Darren Kamikura
About Darren Kamikura
Darren Kamikura is the Director of Cell Therapy Analytical Development - Potency and Functional Characterization at Bristol Myers Squibb, with extensive experience in bioassay development and cell therapy.
Current Role at Bristol Myers Squibb
Darren Kamikura currently holds a senior position at Bristol Myers Squibb. He serves as the Director of Cell Therapy Analytical Development, focusing on Potency and Functional Characterization, spanning locations in Warren, NJ, and Seattle, WA. In addition to this role, he also holds the title of Scientific Director and Associate Director at their New Brunswick, New Jersey, office. His work entails strategic oversight in the development and validation of cell-based potency assays essential for clinical trials and commercial applications.
Previous Positions at Bristol Myers Squibb
Before his current roles, Darren Kamikura was the Group Leader at the Bioassay Development Center of Excellence at Bristol Myers Squibb. Between 2017 and 2021, based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he led efforts in bioassay development, steering initiatives that supported various stages of clinical development. His leadership contributed significantly to enhancing the analytical capabilities of the Bioassay Development Center.
Experience at Eli Lilly
Darren Kamikura worked at Eli Lilly as a Bioassay Research Scientist from 2009 to 2017, accumulating extensive expertise in bioassay development and analytical methods. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, he played a crucial role in the development and implementation of bioassays, contributing to the company's pharmaceutical development pipeline over eight years.
Academic and Research Background
Darren Kamikura's academic background includes a PhD in Molecular Biology/Oncology from McGill University, completed between 1993 and 1999. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of British Columbia, earned from 1989 to 1993. His research experience includes positions at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a Post-Doctoral Fellow/Staff Scientist, and as a Research Scientist III at the University of Washington, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and cellular signaling pathways.
Specialization and Expertise in Cell Therapies
Darren Kamikura specializes in the development and commercialization of CAR-T therapies and has extensive experience in cell signaling and cellular transformation. His expertise spans the entire lifecycle of cell therapy products, from Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to Biologics License Applications (BLA). He leads efforts in the development of innovative cell-based bioassays, which are critical for the functional characterization and potency assessment of cell and gene therapies.