Our Team
Leadership
Cyril Konto, M.D.
President, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Cyril Konto is responsible for the overall management at IGI. He joined Ichnos as Chief Medical Officer and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Previously, Cyril was Vice President of Clinical Development at Allogene Therapeutics, a spinoff from Pfizer, where he pioneered development of allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies.
At Pfizer, he was Executive Director of Early Immuno-oncology Clinical Development. Cyril began his industry career at Bristol Myers Squibb, first in medical affairs, and then in late-stage clinical development as clinical lead for the YERVOY® (ipilimumab) melanoma program. An oncologist by training, Cyril received his medical degree from University René Descartes in Paris and began practicing medicine at Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he held both clinical and academic positions.
Cyril Konto, M.D.
President, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Cyril Konto is responsible for the overall management at IGI. He joined Ichnos as Chief Medical Officer and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Previously, Cyril was Vice President of Clinical Development at Allogene Therapeutics, a spinoff from Pfizer, where he pioneered development of allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies.
At Pfizer, he was Executive Director of Early Immuno-oncology Clinical Development. Cyril began his industry career at Bristol Myers Squibb, first in medical affairs, and then in late-stage clinical development as clinical lead for the YERVOY® (ipilimumab) melanoma program. An oncologist by training, Cyril received his medical degree from University René Descartes in Paris and began practicing medicine at Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he held both clinical and academic positions.
Cyril Konto, M.D.
President, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Cyril Konto is responsible for the overall management at IGI. He joined Ichnos as Chief Medical Officer and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Previously, Cyril was Vice President of Clinical Development at Allogene Therapeutics, a spinoff from Pfizer, where he pioneered development of allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies.
At Pfizer, he was Executive Director of Early Immuno-oncology Clinical Development. Cyril began his industry career at Bristol Myers Squibb, first in medical affairs, and then in late-stage clinical development as clinical lead for the YERVOY® (ipilimumab) melanoma program. An oncologist by training, Cyril received his medical degree from University René Descartes in Paris and began practicing medicine at Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he held both clinical and academic positions.
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Head of Biologics Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Head of Biologics Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Head of Biologics Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Nagaraj Gowda, Ph.D.
Head of Small Molecule Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Nagaraj Gowda Ph.D. is an accomplished pharmaceutical professional with extensive experience in drug discovery. He brings to his role in IGI a wealth of expertise in cancer drug discovery for both tumor and immune targets. Nagaraj has been associated with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. since 2018; where he headed the NCE Discovery Group in Mumbai. He led the teams involved in medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) research associated with small molecule drug discovery.
Prior to Glenmark, he was the Senior Group Lead for Immunology and Translational Biology at Aurigene Discovery Technologies working on immune-oncology, inflammatory and anti-infective projects.
Nagaraj is a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. He was also a Senior Post-Doctoral Fellow from the John Hopkins School of Medicine as well a Post-Doctoral Scholar from the Hershey Medical Centre, Penn State University College of Medicine.
Nagaraj Gowda, Ph.D.
Head of Small Molecule Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Nagaraj Gowda Ph.D. is an accomplished pharmaceutical professional with extensive experience in drug discovery. He brings to his role in IGI a wealth of expertise in cancer drug discovery for both tumor and immune targets. Nagaraj has been associated with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. since 2018; where he headed the NCE Discovery Group in Mumbai. He led the teams involved in medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) research associated with small molecule drug discovery.
Prior to Glenmark, he was the Senior Group Lead for Immunology and Translational Biology at Aurigene Discovery Technologies working on immune-oncology, inflammatory and anti-infective projects.
Nagaraj is a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. He was also a Senior Post-Doctoral Fellow from the John Hopkins School of Medicine as well a Post-Doctoral Scholar from the Hershey Medical Centre, Penn State University College of Medicine.
Nagaraj Gowda, Ph.D.
