Calico Appoints Former AbbVie Executive Philip Kym as Head of Drug Discovery to Advance Anti-Aging Therapeutics
Key Insights
Calico Life Sciences (search), Alphabet's biotechnology subsidiary focused on aging (search) research, has appointed Philip R. Kym, Ph.D., as its first Head of Drug Discovery in a newly created leadership position.
Dr. Kym brings nearly three decades of biopharmaceutical experience from AbbVie (search), where he oversaw the discovery of more than 25 clinical development candidates across multiple therapeutic areas.
The appointment strengthens Calico's drug discovery capabilities as the company advances its portfolio targeting aging (search) and age-related diseases (search) through innovative biological research and translational medicine approaches.
Calico Life Sciences (search) LLC, the Alphabet-founded biotechnology organization focused on aging (search) and age-related diseases (search), announced the appointment of Philip R. Kym, Ph.D., as its Head of Drug Discovery on October 16, 2025. The newly created role positions Dr. Kym to oversee the direction, scientific execution, and operational management of Calico's drug discovery programs, spanning from target identification and validation through lead optimization and candidate selection.
Veteran Industry Leader Joins Anti-Aging Mission
Dr. Kym brings extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, having most recently served as Vice President of Global Medicinal Chemistry at AbbVie (search) until his retirement in September 2025. Over his nearly three-decade career, he has overseen the discovery of more than 25 clinical development candidates across diverse therapeutic areas including antiviral, oncology (search), immunology (search), neuroscience (search), anti-aging (search), pain (search), and metabolic diseases (search).
His connection to Calico predates this appointment, as he previously served as a member of the Joint Steering Committee for the Calico-AbbVie (search) Collaboration, providing him with familiarity with the company's research programs and scientific approach.
"Phil is a familiar and respected colleague to many at Calico, and we are pleased to welcome him in this new leadership role," said Dr. Arthur D. Levinson, CEO of Calico. "He brings to his work deep medicinal chemistry expertise and a proven ability to build strong discovery organizations and partnerships. As Calico continues to advance its own portfolio and forge collaborations to accelerate the development of new medicines targeting aging (search) and age-related diseases (search), Phil's leadership will be important in helping shape and expand our drug discovery efforts."
Strategic Focus on Advanced Therapeutics
At AbbVie (search), Dr. Kym led a large global medicinal chemistry organization and was responsible for setting strategy focused on delivering a diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics across small molecules (search), protein degraders (search), and antibody-drug conjugates (search). His role also involved advancing the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into medicinal chemistry design cycles, experience that aligns with Calico's technology-driven approach to aging (search) research.
Dr. Kym began his career at Abbott Laboratories in 1996, where he held multiple research and development roles before transitioning to AbbVie (search) upon its formation in 2013. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completion of an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin.
Expanding Drug Discovery Initiatives
"I am excited to join Calico in this new role at such an important moment of progress for the company," said Dr. Kym. "Calico has built an impressive track record of innovative biological research, paired with translational drug discovery capabilities that are truly unique. I look forward to continuing to advance programs I have been part of for many years and to leading the expansion of drug discovery initiatives in emerging areas of interest. It is a privilege to join so many familiar and talented colleagues and I look forward to working together to bring forward first-in-class medicines aimed at improving human healthspan."
The appointment comes as Calico continues to pursue its mission of harnessing advanced technologies and model systems to increase understanding of the biology that controls human aging (search). The company aims to use this knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.
Dr. Kym has maintained active involvement in the scientific community, having served on the American Chemical Society MEDI Long Range Planning and MEDI Awards committees, the organizing committee for the National Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, and as Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on Natural Products and Bioactive Compounds.