Karen Sims

Karen Sims has a diverse work experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Karen currently holds the position of Chief Medical Officer at Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, starting in 2023. Prior to this role, they served as the Vice President of Clinical Development and Executive Director of Clinical Development at the same company from 2019 to 2023. In these positions, Karen was responsible for early development strategy and clinical execution for the company's portfolio of hepatitis B antivirals and RNAi therapeutics.

Before joining Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, Karen worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb from 2010 to 2017. Karen held various roles including Medical Director in the Immunoscience and Virology departments. In these positions, they were responsible for protocol development, global study execution, program-level support, and engagement with key opinion leaders and patient advocacy groups.

Early in their career, Karen worked at Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System) from 2005 to 2010. Karen served as an Attending Physician, providing care for patients on the Infectious Diseases and Immunocompromised Hosts services. Karen also worked as a Fellow in Infectious Diseases during this time.

Karen's career in healthcare began in 2001 as a Resident in Internal Medicine at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Overall, Karen Sims has extensive experience in clinical development, strategic planning, and leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on infectious diseases and immunology.

Karen Sims completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience at Bates College from 1988 to 1992. Karen further pursued their education at the University of Pennsylvania from 1994 to 2001, where they earned an MD and PhD in Medicine and Neuroscience, respectively.