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    Arun Balakumaran, MD, PhD

    TA Head, Heme Oncology
    Pfizer, New Jersey

    Arun Balakumaran, MD, Ph.D., TA Head for Heme Oncology, Pfizer.

    Arun has a proven track record of leading teams and an innate ability to prioritize and solve complex challenges; he consistently delivers outstanding results.

    As an MD, Ph.D., and board-certified specialist in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Arun combines his extensive medical knowledge with a Master's in Healthcare Management. His passion for immune therapies and cell and gene therapy has guided his career from laboratory research to clinical development across phases 1 to 4. Arun has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his journey, securing breakthrough designations and overseeing successful registration experiences. Recently, he was the CMO of Allogene, where he led the programs to a pivotal stage in heme malignancy and proof of concept data in solid tumors with gene-edited allogeneic CAR T cells. Before joining Allogene, Arun held the position of Distinguished Scientist and Product Development Lead, Hematological Malignancies at Merck. There, he played a pivotal role in driving the approval of Pembrolizumab in lymphomas. Arun's expertise and insights have also led to his involvement on the scientific advisory boards of diagnostic companies.

    Arun's thought leadership is evident through his extensive publication record. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals such as Blood, Stem Cells, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Nature Medicine.

    Disclosure information not submitted.

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