Day One Strengthens Leadership With Appointment Of Dr. Michael Vasconcelles As Head Of Research And Development

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for individuals of all ages with life-threatening diseases, has announced the appointment of Michael Vasconcelles, M.D., as Head of Research and Development. In this role, Dr. Vasconcelles will oversee the company’s research, development, and medical affairs functions. He will also serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Dr. Vasconcelles brings over 25 years of experience in oncology research and development, having worked as both an academic hematologist/oncologist and a senior leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President and Head of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs at ImmunoGen. During his time there, he played a central role in the company’s transformation from a U.S.-focused clinical-stage organization to a fully integrated global biotechnology company. This transformation included strengthening the research infrastructure and expanding global efforts to support the launch and lifecycle management of ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx).

Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Day One, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Mike during this pivotal time at Day One. As an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with more than 25 years of experience in building businesses and leading teams in oncology therapeutic development, commercialization and health technology, Mike will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team. Mike will be instrumental in supporting our ongoing medical and scientific strategies to drive OJEMDA’s growth while also continuing to build our pipeline of first- or best-in-class medicines for patients of all ages with life-threatening diseases.”

Michael Vasconcelles, M.D., mentioned, “I’m excited to join Day One at such a critical moment in its growth. The company has been built on a bold vision to deliver transformative therapies for children with cancer and is extending its unwavering commitment to scientific excellence into this new chapter with its vision of bringing transformative medicines to patients of all ages. Having previously developed medicines for childhood leukemia, Day One’s vision deeply resonates with me. I look forward to supporting OJEMDA, advancing the existing pipeline, and expanding the portfolio, working with the team to lead the organization through its next stage of growth, and impact.”

Prior to ImmunoGen, Dr. Vasconcelles served as Chief Medical Officer and Head of the Medical and Scientific Organization at Flatiron Health, a subsidiary of the Roche Group. He also held the position of Chief Medical Officer at Unum Therapeutics and led the Oncology Therapy Area Unit at Takeda. Earlier in his career, he was Group Vice President and Global Therapeutic Area Head of Transplant and Oncology at Genzyme. Following Genzyme’s acquisition by Sanofi, he led initiatives in personalized medicine and companion diagnostics at Sanofi Oncology.

Dr. Vasconcelles continues to serve on the boards of Kura Oncology Inc. and Molecular Partners AG as an Independent Director. He earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Northwestern University, where he also serves on the Executive Committee of the Medical Alumni Association for the Feinberg School of Medicine. From 1996 to 2021, he held a faculty position at Harvard Medical School and practiced at leading institutions including Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.