Dr. David Dornan Joins Aadi Bioscience as Chief Scientific Officer to Lead Oncology Initiatives

Aadi Bioscience Welcomes Dr. David Dornan as New CSO

Aadi Bioscience, a leader in precision oncology, announced a significant addition to its team with the appointment of Dr. David Dornan as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). With over two decades of experience in oncology drug discovery, Dr. Dornan is set to drive the company's ambitious initiatives focusing on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted cancer therapies.

A Strong Background in Oncology

Dr. Dornan’s extensive credentials in the field uniquely position him to lead Aadi's strategic goals. His career includes pivotal roles at leading biotechnology firms, where he played key roles in the success of numerous oncology projects, demonstrating a track record of transforming scientific ideas into effective clinical practices. His deep understanding of ADC mechanisms will be crucial as Aadi pushes forward its newly licensed ADC portfolio.

Strategic Changes and Vision

David Lennon, PhD, the President and CEO of Aadi Bioscience, expressed strong enthusiasm regarding this appointment. He stated, "David’s wealth of experience in ADC development makes him an ideal advocate for our vision, especially as we rapidly seek to advance our innovative ADC portfolio." This acquisition of talent is part of a broader strategic plan initiated in December 2024, which includes a $100 million sale of the cancer therapy FYARRO® to Kaken Pharmaceuticals and the in-licensing of promising ADC portfolios from WuXi Biologics. This ambitious roadmap aims at bolstering Aadi's infrastructure and expanding its therapeutic possibilities.

Driving Forward in ADC Development

The ADC landscape is transforming, and Dr. Dornan's leadership comes at a crucial time. He emphasized the importance of Aadi’s strategic focus on a next-generation linker and payload platform, aiming to enhance tumor-targeting strategies. "What attracted me to Aadi wasn't only its innovative science but also its commitment to translating groundbreaking discoveries into tangible benefits for patients," stated Dornan. His excitement reflects Aadi’s commitment to redefining cancer treatment possibilities through targeted therapies that are designed to make a significant difference in patient outcomes.

A Record of Successful Drug Development

Dr. Dornan’s career includes considerable achievements, overseeing drug development processes from discovery stages to clinical trials. His notable experience at various esteemed organizations includes his recent tenure as CSO at Elevation Oncology, where he re-oriented the company towards an ADC-focused portfolio. Furthermore, during his time with Bolt Biotherapeutics, he championed research initiatives that led to multiple investigational new drug (IND) applications.

Prior to these roles, Dr. Dornan served as the Director of Oncology Research at Gilead Sciences, where he played a crucial role in developing new therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment. His initial foray into the industry began at Genentech, where he contributed significantly to various pioneering ADC initiatives, including the successful FDA approval of POLIVY® for treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Aadi's Commitment to Innovation

For Aadi Bioscience, this appointment signals a renewed commitment to leveraging cutting-edge research to address the complexities of difficult-to-treat cancers. With Dr. Dornan at the helm of the scientific department, the company is well-positioned to advance its therapeutic pipeline, which aims to target specific cancer types through an innovative approach to treatment.

In summary, Aadi Bioscience is poised for exciting growth and transformation under the guidance of Dr. Dornan. His arrival signals a turning point for the company as it endeavors to make bold advancements in the cancer therapy space, firmly establishing itself at the forefront of precision oncology.

To learn more about Aadi's initiatives and the innovative work being done in the area of ADCs, visit their official website at www.aadibio.com or connect with them on LinkedIn.