Maria Karasarides, Ph.D.
About Maria Karasarides, Ph.D.
Maria Karasarides, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Early Assets & Biomarkers, WW Medical Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb, with extensive experience in oncology and drug development.
Title
Maria Karasarides, Ph.D., holds the position of Vice President, Early Assets & Biomarkers, Worldwide Medical Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb in the United States.
Current Company
Maria Karasarides is currently working at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she leads efforts in early assets and biomarkers for worldwide medical oncology. Her contributions focus on integrating predictive technologies, enhancing drug development paradigms, and advancing precision medicine.
Past Professional Experience
Prior to her current role, Maria Karasarides has held leadership positions at various esteemed organizations. Between 2017 and 2020, she served as Executive Director of Strategic Program Direction, Global Development at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in the Greater New York City Area. From 2014 to 2020, she was at AstraZeneca as Senior Director of Clinical Development, Immuno-Oncology Global Medicines Development. She has also worked at Ziopharm Oncology, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, and several roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb including Medical Director positions in both global and US oncology.
Education and Expertise
Maria Karasarides obtained her Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, and Cancer Biology from CSU/Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She furthered her education at Case Western Reserve University in Cell Biology and University of Akron where she achieved a MS in Cardiovascular Physiology. Additionally, she pursued Executive Education in Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotech at Harvard Business School in 2010.
Contributions and Initiatives
Maria Karasarides has made significant contributions to oncology, including developing and approving the PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor Imfinzi® and the first cancer immunotherapy Yervoy®. She founded GUIDE.MRD, a partnership focused on advancing ctDNA diagnostic assays and developing minimal residual disease as a clinical decision tool. She also played a pivotal role in validating B-Raf as a melanoma therapeutic target.