Head of Small Molecule Research
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Nagaraj Gowda Ph.D. is an accomplished pharmaceutical professional with extensive experience in drug discovery. He brings to his role in IGI a wealth of expertise in cancer drug discovery for both tumor and immune targets. Nagaraj has been associated with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. since 2018; where he headed the NCE Discovery Group in Mumbai. He led the teams involved in medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) research associated with small molecule drug discovery.
Prior to Glenmark, he was the Senior Group Lead for Immunology and Translational Biology at Aurigene Discovery Technologies working on immune-oncology, inflammatory and anti-infective projects.
Nagaraj is a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. He was also a Senior Post-Doctoral Fellow from the John Hopkins School of Medicine as well a Post-Doctoral Scholar from the Hershey Medical Centre, Penn State University College of Medicine.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Sébastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Sébastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Sébastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Eva Yuen
Head of Finance
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Eva Yuen
Head of Finance
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Eva Yuen
Head of Finance
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Karishma Sipahimalani, Ph.D.
Head of Human Resources
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Karishma Sipahimalani heads the Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. Her experience extends to various facets of the pharmaceutical industry, currently focusing on talent acquisition and management for senior positions. She has also been the HR Business Partner for Innovative Medicines Group at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Karishma is a Ph.D. in Biology / Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and was also a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Southern California. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Her diverse background in academia and industry positions her as a valuable asset in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Prior to joining Glenmark, Karishma served as a Principal Consultant at Vito India Advisors, where she was responsible for establishing and overseeing the pharmaceutical/life sciences and healthcare practice within the firm.
Karishma Sipahimalani, Ph.D.
Head of Human Resources
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Karishma Sipahimalani heads the Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. Her experience extends to various facets of the pharmaceutical industry, currently focusing on talent acquisition and management for senior positions. She has also been the HR Business Partner for Innovative Medicines Group at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Karishma is a Ph.D. in Biology / Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and was also a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Southern California. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Her diverse background in academia and industry positions her as a valuable asset in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Prior to joining Glenmark, Karishma served as a Principal Consultant at Vito India Advisors, where she was responsible for establishing and overseeing the pharmaceutical/life sciences and healthcare practice within the firm.
Karishma Sipahimalani, Ph.D.
Head of Human Resources
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Karishma Sipahimalani heads the Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. Her experience extends to various facets of the pharmaceutical industry, currently focusing on talent acquisition and management for senior positions. She has also been the HR Business Partner for Innovative Medicines Group at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Karishma is a Ph.D. in Biology / Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and was also a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Southern California. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Her diverse background in academia and industry positions her as a valuable asset in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Prior to joining Glenmark, Karishma served as a Principal Consultant at Vito India Advisors, where she was responsible for establishing and overseeing the pharmaceutical/life sciences and healthcare practice within the firm.
Edsel Pereira
Head of IT
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Edsel Pereira heads the Information Technology function at IGI and provides a critical interface between the business and IT functions. With a career spanning over thirty years, he joined Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in 2012 and is responsible for implementing key business systems with a focus on compliance, driving business transformation, and process optimization globally. Edsel is accountable for enabling IT to implement key business systems of high criticality and compliance nuances and increased automation in the ever-increasing regulatory and compliance framework.
Recognized for his open management style and for fostering inclusiveness among in-house and outsourced teams, Edsel ensures data security and automation for the organization by adopting industry best practices and proven technologies.
Edsel has a Masters degree in Commerce from Mumbai University as well as in Management Science, majoring in Finance, from Pune University. Committed to continuous education and learning, he has also completed the Driving Digital Strategy program from Harvard Business School and holds multiple certifications in technology platforms. Edsel’s career is marked by numerous accomplishments and awards, demonstrating his impact on IT, digital strategy, and business management.
Edsel Pereira
Head of IT
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Edsel Pereira heads the Information Technology function at IGI and provides a critical interface between the business and IT functions. With a career spanning over thirty years, he joined Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in 2012 and is responsible for implementing key business systems with a focus on compliance, driving business transformation, and process optimization globally. Edsel is accountable for enabling IT to implement key business systems of high criticality and compliance nuances and increased automation in the ever-increasing regulatory and compliance framework.
