About Us

Chandra Adams

Vice President, Associate General Counsel

Chandra is an attorney with over 20 years of experience in the biotech industry, providing counsel on corporate, transactional, R&D, and intellectual property-related matters. She started her career in Regulatory Affairs prior to moving into her first in-house legal role as an intellectual property attorney. From there, Chandra has held legal roles of increasing responsibility, including as Deputy General Counsel, Head of Legal and Intellectual Property, for Surface Oncology a clinical-stage company, until its acquisition by Coherus BioSciences, a commercial company where she was appointed Acting General Counsel and was responsible for the management and oversight of all legal and intellectual property-related matters, including supporting the launch of two commercial products.

Chandra holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, Indiana), and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School (Boston, Massachusetts). She is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and is a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Maria Alba, M.D.

Vice President of Clinical Development

Maria has over 16 years of experience across all phases of development in rare disease, endocrinology, and metabolism. Prior to joining Immunovant, Maria was the Global Medical Leader at Amicus Therapeutics for a phase 2 and 3 clinical program for the development of a second-generation enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease. Prior to Amicus Therapeutics, Maria held clinical roles at Vertex, Merck, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Maria earned her M.D. from the Catholic University in Rome, Italy, where she also completed her fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism. Maria went on to complete a post-doctoral fellowship for preclinical research on growth hormone deficiency at the Johns Hopkins University.

Jennifer Ashley

Vice President, Associate General Counsel

Jennifer has over 23 years of experience providing legal and business advice for technology and pharmaceutical companies, advising on complex business transaction, product development, and commercialization/compliance matters. She started her career at Cooley LLP, before transitioning to various in-house roles of increasing scope and oversight responsibility. Most recently, Jennifer served as Senior Vice President, Legal for a commercial stage, public biopharma company, overseeing legal support for the in-licensing, development, launch and commercialization of oncology products in multiple indications.

Jennifer holds a B.A. in Biological Sciences and Sociology from Southern Methodist University and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.

Harry Berlanga, MSc.

VP, CMC & Distribution Quality

Harry Berlanga brings nearly 25 years of experience as a quality professional to Immunovant. His experience includes large and small molecule manufacturing and packaging and has worked across both commercial and clinical phases.Most recently he managed the quality organization for a contract manufacturing organization producing viral vectors.

He is an experienced UK/EU Qualified Person taking final legal responsibility for the quality of medicines prior to release to market or clinic. 

He holds a Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Brighton, United Kingdom. He also earned a Masters degree in Strategic Quality Leadership from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

Thomas Coady

Vice President, Laboratory Quality

Thomas Coady (TC) brings nearly 30 years of experience in numerous roles across analytical and quality in all phases of development and commercialization for both small and large molecule drugs. Prior to joining Immunovant, TC led a 45-member team at a CDMO that provided continuous support for 24/7 manufacturing operations that included microbiology, analytical, raw materials, stability testing, LIMS, and sample logistics management.  During his tenure, TC oversaw the implementation LabWare LIMS and SmartQC and defended QC processes and systems for FDA/regulatory inspections, three of which closed without observations. His work with CDMOs provides a unique perspective that is well-suited for CRO, CMO, and CDMO management.

TC holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Campbell University.  TC is a member of the Parenteral Drug Association.

Ranjit Deshmukh, Ph.D.

Vice President of CMC and Technical Operations

Ranjit Deshmukh joins Immunovant with over 25 years of pharmaceutical experience in CMC process development, technical operations, and manufacturing at Ionis, Wyeth / Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Ocugen. He has contributed to the development and global commercialization of multiple biologicals and vaccines. Prior to Immunovant, Ranjit led the technical operations for cell and gene therapy products at Ocugen where he led the capability build of a custom GMP QC and manufacturing facility for autologous regenerative cell therapy. Prior to Ocugen, he was a key member of the pandemic vaccine team at AstraZeneca, implementing one of the largest networks for COVID vaccines and antibodies across more than 15 global manufacturing sites.

