Fate Therapeutics Appoints Experienced Finance Executive Kamal Adawi As Chief Financial Officer To Support Corporate And Clinical Development Plans

Fate Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has announced the appointment of Kamal Adawi, M.S., M.B.A., as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 20, 2025. Mr. Adawi brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience in the life sciences sector, including over a decade as CFO for innovative companies with expertise in autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus. His experience spans financial strategy, capital formation, operational growth, and guiding companies through critical stages of development.

Prior to joining Fate Therapeutics, Mr. Adawi served as CFO of Mindera Health, a precision medicine company focused on optimizing treatment for autoimmune skin disorders. He also served as CFO and Corporate Secretary of Exagen Inc., a leader in rheumatology testing, where he oversaw the company’s successful IPO and transition to a public entity while scaling operations. 

Additionally, Mr. Adawi has held CFO and other financial leadership roles at Pathway Genomics, Becton Dickinson, GenMark Dx, and Digirad Corporation, contributing to strategic capital initiatives, financial operations, and long-term growth. He holds a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Finance from San Diego State University, and an M.B.A. from Oakland University.

Bob Valamehr, Ph.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of Fate Therapeutics, commented that Mr. Adawi’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. He noted that Mr. Adawi’s extensive experience leading autoimmune-focused companies and his expertise in financial strategy and capital management will be critical as Fate advances its clinical programs, including the registrational path for FT819 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with the goal of transforming treatment for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Mr. Adawi expressed excitement about joining Fate Therapeutics, highlighting the company’s innovative approach to off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies designed to be broadly accessible and potentially reduce the need for intensive or no conditioning chemotherapy. He emphasized the opportunity to work with Fate’s team to advance a pipeline of transformative therapies for patients living with autoimmune diseases and cancer.

As part of his appointment, Fate Therapeutics will grant Mr. Adawi a non-qualified stock option to purchase 375,000 shares of the company’s common stock at the closing price on October 20, 2025. The option vests over four years, with 25% vesting on the one-year anniversary and the remainder vesting monthly over the following three years, subject to continuous employment and potential acceleration under certain circumstances. 

In addition, Mr. Adawi will receive 75,000 restricted stock units, with 25% vesting on November 1, 2026, and 25% vesting on each anniversary thereafter, also contingent on continuous employment. Both the option and restricted stock units are granted as inducements for Mr. Adawi joining Fate Therapeutics under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and pursuant to the company’s Amended and Restated Inducement Equity Plan.