Ajay Chawla

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT AJAY CHAWLA

In my current role as VP-Head of Research at Cytokinetics, I oversee all preclinical research (~80 scientists and managers) that encompasses Discovery Biology, Biology Technologies (in vitro assay development, HTS, structural biology and protein engineering, and metabolomics/lipidomics/proteomics), Pharmacology, Toxicology, Chemistry, DMPK, Discovery Technologies (Research IT), and animal research (vivarium). We work closely with other functions within Research and Development to develop a strategy for addressing the unmet needs in Cardiovascular and Neuromuscular Diseases, and build a research portfolio using a mix of internal and external innovation. I take pride in assembling and sustaining high functioning teams. My teams are responsible for all stages of drug discovery, starting from target identification and validation, assay development, HTS/hit identification, lead optimization, and preclinical development (pharmacology and safety/toxicology). I provide guidance to teams from the early stages of target identification and validation to the declaration of a development candidate. My approach is collaborative and empowers scientists to identify and develop targets rooted in human biology (genetics, physiology or pharmacology) into differentiated therapies for patients in a modality agnostic manner. Subsequently, I participate in the progression of the programs through early- and late-stage clinical development. My team also works together with the BD to identify strategic opportunities for expanding our portfolio and pipeline. At Cytokinetics, I am a member of the Research and Development Leadership Team and the Company’s Senior Leadership Team. To advance the portfolios, I have worked with a number of modalities at Cytokinetics and Merck, including small molecules, biologics, peptides, cyclic peptides, siRNA, and targeted protein degraders.