Roberto Calcedo
Vice President, Preclinical and Immunology
Professional Overview
Roberto Calcedo is an accomplished immunologist and executive with extensive expertise in the development of innovative gene therapies. As the Vice President of Preclinical and Immunology at Affinia Therapeutics, he oversees the company's immunology discovery efforts and preclinical testing programs, playing a key role in advancing novel therapeutic candidates towards the clinic.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Vice President of Preclinical and Immunology at Affinia Therapeutics since 2020, Roberto leads a team of scientists focused on evaluating the immunological impact and safety profile of the company's gene therapy pipeline. He is responsible for designing and executing preclinical studies, managing technology platforms, and collaborating with cross-functional partners to inform strategic decision-making.
Under Roberto's leadership, Affinia has made significant strides in expanding its product portfolio and accelerating the development of next-generation gene therapies. His team's contributions have helped the company secure multiple partnerships and secure over $200 million in funding to drive continued innovation.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Affinia, Roberto held progressive leadership roles within the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as the Senior Director of Immunology Discovery and the Senior Director of the Immunology Core. In these positions, he led a team of scientists focused on evaluating the immunological properties of gene therapy vectors and developing novel approaches to overcome immunity-related challenges.
Earlier in his career, Roberto was a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, where he conducted foundational research in immunology and laid the groundwork for his subsequent achievements in the field of gene therapy.
Academic Background
Roberto holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, where his research focused on understanding the mechanisms of immune regulation and tolerance.
Areas of Expertise
- Immunology and Immune Tolerance
- Gene Therapy Vector Design and Optimization
- Preclinical Development and Testing
- Translational Research and Clinical Trial Design
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Roberto has made significant contributions to the field of gene therapy. His groundbreaking research on immune responses to gene therapy vectors has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and he has been invited to share his expertise at prestigious industry conferences and events.
As a respected leader in the gene therapy community, Roberto has played a pivotal role in the successful development and clinical translation of several innovative therapeutic candidates. His dedication to advancing the field and his ability to foster cross-functional collaboration have been instrumental in driving the success of the organizations he has been a part of.
Conclusion
With his extensive background in immunology, deep understanding of gene therapy, and proven track record of leadership, Roberto Calcedo is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and transforming the lives of patients as the Vice President of Preclinical and Immunology at Affinia Therapeutics.