Recognized for his open management style and for fostering inclusiveness among in-house and outsourced teams, Edsel ensures data security and automation for the organization by adopting industry best practices and proven technologies.
Edsel has a Masters degree in Commerce from Mumbai University as well as in Management Science, majoring in Finance, from Pune University. Committed to continuous education and learning, he has also completed the Driving Digital Strategy program from Harvard Business School and holds multiple certifications in technology platforms. Edsel’s career is marked by numerous accomplishments and awards, demonstrating his impact on IT, digital strategy, and business management.
Edsel Pereira
Head of IT
Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Edsel Pereira heads the Information Technology function at IGI and provides a critical interface between the business and IT functions. With a career spanning over thirty years, he joined Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in 2012 and is responsible for implementing key business systems with a focus on compliance, driving business transformation, and process optimization globally. Edsel is accountable for enabling IT to implement key business systems of high criticality and compliance nuances and increased automation in the ever-increasing regulatory and compliance framework.
Recognized for his open management style and for fostering inclusiveness among in-house and outsourced teams, Edsel ensures data security and automation for the organization by adopting industry best practices and proven technologies.
Edsel has a Masters degree in Commerce from Mumbai University as well as in Management Science, majoring in Finance, from Pune University. Committed to continuous education and learning, he has also completed the Driving Digital Strategy program from Harvard Business School and holds multiple certifications in technology platforms. Edsel’s career is marked by numerous accomplishments and awards, demonstrating his impact on IT, digital strategy, and business management.
Governance Board
Glenn Saldanha
Chairman and Managing Director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
Glenn Saldanha is the Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He joined in 1998 as Director and took over as Managing Director and CEO in 2001. As Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark, Glenn oversees all operations of the organization.
During his tenure, he transformed Glenmark into a truly global organization with revenues of more than $1.5 billion and a commercial presence in more than eighty countries. Under his leadership, Glenmark has evolved from a generics business into a research-driven and innovation-led organization.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Mumbai University in India and has a master’s degree in business administration from the Leonard Stern School of Business at New York University. Prior to Glenmark, he worked with Eli Lilly, USA and PricewaterhouseCoopers, USA.
Glenn Saldanha
Chairman and Managing Director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
Glenn Saldanha is the Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He joined in 1998 as Director and took over as Managing Director and CEO in 2001. As Chairman and Managing Director of Glenmark, Glenn oversees all operations of the organization.
During his tenure, he transformed Glenmark into a truly global organization with revenues of more than $1.5 billion and a commercial presence in more than eighty countries. Under his leadership, Glenmark has evolved from a generics business into a research-driven and innovation-led organization.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Mumbai University in India and has a master’s degree in business administration from the Leonard Stern School of Business at New York University. Prior to Glenmark, he worked with Eli Lilly, USA and PricewaterhouseCoopers, USA.
Cyril Konto, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Cyril Konto is responsible for the overall management at IGI. He joined Ichnos as Chief Medical Officer and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Previously, Cyril was Vice President of Clinical Development at Allogene Therapeutics, a spinoff from Pfizer, where he pioneered development of allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies.
At Pfizer, he was Executive Director of Early Immuno-oncology Clinical Development. Cyril began his industry career at Bristol Myers Squibb, first in medical affairs, and then in late-stage clinical development as clinical lead for the YERVOY® (ipilimumab) melanoma program. An oncologist by training, Cyril received his medical degree from University René Descartes in Paris and began practicing medicine at Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he held both clinical and academic positions.
Cyril Konto, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation
Cyril Konto is responsible for the overall management at IGI. He joined Ichnos as Chief Medical Officer and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Previously, Cyril was Vice President of Clinical Development at Allogene Therapeutics, a spinoff from Pfizer, where he pioneered development of allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies.
