Xencor Appoints Biology VP

Raphael Clynes, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed vice president of translational biology, Xencor. Dr. Clynes fills a new position created to study the biological mechanisms of XmAb antibody drug candidates, particularly in immuno-oncology.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Raphael, a recognized leader in immunotherapy research, to Xencor,” said Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Xencor. “His experience in drug discovery and development in immuno-oncology is of tremendous value as we explore the new mechanisms enabled by our XmAb® Bispecific Technology. Raphael is a great addition to Xencor’s team and I am looking forward to working with him.” 

Dr. Clynes has more than 25 years of medical research experience with expertise in immuno-oncology discovery and development with several patents. Dr. Clynes has contributed to significant translational advances in medicine, including studies providing the rationale for engineering Fc domains to enhance the efficacy of antibody therapeutics in cancer, as well as proof-of-concept studies establishing the clinical utility of JAK and Syk protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors in T-cell-mediated autoimmunity.

Dr. Clynes previously served as group medical and scientific director of immuno-oncology in early clinical development at Bristol Myers Squibb. He was a co-founder of Vixen Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Aclaris Pharmaceuticals). Prior to joining BMS, he served as associate professor at Columbia University in the departments of medicine, microbiology, pathology and dermatology.