DN

Dirk Nagorsen

CMO


Dirk Nagorsen, MD - Chief Medical Officer, Affini-T Therapeutics



Overview


Dirk Nagorsen, MD is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of [Affini-T Therapeutics](https://affinittx.com/leadership/dirk-nagorsen/), based in Ventura County, Boston. He brings over 20 years of extensive experience in hematology and oncology, covering both academic and industry roles. Prior to his current position, Dr. Nagorsen held several significant roles at Amgen, including Vice President Early Development and Therapeutic Area Head, Hematology & Oncology Early Development.

Professional Experience and Achievements


  • Current Role: CMO at Affini-T Therapeutics

  • Joined Affini-T Therapeutics on July 26, 2022.

  • Lead researcher and developer of precision immunotherapy target programs.


  • Previous Positions:

  • Amgen Inc.: Vice President Early Development and Therapeutic Area Head, Hematology & Oncology Early Development.

  • Managed over 30 oncology programs.

  • Played a pivotal role in the development and approval of Lumakras®, the first KRAS inhibitor.

  • Global Development Leader for blinatumomab/Blincyto®, leading to Amgen’s first breakthrough designation and accelerated approval in 2014.

  • Micromet (acquired by Amgen): Senior Medical Director.

  • Affiliations: Various academic positions contributing to cutting-edge research in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology.


Research Contributions


  • Authored over 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Lancet Oncology.

  • Leading contributor to the ongoing development of T-cell therapies aimed at oncogenic driver mutations like KRAS and TP53.


Educational Background


  • Medical Doctorate from Charité University Medicine Berlin.

  • Habilitation (second scientific degree, equivalent to a PhD) in experimental medicine and tumor immunology from Charité University Medicine Berlin.

  • Trained in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology at:

  • Free University Berlin Medical School

  • NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

  • Charité University Medicine Berlin


Key Projects and Initiatives


  • AFNT-211 Program: Led the clinical strategy for Affini-T’s precision T-cell therapy targeting KRAS G12V, aimed at treating difficult solid tumors.

  • Announced the dosing of the first patient in the KRAS G12V Phase 1 program on May 28, 2024.


  • Presentations and Public Engagements:

  • Regular presenter at major industry conferences, including ASCO, AACR, and more.

  • Recent presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Annual Meeting, highlighting progress in T-cell therapy programs and insights on cell therapy advancements for solid tumors.


Current Focus and Vision


Dr. Nagorsen's current efforts are centered around advancing Affini-T’s pipeline of precision T-cell therapies, with a specific focus on targeting oncogenic driver mutations in hard-to-treat cancers. His strategic oversight is aimed at transitioning groundbreaking preclinical programs into clinically impactful treatments, leveraging his extensive expertise in immunotherapy and cancer biology.

For those looking to engage with Dr. Nagorsen and explore collaborative opportunities in oncology therapeutics, his comprehensive background in drug development and regulatory affairs makes him an invaluable resource in the field of targeted cancer treatments.

Contact Information: [LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-nagorsen-65a90a11)

Continuing to steer Affini-T towards innovative treatments, Dr. Nagorsen remains a key figure in the landscape of cancer immunotherapy, driving significant advancements in the quest to transform patient outcomes through precision medicine.