Joseph A. Yanchik III
About Joseph A. Yanchik III
Career Overview
Joseph A. Yanchik III is a seasoned venture partner with over 20 years of experience in founding and funding life science companies. His career spans notable roles, including his foundational work with Tokai Pharmaceuticals and Aileron Therapeutics, as well as key positions at Mendel Biotechnology and Poetic Genetics. Yanchik's diverse background also includes significant legal expertise, having started his professional journey at Cahill Gordon & Reindel and then at Venture Law Group.
Founding Tokai Pharmaceuticals
Joseph A. Yanchik III founded Tokai Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company targeting treatments for prostate cancer. He served as president and CEO from 2005 to 2008, later taking a director role through 2017. Under his leadership, Tokai Pharmaceuticals focused on innovative therapeutic solutions, contributing a significant impact to prostate cancer treatment research.
Leadership at Aileron Therapeutics
Joseph A. Yanchik III played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Aileron Therapeutics. He led the company from its inception through to its public listing, serving as president, CEO, and director from 2006 to 2018. Aileron Therapeutics specializes in stapled peptides for cancer and other diseases, and Yanchik's leadership was instrumental in forming a $1.1 billion partnership with Roche Pharmaceuticals.
Role at Mendel Biotechnology
Joseph A. Yanchik III served as vice president of corporate development at Mendel Biotechnology, an agricultural biotech company. His role involved overseeing strategic corporate initiatives and development plans to advance the company's biotechnological innovations within the agricultural sector.
Educational Background and Legal Career
Joseph A. Yanchik III received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Loyola College in Maryland and a Juris Doctor (JD) from the Villanova University School of Law, where he was the managing editor of the Law Review. He is a member of the New York, California, and District of Columbia bars. His legal career began at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, where he specialized in public securities offerings, high-yield debt financings, and mergers and acquisitions. He later joined Venture Law Group in Menlo Park, focusing on financing early-stage life science and technology companies.