At Pfizer, he was Executive Director of Early Immuno-oncology Clinical Development. Cyril began his industry career at Bristol Myers Squibb, first in medical affairs, and then in late-stage clinical development as clinical lead for the YERVOY® (ipilimumab) melanoma program. An oncologist by training, Cyril received his medical degree from University René Descartes in Paris and began practicing medicine at Pierre and Marie Curie University, where he held both clinical and academic positions.
Dennis Purcell
Founder and Former Senior Managing Partner, Aisling Capital
Dennis Purcell is the original founder of Aisling Capital LLC and currently serves as a senior advisor. Previously, he served as the Senior Managing Partner. Prior to Aisling Capital, Dennis served as Managing Director of the Life Sciences Investment Banking Group at Chase H&Q (formerly Hambrecht & Quist) for more than five years. While at H&Q, he was directly involved with more than two hundred completed transactions and supervised more than $10 billion of financing and advisory assignments in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical products industries. During his tenure, BioWorld Today and other industry publications cited H&Q as the leading underwriter of life sciences securities.
Prior to joining H&Q, Dennis was a Managing Director in the Healthcare Group at PaineWebber, Inc. He is a frequent commentator on the industry and has been honored in the “Biotech Hall of Fame” by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, named to the Biotechnology All-Stars list by Forbes ASAP, honored as one of the top 50 Irish-American businessmen, and cited as one of the top 100 contributors to the biotechnology industry. Dennis received his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware.
Dennis Purcell
Founder and Former Senior Managing Partner, Aisling Capital
Dennis Purcell is the original founder of Aisling Capital LLC and currently serves as a senior advisor. Previously, he served as the Senior Managing Partner. Prior to Aisling Capital, Dennis served as Managing Director of the Life Sciences Investment Banking Group at Chase H&Q (formerly Hambrecht & Quist) for more than five years. While at H&Q, he was directly involved with more than two hundred completed transactions and supervised more than $10 billion of financing and advisory assignments in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical products industries. During his tenure, BioWorld Today and other industry publications cited H&Q as the leading underwriter of life sciences securities.
Prior to joining H&Q, Dennis was a Managing Director in the Healthcare Group at PaineWebber, Inc. He is a frequent commentator on the industry and has been honored in the “Biotech Hall of Fame” by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, named to the Biotechnology All-Stars list by Forbes ASAP, honored as one of the top 50 Irish-American businessmen, and cited as one of the top 100 contributors to the biotechnology industry. Dennis received his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware.
Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Ichnos Sciences, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Special Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA
Dr. Olanoff previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Forest Laboratories, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Celsion Corporation. During his career, Dr. Olanoff made substantial contributions leading to thirty new drug approvals across several therapeutic areas. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University and has authored forty scientific publications on topics including drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D.
Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Forest Laboratories
Lawrence Olanoff is currently an adjunct assistant professor and special advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Medical University of South Carolina. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Forest Laboratories, Inc. from 2006 through 2010. From 2005 to 2006, Lawrence was Chief Executive Officer of Celsion Corporation. He also served as Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Forest from 1995 to 2005. Prior to joining Forest, Lawrence served in senior clinical research roles at Sandoz Pharmaceutical Corporation and at The Upjohn Company.
During his pharmaceutical development career, Lawrence made substantial contributions leading to thirty new drug approvals, either as new chemical entities or as supplemental indications, over a range of therapeutic areas. He serves as a member of the Board of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals as well as several nonprofit organizations.
Lawrence also held past directorships on the Boards of Forest Laboratories, Axovant Sciences Ltd., and the Celsion Corporation. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, was an internal medicine resident and clinical pharmacology fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina, and is the author of some forty scientific publications on topics including controlled drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and clinical toxicology.
Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D.
Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Forest Laboratories
Lawrence Olanoff is currently an adjunct assistant professor and special advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Medical University of South Carolina. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Forest Laboratories, Inc. from 2006 through 2010. From 2005 to 2006, Lawrence was Chief Executive Officer of Celsion Corporation. He also served as Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Forest from 1995 to 2005. Prior to joining Forest, Lawrence served in senior clinical research roles at Sandoz Pharmaceutical Corporation and at The Upjohn Company.
