Speaker Profile
Ph.D., MBA, CEO & Co-Founder,
Biography
A biotech veteran with 25+ years of experience leading drug development in gene and cell therapy, genome editing, and targeted biologics. She has taken multiple programs from early research to the clinic, serving as lead on seven FDA INDs and overseeing development across immunology, oncology, hematology, neurology, rare diseases, and cardiology. Shes built and led cross-functional teams, secured over $250M in public and private funding, and managed key partnerships with NIH, DoD, BARDA, and research collaborators.
Talk
ODC: A Novel Class of Targeted and Programmable Medicines
1.Introduction of ODC a new class of naked, targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics combining precision delivery, switchable cytotoxicity, and programmable immunomodulation.2.ADC concept, upgraded: simpler, programmable oligo platform, backed by a validated MoA, strong preclinical efficacysafety, and a clear path to the clinic.3.Integrated FortaGuideAI engine for generative, multi-objective ODC design and optimization
Emerging Therapeutics Showcase:
Forta Bio
Forta Bio is a next-generation biotech company developing ODC™, a new class of precision and programmable DNA/RNA medicines that selectively eliminate pathogenic cells - without compromising healthy immunity. Backed by validated science from City of Hope and led by a team with a track record of execution, Forta Bio is on a mission to bring smarter, safer, and more targeted therapies.
Session Abstract – PMWC 2026 Silicon Valley
The PMWC 2026 Emerging Therapeutics Showcase will provide a 15-30 minute time slot for selected companies and researchers in the CRISPR, Cell and Gene Therapy fields. Major advancements in safer cell- and gene-level editing technologies are bringing us closer toward cures for life-threatening disorders, from cancer to HIV to Huntington’s disease. Cell therapy, in which cellular material such as T cells capable of fighting cancer cells, is injected into a patient, has been demonstrated safe and effective. The popular new CRISPR tool that has been used to edit the genetic code of nearly any organism will have an enormous impact on human health. More than a dozen clinical trials employing CRISPR on human cells are already underway.
- Emerging Therapeutics/Cell Therapy
- Emerging Therapeutics/CVD
- Emerging Therapeutics/Gene Therapy
- Emerging Therapeutics/Immunotherapy
- Emerging Therapeutics/Radiation Therapy
