SK biopharmaceuticals strengthens global R&D with new hires at US subsidiary
SK biopharmaceuticals said it appointed two prominent scientists to its U.S.-based research-focused subsidiary, SK Life Science Labs.
Dr. Ryan Kruger has been named Head of Biology, while Dr. Steven Knight will serve as Head of Chemistry.
Kruger, a renowned expert in cancer biology and epigenetics, brings extensive experience from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and various biotech firms, where he played a pivotal role in research and development. He holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School.
Knight, an accomplished medicinal chemist, joins after a distinguished 25-year tenure at GSK, where he specialized in small molecule drug discovery and TPD-based drug development.
He earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania.
The appointment of the two new heads aligns with the company’s commitment to globalizing its research and development (R&D) efforts, reinforcing its capabilities with top-tier talent in the industry.
SK biopharmaceuticals has been advancing its research in next-generation treatment modalities, specifically radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) and targeted protein degradation (TPD). The company has focused its TPD research and development at SK Life Science Labs, leveraging - platforms such as its heterobifunctional degrader (PROTAC) expertise and the innovative molecular glue discovery platform, MOPED.
These efforts have led to the development of seven oncology pipelines, with the company aiming ambitions to expand its first-in-class oncology portfolio by 2029.
In addition to these strategic research appointments, SK Life Science has also bolstered its clinical leadership by hiring two new medical directors. Dr. Evelyn Shih, an expert in pediatric neurology, will oversee CNS (central nervous system) clinical development, while Dr. Marcus Loeffler, an oncology specialist, will lead clinical programs for oncology and radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPT).
“These key hires represent a critical step in strengthening SK biopharmaceuticals global R&D competitiveness,” SK biopharmaceuticals CEO Lee Dong-hoon said. “With a world-class research team, we will accelerate the development of innovative oncology treatments and advance our goal of becoming a global biotech leader.”