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Biosketch:
Robert was born and raised in Texas. He received both an undergraduate and a doctoral degree from the University of Texas system. After graduation, Robert moved to Cambridge to become an Irvington Institute fellow at Harvard College where his research involved structural immunology. The research conducted during his time at Harvard, led to a collection of breakthrough immunology patents and the formation of a Harvard start-up biotechnology company called Pangaea Pharmaceuticals. As co-founder, Robert served in numerous leadership roles, including overseeing the Company's Infectious Disease and Oncology drug development programs, developing new technologies, and lots of VC fund raising. Over time Pangaea evolved into a company called ZYCOS and the related oncology products moved into clinical trials. ZYCOS developed a number of products but the most advanced was a non-surgical treatment for pre-cancer of the cervix. When entering phase 3 trials, this drug attracted a large commercially focused oncology company and Robert played a key role in selling the business. ZYCOS’ drugs are now in the development pipeline of Eisai Pharmaceuticals, a company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world with sales of approximately $3.7 billion.
After ZYCOS Robert became the President and CEO of Acretia, a privately held drug development company based in Boston. While Robert was at Acretia, the company invested in a portfolio of oncology, dermatology and pain products. Robert remains on the Board of Acretia and is a co-founder and board member of BBI, a company developing synthetic glycosylated peptide-based drugs for use in treating neuropathic pain. In 2007, Robert was recruited to join MIT’s leadership team in the kick-off of the Koch Institute (KI). Robert has helped to fast-track the launch of the KI initiative, helped to build a collection of remarkable scientific teams spanning across campus, engaged the Boston oncology community in entirely new ways, partnered with companies and other for-profits to expedite the development of next generation cancer solutions. |
