Mehrak Kiankarimi

Mehrak Kiankarimi has extensive work experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. They held roles at various companies, starting in 2003 at Neurocrine Biosciences as a Principal Scientist, where they led the discovery of small molecule therapeutics in the CNS area. They were responsible for lead identification and optimization, as well as coordinating cross-functional project activities.

In 2006, Mehrak joined Kalypsys as a Senior Project Leader. They led development-stage projects, coordinating efforts from regulatory, clinical development, pharmaceutical development, toxicology, and other departments to achieve drug registration.

From 2009 to 2013, Mehrak worked as an Independent Consultant, providing comprehensive project leadership for drug discovery and development projects. They specialized in preclinical and IND-prep stages, leading cross-functional team meetings, devising project timelines, and engaging and managing contract research organizations.

Mehrak then held roles at several biotech companies, including Sanford|Burnham Medical Research Institute as Associate Director of Portfolio Project Management, Plexxikon Inc. as Director of Project Management, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. as Director of Program and Portfolio Management, and QED Therapeutics as Senior Director and later Vice President of Program Management.

Their most recent position is Senior Vice President of Operations and Program Management at Apogee Therapeutics, where they currently work.

Mehrak Kiankarimi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from UCLA. This educational milestone was achieved between 1989 and 1991. Subsequently, they pursued a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the same institution, completing their doctoral studies from 1991 to 1996.