Ardelyx Welcomes Dr. Rajani Dinavahi As Chief Medical Officer To Advance Programs Across Immuno-Oncology and Nephrology

Ardelyx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative medicines for areas of significant unmet need, has announced the appointment of Rajani Dinavahi, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Dinavahi brings more than 20 years of experience across healthcare and biotechnology, with expertise covering immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disease, nephrology, and transplantation. She has guided multiple programs from early development through Phase 3 studies and regulatory approval. Before joining Ardelyx, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Atara Biotherapeutics.

Mike Raab, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ardelyx, said that Dr. Dinavahi brings a rare blend of scientific depth, clinical insight, and leadership experience. He noted that her background will be essential as the company moves into an important phase of growth and pipeline advancement. Raab emphasized that her leadership will help strengthen the company’s medical capabilities and support its commitment to providing meaningful treatments for patients.

Dr. Dinavahi expressed enthusiasm about joining Ardelyx, noting that the company’s mission aligns closely with her own values. She highlighted the strength of Ardelyx’s scientific foundation, the dedication of its team, and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on patients’ lives. She added that she looks forward to helping advance the pipeline and support the company’s continued momentum.

During her tenure as Chief Medical Officer at Atara Biotherapeutics, Dr. Dinavahi oversaw pre-clinical and translational sciences, global clinical development, and medical affairs for the company’s lead T-cell–directed therapy and allo-CAR T programs. Prior to becoming CMO, she held additional senior roles at Atara involving clinical sciences, program leadership, and global medical operations. Her work contributed to the approval and global launch of the first allogeneic T-cell therapy. Earlier in her career, she spent seven years at Amgen, where she supported several global development programs and regulatory submissions for products approved in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

Dr. Dinavahi began her professional career in academic medicine as an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she also served as a principal investigator for transplant research. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology, and has authored numerous scientific publications. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Miami. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, followed by a clinical transplant and post-doctoral fellowship in translational immunology at Mount Sinai Hospital.