He holds a B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT, Varanasi, India, MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Joel Eksrom

Vice President, Information Technology

Joel has over 34 years in information system management and leadership experience in the life sciences industry. Prior to joining Immunovant, Joel was the Vice President of Information Technology for Crinetics Pharmaceuticals in San Diego.  Before his role at Crinetics, he was the Vice President of IT/Informatics at Ionis Pharmaceuticals and the Vice President of Global R&D IT at Daiichi-Sankyo.   Prior to Daiichi-Sankyo he spent over 20 years in various IT senior leadership positions at Roche Pharmaceuticals.

Joel has Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and MBA from Golden Gate University. He also has a has a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) certification.

Scott Forman, MBA

Vice President, Program Management

Prior to joining Immunovant, Scott spent over 25 years in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry across several functional and therapeutic areas at Eli Lilly, ICON Clinical Research, Baxter, and, most recently, Horizon Therapeutics and Amgen.  His expertise include: cross-functional team leadership, program management, continuous improvement, and corporate business transformation.  He has led teams through global regulatory submissions, R&D governance infrastructure build outs, research to clinical transitions, clinical and CMC timeline acceleration initiatives, and an R&D integration resulting from M&A.  Scott is an experienced and inclusive ally to all functional areas involved in the drug development process and also is passionate about early career professional development and mentorship. 

Scott has a B.S. in Chemistry from Miami University (Ohio), a M.S. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland, and an M.B.A. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. 

Tom Forman, MBA

Vice President, CMC Project Management

Tom Forman, MBA spent over 30 years with Eli Lilly where he had numerous roles across Manufacturing, CMC Development, and Portfolio Leadership.  He brings over 20 years of experience leading CMC teams in all phases of development from pre-clinical to seeing the successful launch of multiple marketed products.  Most recently, he was the early phase portfolio leader for Diabetes and Obesity development.

He holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA with Healthcare focus from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  Tom is a registered Project Management Professional.

Dawn Gardner

Vice President, Program Management

Prior to joining Immunovant, Dawn spent 28 years at Eli Lilly and Company in a variety of clinical supply and project leadership roles in oncology and immunology. Additionally, Dawn has site experience at Indiana University School of Medicine where she established and led a multiple myeloma research program. Most recently, Dawn has worked in the CRO industry as a clinical operations leader. Dawn has a proven track record of developing high performing teams and leading cross-functional teams to achieve high quality, on-time deliverables. Dawn has experience in all phases of development across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience and women’s health.

Dawn holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Indianapolis and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston.

Ian Gourley, M.D.

Vice President of Clinical Development

Ian is a translational medicine and clinical development physician with over 20 years of experience in the biopharma industry. He has focused on early development of both large and small molecules in the immunology/inflammation space. Prior to joining Immunovant, Ian worked at CSL Behring in Clinical Pharmacology & Translational Development, where he was responsible for strategy and clinical oversight of early development programs in the immunology therapeutic area. Prior to CSL Behring, he held positions as Head of Translational Medicine Science, Immunology, at Janssen and in Clinical Precision Medicine at Pfizer. Ian started his industry career with Eli Lilly as a clinical research pathologist.

Ian received his M.B., B.Ch. and completed his M.D. thesis, both from Queen’s University of Belfast, and is a member of the Royal College of Physicians. He is a board-certified clinical pathologist and is accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics as an HLA laboratory director.

Thomas Hardy, M.D., Ph.D.

Vice President of Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance

Tom is a physician scientist with extensive early- and late-phase clinical development expertise. Prior to joining Immunovant, Tom spent 18 years at Eli Lilly and Company, holding key roles in all phases of clinical development. He oversaw numerous IND filings and directed the design and implementation of phase 1 and 2 clinical trials across multiple disease areas. Tom went on to direct multiple global registration trials in the Diabetes Business Unit, resulting in two global approvals. Before joining Lilly, he ran a busy clinical practice in endocrinology.

