Michael Kalos, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

Professional Overview

Michael Kalos is an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with over 30 years of experience in the research, development, and commercialization of novel cell therapies and immunooncology treatments. As the Chief Executive Officer of IpiNovyx Bio, he oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the company, driving the advancement of its pipeline of innovative cell-based therapeutics. Concurrently, he serves as a Senior Venture Partner and Head of Cell Therapy at Orange Grove Bio, where he provides strategic guidance and leadership to the firm's cell therapy portfolio. Additionally, Michael is the Managing Director at Next Pillar Consulting, LLC, leveraging his deep industry expertise to advise clients on various aspects of the cell therapy and immunooncology landscape.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Chief Executive Officer, IpiNovyx Bio (2024-08-01 to Present)

Responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational management of the company

Oversees the advancement of IpiNovyx Bio's pipeline of innovative cell-based therapies, with a focus on addressing unmet needs in cancer and autoimmune disorders

Drives the company's growth and expansion, including the establishment of key partnerships and collaborations

Senior Venture Partner and Head of Cell Therapy, Orange Grove Bio (2022-05-01 to Present)

Provides strategic guidance and leadership to the firm's cell therapy portfolio, leveraging his extensive industry experience

Identifies and evaluates promising cell therapy investment opportunities, guiding the firm's portfolio development

Managing Director, Next Pillar Consulting, LLC (2020-09-01 to Present)

Advises clients on various aspects of the cell therapy and immunooncology landscape, including research and development, regulatory affairs, and commercialization

Career Progression

Founding Chief Scientific Officer, CTRL Therapeutics (2022-06-01 to 2023-08-01)

Established the scientific and operational foundations of CTRL Therapeutics, a cell therapy company focused on the development of novel treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases

Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, ArsenalBio (2019-09-01 to 2020-09-01)

Spearheaded the research and development efforts at ArsenalBio, a leading immunooncology company, with a focus on advancing its pipeline of next-generation cell therapies

Vice President, Immunooncology and Oncology Cell Therapies, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (2018-03-01 to 2019-08-01)

Drove the development and commercialization of Janssen's immunooncology and cell therapy portfolio, contributing to the company's leadership in these emerging therapeutic areas

Chief Scientific Officer, Cancer Immunobiology, Distinguished Lilly Scholar, Eli Lilly and Company (2013-11-01 to 2018-03-01)

Established and led Eli Lilly's cancer immunobiology research efforts, overseeing the development of innovative immunooncology and cell therapy programs

Academic Background

Michael Kalos holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Washington. He has been recognized for his academic contributions, having served as an Adjunct Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Translational and Correlative Studies Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, as well as an Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Clinical Immunobiology Correlative Studies at the City of Hope.

Areas of Expertise

Cell therapy research, development, and commercialization

Immunooncology and cancer immunobiology

Translational and clinical research

Scientific and operational leadership

Strategic advisory and consulting

Professional Impact

Throughout his distinguished career, Michael Kalos has made significant contributions to the field of cell therapy and immunooncology. He has led the development of numerous innovative treatments, including several that have reached late-stage clinical trials and regulatory approval. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of the immune system and its role in cancer, autoimmune, and other diseases. Michael's expertise and leadership have been widely recognized, and he is a sought-after speaker and advisor in the biopharmaceutical industry.