Advisor

Dr. Frances Rena Bahjat

Dr. Frances Rena Bahjat is an experienced professional with more than two decades of experience encompassing target discovery, preclinical and clinical development of biologics and small molecules for immune-related diseases including cancer. Prior to joining Apexigen at California, as the Vice President of Discovery Research, she served as Senior Director of In vivo Studies for Bristol-Myers Squibb responsible for overseeing Biologics Discovery Pharmacology and In vivo Antibody Discovery operations at the Company's research facility in Redwood City. Prior to joining BMS, Dr. Bahjat was an Assistant Professor in the Dept of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Oregon Health & Science University where she conducted NIH-funded basic and translational research and facilitated preclinical development of innate agonist therapeutics for clinical use. She also served as Associate Director of Pharmacology R&D at Rigel Pharmaceuticals where she contributed to the preclinical development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for cancer, allergy, and autoimmune diseases, including Tavalisse™ for Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP). Dr. Bahjat also held positions at Oncovir, Nuvelo (now Arca Biopharma), Corgentech-AlgoRX, and Nereus Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA). Dr. Bahjat studied Biomedical Sciences and Immunology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida where she earned her Doctorate in Immunology studying TNF biology including its role in aberrant immune responses in autoimmune disease rodent models. She obtained her B.S degree in Biology from Benedictine University. She attended Indiana University at South Bend to Study Biology. With her scientific expertise and guidance, she brings a clear business vision, a clear road map, and an execution plan to her projects. She has scientific integrity and a great passion for good science. Rena shows a deep commitment to scientific investigation, demonstrating this in her thoroughness in research and problem-solving. In the area of pre-clinical models, Rena is definitely a notable expert in her field, providing guidance to complicated needs.