Divya Mekala

Divya Mekala has extensive work experience in the field of translational medicine, clinical science, and biomarker discovery. Divya is currently working as the Global Translational Medicine & Clinical Science Leader at Ascentage Pharma since 2021. Before that, they worked at Kyowa Kirin, Inc.- U.S. as the Associate Director for Global Translational Research & Clinical Biomarker from 2018 to 2021.

Prior to their role at Kyowa Kirin, Inc., Divya was associated with The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Divya held the positions of Lab Head/Principal Scientist in Preclinical Development & Translation from 2015 to 2018, and Group Leader/Senior Scientist in Immunopharmacology & Biomarker Discovery from 2010 to 2015. During their tenure at Janssen, they led various discovery and development programs in the areas of oncology and inflammatory indications, focusing on translational biomarkers of disease and treatment. Divya also played a key role in pharmacology studies, successful collaborations, and managing and training multiple team members. Additionally, they were involved in due diligence and business development activities.

Before joining Janssen, Divya worked at Biogen Idec as a Scientist II in Immunopharmacology & Biomarker Discovery from 2009 to 2010. Their responsibilities included leading the development of bioassays, analyzing efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties of novel therapies, and managing the estimation and analysis of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and immunogenicity.

Divya's early career includes roles as an NIH Trainee Grant in Vascular Immunology at Harvard Medical School (2004-2008), a Postdoctoral Associate in CAR-T Cell Therapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC (1999-2004), a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in Tumor Immunology at CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (1997-1999), and a Senior Research Fellow in Microbial Immunology at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow (1994-1997). In these positions, they conducted groundbreaking research, designed and executed experiments, and contributed to the understanding of various immunological and disease mechanisms.

Overall, Divya Mekala has a diverse background in translational medicine, biomarker discovery, and immunopharmacology research, with significant experience in leadership, collaboration, and scientific advancements in multiple therapeutic areas.

Divya Mekala's education history begins with a Bachelor's Degree in Regulatory Affairs & FDA Compliance- Biologics from Northeastern University, which they obtained from 2008 to 2009. During the same year, they also completed the CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM, although it is unclear if they received a degree for this. Divya Mekala's earlier education includes a B.S in Biology and Chemistry from Acharya Nagarjuna University, although the specific dates are unknown. Divya went on to pursue a Ph.D in Microbial Immunology at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, and an M.S in Applied Microbiology at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam. The exact years for their Ph.D and M.S degrees are also unknown.