Arie Belldegrun, MD Facs
About Arie Belldegrun, MD Facs
Arie Belldegrun, MD FACS, is a prominent figure in biotechnology and medicine, currently serving as Founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Kite Pharma, Inc., and holding various leadership roles at multiple companies including Kronos Bio, Inc. and Allogene Therapeutics. He has a strong background in urologic oncology and venture capital, complemented by his extensive experience in entrepreneurship and medical device development.
Work at Kite Pharma
Arie Belldegrun serves as the Founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Kite Pharma, Inc. since 2009. Under his leadership, the company has focused on developing innovative cancer therapies, particularly in the field of cell therapy. Kite Pharma is recognized for its advancements in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, contributing significantly to the biotechnology landscape.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at Kite Pharma, Arie Belldegrun holds several key positions in various organizations. He has been the Chairman of the Board at Kronos Bio, Inc. since 2017 and serves as Co-Chairman at Breakthrough Properties since 2018. He is also the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Allogene Therapeutics and a Founding Partner at Vida Ventures, LLC, both established in 2017. His extensive involvement in these companies highlights his influence in the biotechnology and real estate sectors.
Education and Expertise
Arie Belldegrun's educational background includes a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Hadassah Medical School. He completed a Urologic Surgery Residency at Harvard Medical School and a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute/NIH. His training has equipped him with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research, particularly in urologic oncology.
Background in Biotechnology and Venture Capital
Belldegrun has a robust background in biotechnology, having founded Agensys, Inc. and served as its Founding Chairman from 1996 to 2007. His experience extends to venture capital, where he has played a significant role in fostering innovation within the medical devices and oncology sectors. His entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in business development have positioned him as a leader in the industry.
Academic and Clinical Contributions
Since 1994, Arie Belldegrun has been a Professor and Director of the UCLA Institute of Urologic Oncology at UCLA Health System. He holds the Doumani Chair in Urologic Oncology, reflecting his commitment to education and research in the field. His contributions to academic medicine and clinical practice have advanced the understanding and treatment of urologic cancers.