Adoptive Cell Therapy in Oncology: Key Considerations and Developments

Sharon Moore, MD, MBA, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Caidya

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Moore is responsible for strategic development and medical oversight of clinical studies and oversees the medical affairs, pharmacovigilance, strategic regulatory and medical writing teams. Dr. Moore’s nearly 30 years of industry experience in medical, safety, QA, regulatory and training bring broad and deep expertise to her role. Prior to joining clinical research organizations, she spent nearly a decade in full-time clinical practice, where she was an investigator and IRB member and held a clinical appointment in the local medical school.

Dr. Moore’s work has supported multiple therapeutic areas, and she continues to hold an active medical license. She has been a Certified Principal Investigator (APCR/ACRP) since 2004. She completed her MD degree at Vanderbilt University, an MBA at East Tennessee State University and an MPH in General Preventive Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the US.

Dr. Neeta Somaiah, Associate Professor and Deputy Chair of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Dr. Neeta Somaiah is a distinguished medical professional in the field of hematology-oncology. She is currently an Associate Professor and Deputy Chair of Sarcoma Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She obtained her MD (MBBS) in Medicine from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University in New Delhi, IND, in 1999. Her postgraduate training included a Clinical Residency in Internal Medicine at Drexel University Hospital (Hahnemann) in Philadelphia, PA, from 2003 to 2005 and a Clinical Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, also in Philadelphia, PA, from 2006 to 2009. Prior to her appointment at MD Anderson, she was an Assistant Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center and then at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.

Dr. Somaiah’s research interests primarily revolve around gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), liposarcoma and sarcoma immunotherapy. Her dedication to understanding these complex diseases has led her to engage in translational research, utilizing patient samples, cell lines and representative tumor models to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms.

In addition to her research pursuits, Dr. Somaiah is deeply committed to patient care, considering it one of her greatest joys. Her empathetic and compassionate approach to medicine has earned her the respect and gratitude of her patients. She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring aspiring medical professionals, sharing her expertise and nurturing the next generation of Physicians.

Gaurav Sharma, Chief Development Officer, Caidya

As Chief Development Officer, Gaurav is responsible for leading Caidya’s development operations group (DevOps), consisting of strategic feasibility, study start-up, project and clinical management, clinical monitoring, clinical development and site management services including TMF group. He brings a rich background from both the biopharmaceutical and CRO perspective, as his previous experience includes leading clinical operations at Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, where he was operational asset lead for Rebastinib and ULK Inhibitor, as well as serving as SVP and Therapeutic Area Leader of Oncology & Hematology at Worldwide Clinical Trials where he focused on advanced therapies like cell and gene therapy.

In addition, he held roles of progressive responsibility in project management starting at ICON Plc and then at Premier Research, where he served as SVP and Head of Global Project Management. Gaurav holds a master’s degree in pharmacology from JSS College of Pharmacy.