During his pharmaceutical development career, Lawrence made substantial contributions leading to thirty new drug approvals, either as new chemical entities or as supplemental indications, over a range of therapeutic areas. He serves as a member of the Board of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals as well as several nonprofit organizations.
Lawrence also held past directorships on the Boards of Forest Laboratories, Axovant Sciences Ltd., and the Celsion Corporation. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, was an internal medicine resident and clinical pharmacology fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina, and is the author of some forty scientific publications on topics including controlled drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and clinical toxicology.
V. S. Mani
Chief Financial Officer, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
V. S. Mani is the Executive Director & Global Chief Financial Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He is responsible for the company’s worldwide finance operations and secretarial function, including global accounting and financial reporting as well as tax and treasury functions.
Mani is a qualified Chartered Accountant from India and has nearly thirty years of rich industry experience across treasury, taxation (direct, indirect, and international), accounting, financial planning and analysis, secretarial, legal, audits (internal and statutory), risk management, and investor relations.
Prior to joining Glenmark in 2017, he was the President-Finance at the Bhartiya Group. Mani has also held the position of the Chief Financial Officer at Cipla Ltd. and played a key role in the acquisition of various companies in emerging and mature markets for the organization.
V. S. Mani
Chief Financial Officer, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
V. S. Mani is the Executive Director & Global Chief Financial Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He is responsible for the company’s worldwide finance operations and secretarial function, including global accounting and financial reporting as well as tax and treasury functions.
Mani is a qualified Chartered Accountant from India and has nearly thirty years of rich industry experience across treasury, taxation (direct, indirect, and international), accounting, financial planning and analysis, secretarial, legal, audits (internal and statutory), risk management, and investor relations.
Prior to joining Glenmark in 2017, he was the President-Finance at the Bhartiya Group. Mani has also held the position of the Chief Financial Officer at Cipla Ltd. and played a key role in the acquisition of various companies in emerging and mature markets for the organization.
Alind Sharma
Chief Human Resources Officer, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
Alind Sharma is President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He is responsible for driving organizational advancement through effective human capital strategy. His areas of focus comprise enriching and developing the organization’s diverse talent, appropriate and timely rewards through robust performance management, leadership development and talent engagement.
Previously, Alind served as Vice President of Human Capital at Optum, a part of the United Health Group. He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, India.
Alind Sharma
Chief Human Resources Officer, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
Alind Sharma is President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited. He is responsible for driving organizational advancement through effective human capital strategy. His areas of focus comprise enriching and developing the organization’s diverse talent, appropriate and timely rewards through robust performance management, leadership development and talent engagement.
Previously, Alind served as Vice President of Human Capital at Optum, a part of the United Health Group. He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, India.
Scientific Advisory Board
The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprises experts in oncology, immunology, protein engineering, drug discovery and development.The SAB provides strategic and scientific counsel to IGI’s management and research & development team to help advance the company’s proprietary BEAT® platform and multispecifics directed at blood cancers and solid tumors.
Adam Cohen, M.D.
Dr. Cohen is a graduate of Harvard University. He received his medical degree and residency training from University of Pennsylvania, and completed his hematology/medical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Dr. Cohen has lectured frequently and has been widely published in journals and book chapters on the areas of cancer immunotherapy and multiple myeloma.
Adam Cohen, M.D.
Dr. Cohen is a graduate of Harvard University. He received his medical degree and residency training from University of Pennsylvania, and completed his hematology/medical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Dr. Cohen has lectured frequently and has been widely published in journals and book chapters on the areas of cancer immunotherapy and multiple myeloma.
Wolf Hervé Fridman, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Immunology, at Université Paris Cité Medical School, France
Dr. Fridman’s focus is on the role the immune system plays in the control of human malignancies and he is world-renowned in the area of tumor immunology.