Tom earned a B.A. in Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz, and he earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University. He completed fellowship training in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Diane Harper, PhD, JD

Vice President, Regulatory CMC

Diane is a global Regulatory CMC professional who brings with over 25 years of experience to Immunovant. She has had numerous successful health authority interactions and submissions ranging from pre-clinical through registration and post-approval. Prior to joining Immunovant, Diane worked at Merck where she led regulatory-CMC for investigational biologics and small molecule combination programs. For the first 10 years of her career, Diane was a formulations scientist working on lipid nanoparticle delivery systems before transitioning into regulatory affairs, where she has supported monoclonal antibody, peptide, small molecule and vaccine products. Additionally, she has over 12 years of experience in US and EU combination product regulations for prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, nasal sprays, and inhalers.

Diane holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law. She also holds a Regulatory Affairs Certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society.

Laci Hasenour

Vice President Marketing, Neurology

Laci brings a unique combination of launching new-to-market biotechnology product while also building brands for Fortune 300 companies. Laci's brings 14+ years of experience in biotechnology and healthcare, primarily focusing on specialty therapeutics. She has a proven track record of launching successful brands with go-to-market strategies and market management that leverages sales partnerships and customer insights across diverse product life cycles. Prior to joining Immunovant, Laci's spent 3+ years at Berry Global, a leading B2B sustainable packaging supplier, where she broadened her skills in executive marketing leadership, corporate brand building, and social responsibility initiatives. In her role as VP of Marketing and Corporate Brand Owner, Laci was recognized as Ragan’s 2024 Top Women in Communications. Prior to that, Laci launched a leading dermatology biologic at Eli Lilly and went on to become the senior brand leader.

Laci obtained her BA in Marketing and Economics and an MBA from Xavier University. Laci holds a Sustainability Certificate from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

Aileen Ilaria, MBA

Vice President, Clinical Operations – Global Site Management

Aileen brings an extensive depth of drug development experience in global operations including trial design and execution across a broad array of indications.  Prior to joining Immunovant, Aileen was at HUTCHMED International where she was responsible for portfolio and project management and business operations for the execution of the international portfolio.  While spending almost 20 years at Eli Lilly and Company, Aileen was a collaborative leader with a proven track record of delivering broad transformational initiatives and excelled in a fast-paced, innovative, and dynamic environment.  Before joining Eli Lilly, Aileen worked at several academic medical centers in both clinical and research administration roles.

Aileen holds a B.A in Sociology/Pre-Med from Boston College and an MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration from Boston University.

Claudia Jacobs, Ph.D.

Vice President of CMC Project Management Operations and Clinical Supply

Prior to joining Immunovant Claudia spent over 15 years at Eli Lilly & Company where she held numerous roles in product development in CMC, Clinical Trial Materials Manufacturing and Operations, Clinical Supply and Quality roles, supporting early and late phase program as well as launching products to market. Most recently Claudia was a consultant for biotechnology start-up companies as CMC Project Manager, CMC Development Lead, and Quality Assurance Head for early phase programs small and large molecules.

Claudia obtained her Pharmacy Degree from the University of Hamburg, Germany and earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology from The Free University of Berlin, Germany.

Jonathan Janes, MB

Vice President Clinical Development

Before joining Immunovant, Jonathan held numerous roles working on diabetes, endocrine, and cardiovascular products at Eli Lilly and Company. Between 2009 and 2021 he held various global Medical Director roles, in critical care, immunology and dermatology. While at Eli Lilly he took a lead medical role in the development of both biologic and small molecules leading to successful product submissions and approvals. 

Jonathan received a First-Class Honours degree from London University in 1983. Qualifying in Medicine in 1988 from the University of Wales, he trained in the University Hospital of Wales, becoming a Member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1992. In 2005 he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and in 2021 he also became a Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine.

Ant Kidwell

Vice President of IT and Facilities

Prior to joining Immunovant, Ant led IT and Facilities at Iterum Therapeutics. He has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with the last 11 years setting up and leading IT and facilities at Bio-tech start-ups. Ant’s leadership in IT, cybersecurity, and facilities enables true partnership between IT and business functions to further the goal of delivering needed medicines to patients.

He holds a B.Sc. In Information Management from Albertus Magnus College.

