Empress Therapeutics, a pioneer in accelerating small molecule drug generation through innovative connections between genes and chemistry, has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Dawn Thompson as the Senior Vice President, Head of Platform Development. Dr. Thompson, with her extensive experience spanning over two decades in leading cross-functional teams and developing technology platforms at early-stage companies, is set to bring a fresh perspective and drive to Empress. Her role will primarily focus on platform innovation, introducing new workflows, enhancing genomics capabilities, and bringing efficiency and scale to all existing functions.
Key Highlights
A Wealth of Experience: Dr. Thompson’s career has been marked by her contributions to building foundational platforms at the crossroads of evolution, genomics, and microbes. These platforms have been instrumental in driving therapeutic and product innovations, supporting the rapid scaling of companies.
Vision for Empress: Dr. Thompson’s vision for Empress revolves around the Chemilogics platform. She believes in the potential of exploring the genetic code to create small molecule drugs in a predictable and swift manner.
Previous Roles: Before joining Empress, Dr. Thompson held significant positions at LifeMine Therapeutics and Gingko Bioworks. At LifeMine, she led teams in the discovery of therapeutically relevant natural products. At Gingko Bioworks, she was instrumental in developing a diverse portfolio of technologies, including DNA sequencing, genome assembly, and RNA-seq.
Source: Business Wire
SoH's Take
Strategic Hire for Platform Development: Dr. Thompson’s appointment as the Senior Vice President, Head of Platform Development, is a strategic move by Empress Therapeutics. Her vast experience in genomics and platform innovation positions her as an ideal candidate to lead and enhance the company’s Chemilogics platform. This hire indicates Empress’s commitment to strengthening its platform capabilities, which is crucial for its mission of accelerating small molecule drug generation.
Potential for Enhanced Innovation: With Dr. Thompson’s track record of building foundational platforms at the intersection of evolution, genomics, and microbes, Empress can expect a surge in innovative approaches. Her expertise could lead to the development of novel workflows, improved genomics capabilities, and overall efficiency in platform functions.
