Şemsi Burak Derkunt

Dr. Şemsi Burak Derkunt is a Rare Disease Scientist with regulatory affairs experience. He first conducted research on the molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases leading to DNA repair deficiencies, such as Xeroderma Pigmentosum and Fanconi Anemia. He was recognized with the Discovery Award from Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (FARF) for his research achievements in identifying one of the genes responsible for the rare disease Fanconi Anemia. Dr. Derkunt then joined the start-up Silk Road Therapeutics to develop a new drug for the treatment of Behçet’s Disease, a rare and orphan disease that is more prevalent in Turkey. He led the regulatory and clinical efforts both in the USA and in Turkey that resulted in the successful completion of a Phase II proof-of-concept trial under the supervision of both the FDA and TITCK (Turkish FDA) regulatory agencies. Currently, Dr. Derkunt serves as the Director of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs at Cerium, where he devises the regulatory and scientific strategy and manages multiple upcoming clinical trials.

Dr. Derkunt is holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacological Sciences from Stony Brook University, NY. He has published original research articles and has given numerous presentations in academic and business settings.