Debbie Liao

About Debbie Liao

Ph.D. with 14 years experience in oncology and immuno-oncology drug discovery, as well as translational and clinical biomarker R&D in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in exploratory biomarker research, including discovery and implementation of assay development, verification, validation, and data analysis in early-phase clinical trials.• Expertise in biomarker assay development utilizing tissue (immunohistochemistry), cellular, and molecular techniques.• Proven experience with a range of therapeutic modalities including small molecules, antibodies, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Immune-Stimulating Antibody Conjugates (ISACs), Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACS), DNA vaccines, and targeted liposome nanoparticles with chemotherapy or small molecule payloads.• Expertise in In vivo pharmacology utilizing xenograft, syngeneic, and genetically engineered mouse models. • Strategic and execution-focused leader with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional matrix teams from early research through IND filing and early-phase clinical trials, consistently delivering on high-quality deliverables under tight timelines and budget constraints.• Extensive experience in establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, and managing contracts, statements of work (SOWs), and sponsored research agreements (SRAs) with vendors, CROs, and academic collaborators; recognized for strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional with strong project management and prioritization skills; thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Experience

1. Consultant

   Sapien Biosciences

   Jan 2026 — Present

Education

• University of California, Davis

  B.S., Animal Science

  1995 — 1999

• UC San Diego School of Medicine

  Ph.D., Molecular Pathology

  2002 — 2007