Moderated by:

Robert MacNeill – Director, Bioanalysis at Pharmaron

Speakers

Vaishali Dixit – Head of DMPK at Mersana Therapeutics

Dr. Vaishali Dixit is currently Head of DMPK at Mersana Therapeutics. She holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Florida and has conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Washington. She has over 15 years of experience in drug discovery and development and has contributed to several regulatory submissions. She has worked in multiple modalities, including small molecules, ADCs, and protein degraders, spanning programs from early discovery into early development. She has participated in industry consortia on PBPK models for DDI and Special Populations resulting in peer reviewed publications.? Before joining Mersana, Vaishali held roles of increasing responsibilities at Vertex, Eisai, and Kymera Therapeutics.

Rafiq Islam? – Executive Director of CGT and Biologics Bioanalysis at Pharmaron

Rafiq Islam is the Executive Director of CGT and Biologics Bioanalysis at Pharmaron, where he drives both scientific innovation and operational excellence within the CGT (Cell and Gene Therapy) and Biologics Bioanalytical division. His leadership is distinguished by a focus on groundbreaking solutions in bioanalysis, where he tackles complex challenges with innovative approaches. With over 25 years of industry experience, Rafiq has been at the forefront of bioanalytical innovation, holding key leadership positions at top CROs such as Labcorp, Celerion, and Amador Biosciences. His strategic vision has advanced bioanalytical techniques and contributed to driving innovation in the regulated bioanalysis space. Beyond his work at Pharmaron, Rafiq is a scientific advisory board member for the Journal of Biochemistry and Analytical Studies and Somru Bioscience, reflecting his thought leadership in the field. He has authored and contributed to over 50 scientific articles, whitepapers, and posters, influencing the landscape of regulated bioanalysis.