Arun Balakumaran, MD PhD
Oncologist, Scientist, SAB Members
Oncologist, Scientist, and Biotechnology Executive. He is an MD, Ph.D., Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology with a Master’s degree in Health Care Management at Harvard University.
He has a long-standing interest in cell and gene therapy. His experience ranges from lab research, phase 1 -3 clinical development, including breakthrough designations and successful registration experiences, through medical affairs and business development. Arun began his biotech/pharma career at Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) where he was responsible for clinical development as Medical Director and North American Medical Led.
Prior to joining Amgen, he spent 6 years with the NIH, where he was the Medical Lead for Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (MSC) Transplant Center. He joined Allogene (NASDAQ: ALLO) in the fall of 2018 and is currently the Head of Clinical Development running clinical programs in allogeneic CAR-Ts targeting CD19, BCMA, and CD70.
Before Allogene, Arun was Executive Director and Product Development Lead, Hematological Malignancies at Merck (NYSE: MRK), driving the approval of Pembrolizumab in lymphomas. Additionally, he is on the scientific advisory board of diagnostic companies.