Wolf Hervé Fridman, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Immunology, at Université Paris Cité Medical School, France
Dr. Fridman’s focus is on the role the immune system plays in the control of human malignancies and he is world-renowned in the area of tumor immunology.
Sergio Giralt, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Deputy Division Head of Hematologic Malignancies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA
Dr. Giralt’s clinical research focus is on stem cell transplantation for patients with blood disorders. He trained and worked at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where he was Deputy Chair of the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies. In May 2010, Dr. Giralt joined the faculty of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to lead the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service and served as Chief until February 2020.
Sergio Giralt, M.D.
Professor of Medicine, Deputy Division Head of Hematologic Malignancies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA
Dr. Giralt’s clinical research focus is on stem cell transplantation for patients with blood disorders. He trained and worked at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where he was Deputy Chair of the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies. In May 2010, Dr. Giralt joined the faculty of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to lead the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service and served as Chief until February 2020.
Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Ichnos Sciences, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Special Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA
Dr. Olanoff previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Forest Laboratories, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Celsion Corporation. During his career, Dr. Olanoff made substantial contributions leading to thirty new drug approvals across several therapeutic areas. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University and has authored forty scientific publications on topics including drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
Lawrence Olanoff, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Ichnos Sciences, Adjunct Assistant Professor and Special Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA
Dr. Olanoff previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Forest Laboratories, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Celsion Corporation. During his career, Dr. Olanoff made substantial contributions leading to thirty new drug approvals across several therapeutic areas. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University and has authored forty scientific publications on topics including drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
Kumar Prabhash, M.D.
Head Solid Tumors Unit, Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
Dr. Kumar Prabhash is a well-known Medical Oncologist with over 20 years of experience currently working at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai as Head Solid Tumors Unit, Medical Oncology. Dr. Prabhash specializes in medical oncology, lung cancer, and head and neck tumor. He has worked on more than 80 projects and has extensive experience in in conducting cancer-related trials and research. He has published more than 100 research papers in Indian and international medical journals.
Kumar Prabhash, M.D.
Head Solid Tumors Unit, Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
Dr. Kumar Prabhash is a well-known Medical Oncologist with over 20 years of experience currently working at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai as Head Solid Tumors Unit, Medical Oncology. Dr. Prabhash specializes in medical oncology, lung cancer, and head and neck tumor. He has worked on more than 80 projects and has extensive experience in in conducting cancer-related trials and research. He has published more than 100 research papers in Indian and international medical journals.
Eugene Zhukovsky, Ph.D.
Manager and Partner, ZM Scientific, Switzerland
Dr. Zhukovsky served as the Chief Scientific Officer of Ichnos, Affimed and Biomunex Pharmaceuticals and as the Chief Technology Officer of Go Therapeutics. Dr. Zhukovsky has extensive experience in progression of drug candidates from discovery to clinic and led development of novel technologies with a particular focus on immuno-oncology and T cell redirecting platforms. He was the early lead discoverer of Monjuvi®, an anti-CD19 antibody against lymphoma. Dr. Zhukovsky has authored numerous scientific articles and is listed as a co-inventor on more than 15 granted patents and applications. He was previously named as one of the top 50 Global Antibody Industry Influencers.
Eugene Zhukovsky, Ph.D.
Manager and Partner, ZM Scientific, Switzerland
Dr. Zhukovsky served as the Chief Scientific Officer of Ichnos, Affimed and Biomunex Pharmaceuticals and as the Chief Technology Officer of Go Therapeutics. Dr. Zhukovsky has extensive experience in progression of drug candidates from discovery to clinic and led development of novel technologies with a particular focus on immuno-oncology and T cell redirecting platforms. He was the early lead discoverer of Monjuvi®, an anti-CD19 antibody against lymphoma. Dr. Zhukovsky has authored numerous scientific articles and is listed as a co-inventor on more than 15 granted patents and applications. He was previously named as one of the top 50 Global Antibody Industry Influencers.