Chedvi Levin-Sister

Vice President of Finance

Chedvi’s expertise includes regulatory compliance (PCAOB, US GAAP, SEC, and IFRS), technical and income tax accounting, revenue recognition (inclusive of gross-to-net in domestic US pharma), stock-based compensation, and leases. She has deep transactional experience in carve-out and business combinations along with implementation of internal controls over financial reporting, including remediation of material weaknesses. Prior to Immunovant, Chedvi spent over 15 years at PwC, where she held numerous roles, most recently as Assurance Director, serving a range of industries and global clients including large pharmaceutical, life science and medical device companies, SEC registrants, technology, and startup companies.

Chedvi earned a B.A. (cum laude) in Management Accounting and Information System from the Jerusalem College of Technology, Israel. She is a CPA (Is).

Launi Masterson

Vice President of Clinical Operations

Launi has more than 25 years of drug development experience in the areas of Global Trial Execution, CRO oversight, client relationship management, vendor management and clinical operations. Prior to Immunovant, Launi led execution of clinical trials at Metavant Sciences, in metabolic disorders. Prior to Metavant, Launi led diverse teams in large pharma, biotech, CROs, and as an entrepreneur managing professionals across a diverse scope in clinical trial planning and delivery.

Launi holds a B.S. degree in Environmental and Biological Sciences from Rutgers University, Cook College.

Andy Minke

Vice President Program Management

Andy brings over two decades of progressive project leadership experience from pre-clinical to commercialization. He has is a seasoned pharmaceutical project management professional with experience in all phases of global drug and device development. Prior to joining Immunovant, he led efforts at OncoNano Medicine to bring its first therapeutic program to patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. Prior to OncoNano, Andy held positions of increasing responsibility at Galderma, Alcon/Novartis and Bausch & Lomb in project management, quality, and regulatory affairs. He brings over two decades of progressive project leadership experience from pre-clinical to commercialization.

Andy earned a bachelor’s degree from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and went on to complete an M.B.A from Harrison College of Business at Southeast Missouri State University.

Linda McKerral

Vice President, CMC Analytical Sciences

Linda joins Immunovant with over 20 years experience in Vaccines and Biologics development and commercialization.  Prior to joining, she held various leadership roles overseeing Analytical, Technical Operations and Quality Control functions during her 6 years at Moderna.  There, she also led various technical development teams, advancing notable infectious disease vaccine and personalized cancer therapy programs.  She scaled analytical development and QC departments to facilitate the company’s rapid growth and evolution. Linda’s career began at Merck and over 15 years she held various technical and leadership roles spanning bioprocess/ analytical development to leading external collaborations.  Prior to departing Merck, she was overseeing a large network of CRO’s for pre-/clinical bioanalysis for large molecules, including complex oncology clinical development programs.

Linda holds a Master of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Canada and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Waterloo, Canada. She is a Certified Project Manager (CPM).  

Pooja Mehta

Vice President Drug Substance Tech Transfer

Pooja brings over 16 years of experience in biologics development, tech transfer and manufacturing at Roivant, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Glaxo Smith Kline Vaccine, Grifols and Bristol Myers Squibb. Prior to joining Immunovant, she held various roles of increasing responsibility as a technical lead supporting CMC process development, tech transfer, manufacturing and validation, managing internal and external manufacturing and supported organizations as a member of extended leadership team utilizing innovative approaches to resolve complex issues while meeting quality, regulatory and development objectives.

Pooja holds a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology (Regulatory Affairs) from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology (Biochemical Pharmacology) from University at Buffalo.

Anirban Mukherjee

Vice President, Procurement

Anirban brings over 17 years of experience in global procurement and supplier management across multiple industries and roles to Immunovant. Prior to joining Immunovant, Anirban led the relationship and performance management of all outsourced suppliers across the drug development functions at Gilead Sciences. Prior to Gilead, Anirban spent nearly a dozen years with Becton Dickinson in a variety of procurement roles; including the design and implementation of global supply chains for outsourced manufacturing, and specialization in Asia Pacific and LATAM regions. His earlier experience include the Ford Motor Company, where Anirban was responsible for high-technology supplier launches, and Goodyear Tires where he was a design engineer.

Anirban earned his M.B.A and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.S. in Engineering from Youngstown State University.  

