Sean McCarthy

About Sean McCarthy

I serve as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at CytomX Therapeutics, a company I have led since 2011. With more than 25 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, I bring deep expertise in oncology drug development, antibody and biologics innovation, clinical strategy, and business development. At CytomX, my focus is on advancing our Probody® platform—a protease‑activated masking technology designed to widen the therapeutic window of cancer medicines and unlock new potential for patients.Our mission is to translate differentiated science into meaningful clinical outcomes. We do this by taking disciplined risks, designing programs with the end in mind, and driving efficiently from discovery into and through the clinic. This approach has enabled us to remain at the forefront of innovation while advancing multiple clinical‑stage oncology programs with the long‑term goal of building a sustainable, commercial biopharmaceutical company.Before joining CytomX, I held scientific and leadership roles at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, guided SGX Pharmaceuticals through a successful IPO, and served as a transactional venture partner at Pappas Ventures, where I invested across therapeutic, medical device, and diagnostic companies. I am an author on numerous peer‑reviewed publications and patents and hold a D.Phil. in cancer biology from the University of Oxford, an MBA from UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management, and a B.Sc. in biochemistry and pharmacology from King’s College London. I also serve on the Rady School’s Dean’s Advisory Council.I believe that making a meaningful difference for patients requires clarity of vision, scientific rigor, and the willingness to challenge convention when the science demands it. Outside of work, I value time with family and staying active outdoors, especially in the mountains.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Cytomx Therapeutics

   Aug 2011 — Present

Education

• King's College London

  Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Pharmacology

  1986 — 1990

• University of California, San Diego - Rady School of Management

  MBA

  2004 — 2006

• University of Oxford

  D.Phil, Cell and Molecular Biology

  1990 — 1993