Robert Shereda

About Robert Shereda

Senior Patent Agent specializing in the strategic protection of next-generation medicine.While my foundation is in complex molecular biology and biochemistry, my core expertise lies in the high-stakes world of RNA therapeutics and biologics. I translate the intricacies of mRNA, siRNA, and gene-silencing technologies into robust, defensible global patent portfolios.I function as a strategic IP liaison, bridging the gap between bench science and commercial strategy. I partner with internal R&D and external innovators to ensure cutting-edge platforms move seamlessly from discovery to market exclusivity. I bring expertise in both small molecules and large molecules to the table.Key Expertise & Impact: I am a.RNA & Biologics Specialist: Managing high-value portfolios for RNA-based modalities and large molecule therapeutics within a Fortune 100 leader.External Innovation Liaison: Providing first passes at FTO and clearance for internal assets and external collaborations and strategic partnerships for attorney review.Lifecycle Architect: Designing IP strategies that maximize value and exclusivity for potentially game-changing assets.Remote Collaboration: Driving global results through high-efficiency virtual leadership and cross-functional coordination from my home office.Core Competencies: RNA Therapeutics | siRNA IP | Gene Silencing | Patent Prosecution | Biologics | IP Strategy | Freedom to Operate (FTO) initiation | External Innovation Liaison | Global Portfolio Management | Remote Leadership | Nucleic Acid Chemistry | Lipid nanoparticle and other delivery

Experience

1. Associate Director, Patents, Genetic Medicines

   Eli Lilly and Company

   Dec 2023 — Present

   Orchestrating the global intellectual property strategy for a high-growth genetic medicine pipeline, with a specialized focus on cardiometabolic health and next-generation delivery technologies. I serve as the primary bridge between cutting-edge molecular innovation and long-term commercial exclusivity.Aggressive Portfolio Expansion: Managed a high-volume filing engine in 2025, successfully preparing and filing a large suite of priority applications to secure \"first-mover\" advantage for foundational genetic assets.Nucleic Acid & Chemistry Mastery: Acting as the lead IP authority for novel nucleotides and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems, ensuring robust protection for the chemical scaffolds that power therapeutic efficacy.Cardiometabolic Specialist: Deeply integrated with R&D teams to navigate the crowded patent landscapes of heart and metabolic disease, identifying white space for Lilly\'s innovations.Strategic Lifecycle Stewardship: Engineering comprehensive, multi-layered IP roadmaps that ensure sustainable commercial exclusivity for platform chemistry and clinical candidates from early-stage discovery through market maturity.Risk & Diligence: Initiating high-stakes Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) assessments and competitive landscape modeling to de-risk R&D investments and guide executive decision-making.

Education

• UW School of Medicine and Public Health

  Doctor of Philosophy, Biomolecular Chemistry

  2002 — 2008

• University of Michigan

  Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

  1998 — 2002

Skills

• Organic Chemistry
• Elisa
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• Protein Chemistry
• Genetics
• Biotechnology
• Protein Purification
• Western Blotting
• Protein Expression
• Pcr
• Dna Extraction
• Cell Biology
• Genomics
• Rna Isolation
• Patent Prosecution
• Patent Applications
• Biochemistry
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Qpcr)
• Cell Culture
• Qpcr
• In Vivo
• Cancer
• Dna
• Nmr