Our Mission

Our Mission

Target previously untreatable common cancers with small molecules and biologics by exposing newly discovered drivers of metastasis. Through our proprietary and clinically-validated miRNA-DRIVEr platform and microRNA mapping, Inspirna reveals new cancer drivers in areas of high unmet need.

ABOUT US

Inspirna, previously known as Rgenix, is a privately-held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel cancer drugs that target key pathways in cancers of high unmet need.

Our Approach to Oncology Drug Development

Our miRNA-DRIVEr platform exposes previously-undruggable drivers of metastasis that determine short- versus long-term survival in cancer indications with large patient populations and high unmet need not adequately addressed by the current standard of care.

Our drug development strategy enables practical treatment options that allow patients to supplement their standard of care with innovative but well known therapeutic modalities such as small molecules and ADCs.

Inspirna is poised to become a global company with ongoing Phase 3 preparation activities.

Our Management Team

  • Usman “Oz” Azam, M.D.

    Usman “Oz” Azam, M.D.

    Chief Executive Officer

  • David Darst, M.B.A.

    David Darst, M.B.A.

    Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

  • Robert Wasserman, M.D.

    Robert Wasserman, M.D.

    Chief Medical Officer

  • Anne Assmus, Ph.D.

    Anne Assmus, Ph.D.

    Head of Business Development

  • Nayomi Thomas

    Nayomi Thomas

    Associate Director of HR & Legal

  • Steve Wald, MS

    Steve Wald, MS

    SVP, Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • Naftali Bechar, M.D.

    Naftali Bechar, M.D.

    SVP of Clinical Development

  • Michael Szarek, PhD

    Michael Szarek, PhD

    VP, Clinical & Regulatory Affairs

  • Kimberly Hoffman

    Kimberly Hoffman

    VP, Clinical Operations

  • Isabel Kurth, PhD

    Isabel Kurth, PhD

    VP, Research

  • Narayan Lebaka

    Narayan Lebaka

    Senior Director, Data Management

  • Corey Sohmer, MBA

    Corey Sohmer, MBA

    VP, Finance & Accounting

Clinical Advisory Board

  • Sohail Tavazoie, M.D., Ph.D.

    Co-Founder & Chair of Scientific Advisory Board

  • Masoud Tavazoie, M.D., Ph.D.

    Advisor & Co-Founder

  • Antoni Ribas, M.D., Ph.D.

    Advisor

  • Yelena Janjigian, M.D.

    Advisor

  • Hossein Borghaei, D.O., M.S.

    Advisor

  • Jean-Pierre Bizzari, M.D.

    Advisor

  • Josep Tabernero, M.D., Ph.D.

    Advisor

  • Alan P. Venook, M.D.

    Advisor

Board of Directors

  • Dieter Weinand

    Chairman of the Board, Inspirna

  • Usman “Oz” Azam, M.D.

    Chief Executive Officer, Inspirna

  • Eric Rowinsky, M.D.

    Consultant, Cancer Drug Development and Registrational Strategies

  • Jack Nielsen

    Partner, Vivo Capital

  • Michael Ginder

    Research Analyst, Sands Capital

  • Antoine Papiernik

    Managing Partner, Sofinnova Partners

  • Raymond Camahort, Ph.D.

    Partner, Novo Ventures

  • Peter Van Vlasselaer, Ph.D.

    Venture Partner, SR One

  • Jue Pu

    R&D, Lepu Medical

Investors

Inspirna is made possible through financing from investors including:
  • Novo Holdings
  • Sofinnova
  • Sands Capital
  • Vivo Capital
  • Lepu
  • Sixty Degree
  • Silicon Valley Bank
  • k2 Health Ventures
  • Ocean Pine
  • Wuxi Pharmatech
  • Alexandria Venture
  • Dreavent
  • Exor
  • Partnership Fund