through development and onto the market. Dr. Hopfner was previously a Managing Director at Bay City Capital and prior to that worked in business development and investment roles at DuPont Pharmaceuticals and at Ag-West Biotech. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Saskatchewan and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Dr. Hopfner completed his post-doctoral work at Harvard Medical School. He started his career as a pharmacist.
Ron Hunt
Mr. Hunt is a Managing Director at New Leaf Venture Partners, and focuses on early to late stage investments in biopharmaceuticals. He was one of the founders of New Leaf in 2005, and today has over two decades of experience investing in, and building companies focused on developing novel medicines that address important unmet medical needs. Prior to his start in venture capital in 1998, Mr. Hunt was a strategy and operations consultant to clients in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. His experience also includes a number of sales and marketing positions with Johnson & Johnson and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Hunt is a graduate of The Wharton School (MBA) and Cornell University (B.S.).
Lucian Iancovici, MD
Dr. Iancovici is a Principal with TPG Growth based in San Francisco, where he focuses on healthcare investing. Since joining TPG, he has led investments in Sling (board member) and Rallybio (board member) and worked on Sutrovax (board observer) and Ceribell (board observer), among other investments. Prior to joining TPG, Dr. Iancovici was a GP at dRx Capital and led the Qualcomm Life Fund. Among the investments Dr. Iancovici led or co-led were Edico Genome (acquired by Illumina) and Fitbit (IPO, FIT). Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Company in the North American healthcare practice advising on clinical- and business-model transformation for large hospital systems. Dr. Iancovici is a board-certified Internist and practiced in New York prior to joining McKinsey & Company. He trained in internal medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and completed both medical school and undergraduate studies at Tufts University.
Martin Mackay, PhD
Dr. Mackay is a co-founder of Rallybio, and has worked in pharmaceutical and biotech R&D for more than 30 years, holding leadership roles at companies including Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Alexion. He obtained a First Class Honours Degree in microbiology from Heriot-Watt University and his PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Mackay is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Charles River Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and is a Senior Advisor at New Leaf Ventures.
Kush M. Parmar, MD PhD
Dr. Parmar is a Managing Partner at 5AM Ventures. He serves as a Director on the Boards of Akouos, Entrada, Homology (NASDAQ: FIXX), and Vor Biopharma. He previously served as Acting VP of Strategy and Corporate Development at Novira (acquired by J&J) and served as Board Member or Observer for Achaogen (NASDAQ: AKAO), Arvinas (NASDAQ: ARVN), Audentes (NASDAQ: BOLD), Envoy (acquired by Takeda) and scPharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SCPH). Dr. Parmar serves on the Advisory Boards of Harvard Medical School, Penn Medicine, Princeton University’s Department of Molecular Biology, and the Grace Science Foundation. He is a Fellow of the Society of Kauffman Fellows. Prior to 5AM, Dr. Parmar was at Harvard Medical School, where he was an NIH-sponsored MD/PhD Physician Scientist Fellow in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program. He holds an A.B. in Molecular Biology and Medieval Studies from Princeton University, a PhD in Experimental Pathology from Harvard University and an MD from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Parmar is based in the Boston, MA office.
Ketan Patel, MD
Dr. Patel is a Partner with F-Prime Capital and has worked in the healthcare sector as an investor, consultant, and physician. Prior to joining F-Prime Capital in 2007, he advised biopharmaceutical and medical device companies on brand strategy, clinical development plans, and business development activities in the corporate consulting division of Leerink Swann & Company. Dr. Patel served as a physician at the VA Boston Healthcare System and at Weill Cornell Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he completed his internal medicine training. He earned his MD/MBA from Tufts University School of Medicine and has a bachelor’s from Rutgers College.
Timothy Shannon, MD
Dr. Shannon is a General Partner at Canaan Partners. He also serves on the boards of Canaan portfolio companies Arvinas (NASDAQ: ARVN), IDEAYA Biosciences, NextCure, and Vivace Therapeutics. Previously, Dr. Shannon was President and Chief Executive Officer of CuraGen, a biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, after serving as Executive Vice President of R&D and Chief Medical Officer. He also held positions of increasing responsibility for Bayer’s Pharmaceutical Business Group, including Senior Vice President and head of Global Medical Development. Prior to his career in industry, Dr. Shannon was an Assistant Professor in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Shannon received his postgraduate medical training at the Beth Israel Hospital of Harvard Medical School and Boston University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut and has a bachelor’s in Chemistry from Amherst College.
Paula Soteropoulos
Ms. Soteropoulos has more than 30 years of rare disease biopharma industry experience in strategic and operational leadership areas including drug development, global commercialization, manufacturing, new company formation and company building. In addition to a strong focus on rare disease, her career spans a broad range of therapeutic areas including cardiovascular and metabolism, neurology, infectious disease, renal, and transplant and oncology. She currently serves as Executive Chairman of Ensoma and as a member of the Board of Directors of uniQure. Previously, she served as founding CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Akcea Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines to treat patients with serious and rare diseases. Prior to Akcea, she was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cardiometabolic and Rare Disease Businesses and Strategic Alliances at Moderna, Inc. where she led key strategic alliances and built preclinical programs and alliances. Before Moderna, Ms. Soteropoulos spent more than 20 years at Genzyme Corporation where she held positions of increasing responsibility including Vice President and General Manager, Cardiovascular, Rare Diseases. In this role, Ms. Soteropoulos led all aspects of the cardiovascular business from early portfolio prioritization of science and new business development opportunities through commercialization. Ms. Soteropoulos earned an executive management certificate from the University of Virginia – Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University.
Commitment to Patients
Rallybio is dedicated to developing medicines that provide a life-transforming benefit for patients with severe and rare diseases. As we advance our pipeline of transformative therapeutic candidates, we are committed to working side-by-side with rare disease communities to increase awareness and help restore the lives of the patients, families, and caregivers affected by these disorders.
Rallybio is a member of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Corporate Council.