Ike Ogbaa, MD

Vice President & Global Head of Medical Affairs

Ike Ogbaa, MD brings over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the clinical practice and pharmaceutical sectors. He most recently served in senior leadership positions as Vice President and Global Head of Medical Affairs at both Bluebird Bio and Chinook Therapeutics, a Novartis company. His extensive background includes progressively responsible roles in Medical Affairs at Merck, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, and Bayer, where he has successfully spearheaded drug launches across diverse therapeutic areas, including Endocrinology, Hematology, Neuroscience and Immunology. 

Dr. Ogbaa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience from Yale University. He holds a Medical Doctorate from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey, and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Additionally, Dr. Ogbaa is certified in Medical Affairs and Medicines Development by King’s College London, and he has completed the AI in Pharma & Biotech certification from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Cassandra Pauyo

Vice President, Data Management

Cassandra is an experienced R&D professional with a deep leadership background in Data Management operations across multiple treatment modalities, therapeutic areas, and phases of drug development. Prior to Immunovant, Cassandra has held roles of increasing responsibility, including building and leading the Data Management function, at Cubist Pharmaceuticals (now a Merck company), Akebia Therapeutics, and Albireo Pharma (now an Ipsen company) in support of successful Regulatory approvals across several compounds and indications.

Cassandra earned a B.S. in Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has a Masters in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. In addition, Cassandra holds a Certificate in Biotechnology from Boston University and a Certificate of Clinical Data Management from the Society of Clinical Data Management.

Rod Saponjic Ph.D., MBA

Vice President of Clinical Operations

Rod has more than 25 years of drug development leadership experience in the areas of global operations, project management, clinical operations, clinical systems, and vendor management. Prior to Immunovant, Rod led Clinical Operations at Respivant, responsible for the management of Phase 1-3 trials in the areas of immunology and respiratory disease. Prior to Respivant, Rod led global development operations at Greenwich Bioscience, resulting in the NDA submission and the first FDA approval of a cannabinoid therapy. Prior to Greenwich, Rod has held senior management positions at Alkensa, Clingenix, Patara Pharma, PRA International, AirPharma, Quintiles, and Synteract.

Rod earned his B.A. in Psychology at Texas Tech University. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Texas Christian University and an M.B.A. at Baker University.

Lauren Schrier, MBA

Vice President of Marketing

Lauren brings expertise in commercial product strategy and execution in immunology. Prior to joining Immunovant, Lauren held multiple leadership roles at Celgene, including experiences spanning Global Marketing, Commercial Development, Project Leadership, and Chief of Staff for the Inflammation and Immunology franchise. Prior to Celgene, Lauren worked in management consulting at Accenture and Easton Associates, where she advised life science clients in opportunity assessment, strategy, and development engagements.

Lauren earned a B.S.E. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management from Columbia Business School.

Philip Tedeschi

Vice President, Translational Sciences and Clinical Laboratories

Phil is a translational scientist who brings more than 15 years of drug development knowledge for both small and large molecule programs. His expertise includes biomarkers, bioanalysis and toxicology.  Prior to joining Immunovant, Phil worked at Pfizer where he led laboratory teams supporting discovery through phase 1 trials in oncology, including INDs for first-in-class therapeutics.  Prior to Pfizer, Phil worked across programs of various stages in both oncology and inflammation/Immunology therapeutic areas. 

Phil holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology from Rutgers University, a M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Biology from The College of New Jersey.

Christine Voigt, PhD

Vice President, Clinical Research Science

Christine Voigt has held a variety of industry roles including research, regulatory affairs, and clinical development. Prior to joining Immunovant, Christine, was VP Clinical Sciences at BlueSphere Bio, an immuno-oncology company with a focus on T cell therapies. Prior to BlueSphere Bio, she led clinical strategy and development at Gemini Therapeutics. With over 10 years at CSL Behring, she had various roles including clinical lead and clinical scientist, taking a novel hemophilia treatment from pre-IND to global approvals and starting three clinical development programs in transplantation.

Christine received her BA from Wesleyan University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and her PhD in Microbiology from Duke University.