Mika Kakefuda Derynck
About Mika Kakefuda Derynck
Mika Kakefuda Derynck is the Chief Medical Officer with over 25 years of experience in cancer research, previously holding significant roles at Genentech/Roche and UCSF.
Chief Medical Officer Mika Kakefuda Derynck
Mika Kakefuda Derynck serves as the Chief Medical Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in cancer research to the role. Her vast expertise in oncology drug development spans multiple therapeutic modalities, tumor types, and all phases of development. Mika has played a crucial role in the approval and global development of over a dozen significant drugs, demonstrating her deep commitment to advancing cancer treatment.
Mika Kakefuda Derynck at Genentech/Roche
During her 15-year tenure at Genentech/Roche, Mika Kakefuda Derynck held several influential positions. Most recently, she served as the Global Head for Cancer Immunotherapy, GI/GU Cancers, Angiogenesis Franchises, and China Oncology Development. Mika was also the Co-Chair of the Cancer Immunotherapy Committee (CITC), the GI/GU Franchises Committee, and the Breast Cancer Disease Area Team. Additionally, she was Senior Group Medical Director of Exploratory Clinical Development, overseeing landmark approvals for drugs such as Perjeta®, Avastin®, Tecentriq®, Cotellic®, and others.
Mika Kakefuda Derynck's Early Career and Education
Before her impactful career at Genentech, Mika Kakefuda Derynck was an Assistant Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Division of Hematology / Oncology. She holds a B.A. and an M.D. from Boston University, completed an internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins, and pursued a fellowship in Hematology / Oncology at UCSF where she later completed a postdoctoral fellowship. Her extensive educational background laid the foundation for her notable contributions to cancer research and oncology.
Mika Kakefuda Derynck's Role in Drug Development
Mika Kakefuda Derynck has made significant contributions to the field of drug development within oncology. She has overseen the approvals and global development of numerous critical treatments including Perjeta®, Avastin®, Tecentriq®, Cotellic®, among others. Her comprehensive understanding of treatment development has been instrumental in bringing effective cancer therapies to patients worldwide.