David R. Epstein

David is a member of Valo’s Board of Directors. David is executive partner at Flagship Pioneering, chairman of Axcella Health, and chairman of Rubius Therapeutics. David is also a board member at Evelo Biosciences and International Flavors and Fragrances. From 2010 to mid-2016 he served as chief executive officer of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a division of Novartis AG. Previously, David started and led Novartis’ Oncology and Molecular Diagnostic units. Under his leadership, the company’s oncology business grew to the second largest in the world.

David has more than 25 years of extensive drug development, deal-making, commercialization, and leadership experience on a global scale. Over the course of his career, he led the development and commercialization of over 30 new molecular entities, including major breakthroughs such as Glivec, Tasigna, Gilenya, Cosentyx, and Entresto. His teams developed three Prix Galien award winners and he has developed several CEOs. He was named by FierceBiotech as one of the “25 most influential people in biopharma.” Early in his career, David was an associate in the strategy practice of consulting firm Booz, Allen and Hamilton. David holds a B.S. in pharmacy from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy (1984) and an M.B.A. in finance and marketing from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business (1987).