IDEAYA Biosciences Welcomes Joshua Bleharski as Chief Financial Officer

IDEAYA Biosciences Welcomes New CFO Joshua Bleharski

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – February 10, 2025
IDEAYA Biosciences, a leading player in precision medicine oncology, has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Joshua Bleharski as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to bolstering its financial and operational framework as it advances its innovative pipeline of targeted therapeutics.

Dr. Bleharski brings nearly two decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical field, having spent the last 17 years with J.P. Morgan, where he served as Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Biopharma within their healthcare investment banking division. His impressive track record includes advising on over $65 billion worth of financing and strategic transactions for biotechnology companies worldwide. Such experience positions him ideally to lead IDEAYA’s financial strategies as it continues to develop its groundbreaking oncology treatments.

Yujiro S. Hata, President and CEO of IDEAYA Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are ecstatic to welcome Josh to IDEAYA as we advance our broad potential first-in-class precision medicine oncology pipeline and build a fully integrated biotechnology company. His extensive expertise in corporate finance and strategy will be invaluable as we drive forward our vision.”

Dr. Bleharski’s academic background is equally impressive. He possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Duke University, a Ph.D. in Immunology from UCLA, and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, he further honed his skills as a Senior Staff Scientist in a private biotechnology firm and conducted post-doctoral research at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology.

Expressing his own excitement, Dr. Bleharski stated, “I am thrilled to be joining IDEAYA during this exciting phase of growth. The company is advancing six potential first-in-class clinical programs and three preclinical programs through IND-enabling studies across various solid tumor indications. I look forward to collaborating with the team of talented professionals here to realize our collective vision.”

IDEAYA Biosciences is focused on leveraging molecular diagnostics to inform its research, ensuring that targeted therapeutics are matched effectively with patient populations. With modern approaches like synthetic lethality in its pipelines, IDEAYA is at the forefront of developing individualized cancer treatments that promise higher efficacy and improved patient outcomes.

As the company continues to make strides in its development programs, the addition of Dr. Bleharski is expected to usher in a new chapter of financial growth and stability. The transition to his new role is anticipated to be completed by early May 2025.

IDEAYA's mission is not merely about advancing its products but also about fulfilling significant unmet medical needs within the oncology space. With Dr. Bleharski on board, the company is well-positioned to enhance its strategic direction and financial governance, which are critical in navigating the complexities of the biotechnology landscape.

About IDEAYA Biosciences

IDEAYA Biosciences is dedicated to the exploration and development of targeted therapeutic solutions for oncology patients. Through an integrated approach that combines drug discovery with the identification of translational biomarkers, IDEAYA aims to deliver precision medicine benefits to those who need it most. By focusing on research and innovation, the company stands out in the biotech industry, contributing significantly to advancements in cancer treatment options.

Looking Forward

As IDEAYA progresses through its clinical and pre-clinical development phases, the leadership of Dr. Bleharski will be instrumental in guiding the financial strategies necessary to harness the full potential of its research. This appointment signals a new era for the company, where experienced leadership is coupled with scientific innovation to meet the pressing challenges of modern oncology.