Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: DAWN) announced the appointment of Michael Vasconcelles, M.D., as Head of Research & Development, marking a strategic leadership addition as the company expands its therapeutic focus beyond pediatric cancer to include patients of all ages with life-threatening diseases.
Strategic Leadership Addition
Dr. Vasconcelles brings more than 25 years of extensive oncology research, development and health technology expertise to Day One during what CEO Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., describes as "a pivotal time" for the company. As Head of R&D and a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Vasconcelles will oversee the company's research, development and medical affairs infrastructure.
"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," said Bender.
Extensive Industry Experience
Dr. Vasconcelles' career spans both academic medicine and industry leadership roles across large pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology companies. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Head of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs at ImmunoGen, where he was instrumental in transforming the company from primarily a clinical development and U.S.-focused commercial stage organization to a vertically integrated, global biotech enterprise.
This transformation was accomplished through reinvestment in ImmunoGen's research infrastructure and the globalization of product launch and lifecycle management investment to optimize the commercialization of ELAHERE® (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx).
Prior to ImmunoGen, Dr. Vasconcelles held key positions including Chief Medical Officer and Head of the Medical and Scientific Organization at Flatiron Health, a subsidiary of the Roche Group, and Chief Medical Officer at Unum Therapeutics. He also led the Oncology Therapy Area Unit at Takeda and served as Group Vice President and Global Therapeutic Area Head of Transplant and Oncology at Genzyme.
Vision for Day One's Future
Dr. Vasconcelles expressed enthusiasm for joining Day One at this critical juncture in the company's evolution. "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," he said.
Having previously developed medicines for childhood leukemia, Dr. Vasconcelles noted that Day One's vision "deeply resonates" with him. He emphasized his commitment to "supporting OJEMDA, advancing the existing pipeline, and expanding the portfolio."
Academic and Professional Background
Dr. Vasconcelles earned both his B.A. and M.D. from Northwestern University, where he serves on the Executive Committee of the Medical Alumni Association for the Feinberg School of Medicine. From 1996-2021, he held a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School, where he completed his postgraduate training and served as an associate physician at Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
He continues to serve as an Independent Director at Kura Oncology Inc. and Molecular Partners AG alongside his new role at Day One.
Company Focus and Pipeline
Day One Biopharmaceuticals was founded to address what the company describes as "a critical unmet need: the dire lack of therapeutic development in pediatric cancer." The company's name is inspired by "The Day One Talk" that physicians have with patients and their families about an initial cancer diagnosis and treatment plan.
The company's current pipeline includes tovorafenib (OJEMDA™) and DAY301, with ongoing Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for tovorafenib and a planned Phase 1a/b clinical trial for DAY301. Day One partners with leading clinical oncologists, families, and scientists to identify, acquire, and develop targeted cancer treatments.
