Lili Belcastro
About Lili Belcastro
Lili Belcastro is the Associate Director at Bristol Myers Squibb, leading the early development raw materials team with over 8 years of experience in cell and gene therapy raw materials.
Current Role at Bristol Myers Squibb
Lili Belcastro is currently serving as the Associate Director at Bristol Myers Squibb. She leads the early development raw materials team, focusing on advancing cell and gene therapy programs. Her work is integral to ensuring the development and delivery of life-changing medicines for patients, aligning with the mission of the company.
Previous Positions at Bristol Myers Squibb
Before her current role, Lili Belcastro held multiple positions at Bristol Myers Squibb. From 2022 to 2023, she was a Senior Principal Scientist. Prior to that, from 2021 to 2022, she worked as the Principal Scientist, Sr. Manager, and Material Sciences & Engineering Lead in Warren, New Jersey. Her work history at the company reflects a strong focus on material sciences and engineering within the pharmaceutical industry.
Experience at Janssen Inc. and Eurofins
Lili Belcastro worked as a Scientist at Janssen Inc. from 2018 to 2021, within BioTherapeutics Development and Material Sciences in Malvern, Pennsylvania. In this role, she developed her expertise in raw materials for cell and gene therapy. Prior to that, she was at Eurofins for 11 months, focusing on large molecule material sciences while stationed at Janssen’s facilities in Malvern, PA.
Academic Background and Research
Lili Belcastro holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Oncology and Cancer Biology and a BS in Pharmacology & Toxicology from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She also has a BA in Psychology from Temple University and studied French at Université de Caen Normandie. Her academic career includes roles as a Graduate Student Instructor and Research Associate, and a Predoctoral Trainee at The Wistar Institute, all within the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
Skills and Core Competencies
Belcastro has developed a robust skill set over her career, notably in cell biology, biochemistry, and cell culture, supporting a range of cell and gene therapy programs including CAR-T and AAV therapies. Her core competencies encompass raw material characterization, formulation development, process optimization, and analytical method development. She effectively collaborates with cross-functional teams, external partners, and regulatory agencies to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the raw materials used in these therapies.
Passion for Cell and Gene Therapy
Lili Belcastro has over 8 years of experience specifically in cell and gene therapy raw materials. She is passionate about advancing the field and strives to continuously contribute to the mission of Bristol Myers Squibb, which focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering life-changing medicines to patients.