Akinori Okano, Ph.D.
About Akinori Okano, Ph.D.
Director, Medicinal Chemistry at Biotheryx
Akinori Okano, Ph.D., is the Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Biotheryx. He joined the company in 2022 and assumed his current role in March 2023. In this position, he oversees efforts in the discovery and development of new medicinal compounds. His leadership focuses on advancing small molecule therapeutic programs, particularly in the oncology sector.
Previous Role at AbbVie
Before his tenure at Biotheryx, Dr. Akinori Okano served as Senior Scientist II at AbbVie. There, he led significant chemistry efforts contributing to the discovery and development of small molecule drugs for multiple oncology programs. His work at AbbVie was crucial in advancing treatment options in cancer research.
Experience at Rapt Therapeutics
Akinori Okano worked at Rapt Therapeutics, where he played a key role in the discovery of immuno-oncology agents. His contributions were integral in advancing both preclinical and clinical assets, significantly impacting the field of immuno-oncology.
Academic Career at Scripps Research Institute
Dr. Akinori Okano served as an Assistant Professor at the Scripps Research Institute. During his academic tenure, he focused on the development of novel antibiotics aimed at combating resistant bacterial infections. His research efforts contributed to advancing therapeutic approaches in antibiotic resistance.
Educational Background and Postdoctoral Research
Dr. Okano received his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from Kyoto University. Following his doctoral education, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute, where he furthered his study in pharmaceutical sciences. His academic background laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to medicinal chemistry.