Gossamer Bio has tapped Bristol-Myers Squibb’s immunology and cancer R&D executive Luisa Salter-Cid, Ph.D., as its new research lead.
In a coup for the small biotech, Salter-Cid will oversee its pipeline work just a few months after its monster $230 million series B, and less than a year after its $100 million series A.
It’s not your typical startup, having licensed and developed early- and mid-stage clinical assets, and led by former Receptos executive Sheila Gujrathi, M.D. The clinical focus is also across immunology, autoimmune disease areas, allergy and inflammation, as well as immuno-oncology and gastrointestinal disorders.
Gujrathi said of the appointment: “Luisa is an exceptional scientist whose immunology background focused on drug discovery and translation is truly impressive, and I am thrilled to be reunited with her. Her collaboration and integration with clinical development makes her the perfect addition at a critically important time for Gossamer Bio. Luisa’s track record of identifying and developing differentiated assets in our core therapeutic areas will bring great long-term value to our company.”
“I am honored to lead the research and scientific efforts at Gossamer Bio,” added Salter-Cid. “The team and pipeline of innovative and transformative medicines that Gossamer Bio has assembled are truly exciting. I look forward to continuing to grow the portfolio and advancing these novel therapies rapidly to the clinic for patients who are suffering.”
She comes from BMS, having spent 13 years at the biopharma in increasing positions of responsibility, including VP and head of immunology, small molecule immuno-oncology and genomics discovery.