James Balkovec

James Balkovec is an accomplished chemist and leader in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, currently serving as Principal and Owner of ChemTract Consulting since 2012. This consultancy specializes in providing strategic guidance for drug discovery and optimization, particularly in anti-infectives. Balkovec holds the position of Vice President, Chemistry at Kathera Bioscience Inc., focusing on the development of innovative antifungal treatments, and also serves as Director of the Medicinal Chemistry Core at the Center for Discovery and Innovation. With a rich history at Cidara Therapeutics as a Senior Research Advisor and various advisory roles in other biotech firms, Balkovec has a strong background in medicinal chemistry and drug development, reinforced by a comprehensive educational foundation including a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.