Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing engineered regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies, announced today the appointment of Rajesh Krishnan, Ph.D., as Chief Technical Officer (CTO). This strategic addition to the executive management team aims to strengthen the company's technical operations as it advances its pipeline of treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Krishnan joins Sonoma with more than 25 years of industry experience in process development and manufacturing, most recently serving as both CTO and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Oncternal Therapeutics.
Extensive Industry Experience
Dr. Krishnan's career spans over two decades of leadership in pharmaceutical development. At Oncternal Therapeutics, he led preclinical, drug substance, and drug product development across multiple therapeutic modalities including cell therapy, biologics, and pharmaceuticals.
His previous roles include Vice President of Process Development and Manufacturing Sciences at Dynavax Technologies Corporation, where he oversaw manufacturing, drug process development, analytical sciences, and technology transfer for both commercial and clinical programs. Dr. Krishnan also held leadership positions at several major pharmaceutical companies including Gilead Sciences, Merck & Co., Amgen Inc., and Pfizer, consistently focusing on process development, technology transfer, and CMC for biologics programs.
"Raj brings to Sonoma Biotherapeutics a wealth of global pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing experience. His proven leadership, particularly in cell therapy, will be instrumental as we continue to advance engineered regulatory T cell therapies," said Jeff Bluestone, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Sonoma Biotherapeutics. "We are pleased to have Raj join us as we continue to advance our pipeline of potentially novel treatments for serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases."
Dr. Krishnan holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University, along with a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis.
Strategic Timing for Treg Therapy Development
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sonoma Biotherapeutics as the company advances its clinical programs. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a promising therapeutic approach for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as they naturally function to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity.
"I'm excited to join Sonoma Biotherapeutics at a crucial time for the company and collaborate with their talented team of pioneers in Treg biology," said Dr. Krishnan. "I look forward to helping strengthen the company's technical operations alongside a dedicated leadership team as we continue to advance their programs."
Advancing Engineered Treg Therapies
Sonoma Biotherapeutics is developing engineered Treg cell therapies designed to restore balance to the immune system in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company's approach leverages proprietary platform technologies to develop targeted and durable Treg cell therapies.
Founded by pioneers in Treg biology and cell therapy, Sonoma Biotherapeutics operates from facilities in South San Francisco and Seattle. The company's focus on Treg-based therapeutics represents an innovative approach to addressing the underlying immune dysregulation in autoimmune conditions, potentially offering new treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.
Dr. Krishnan's extensive experience in process development and manufacturing will likely play a crucial role in scaling and optimizing the production of these complex cellular therapies as they progress through clinical development.
