R. Alan Llenado, Ph. D.
About R. Alan Llenado, Ph. D.
R. Alan Llenado, Ph. D., is the Associate Director of Analytical Development Cell Therapy at Kite Pharma, where he leads a team focused on analytical methods for cell therapy products. He has extensive experience in analytical science, having previously held positions at Roche, Genentech, and UC Irvine.
Work at Kite Pharma
R. Alan Llenado serves as the Associate Director of Analytical Development Cell Therapy at Kite Pharma, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he develops a team of subject matter experts and technical leads focused on analytical methods for both commercial and clinical phase programs. He collaborates with a cross-functional development team to advance the development of autologous T cell therapy products. His responsibilities include performing risk and gap assessments for analytical methods to enhance compliance and robustness, as well as directing technical root-cause investigations for analytical method deviations.
Previous Experience at Roche
Prior to his current role, R. Alan Llenado worked at Roche in various capacities. He was a Scientist in Analytical Science and Technology from 2016 to 2018, and before that, he served as a Senior Quality Control Associate from 2013 to 2016. He also held the position of Head of Method Transfer at Roche from 2018 to 2020. His work at Roche involved developing analytical methods and ensuring quality control in compliance with regulatory standards.
Education and Expertise
R. Alan Llenado earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Pathology) from the University of California, Irvine, where he studied from 2005 to 2011. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) from the University of California, Davis, completed in 2002. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in analytical development and quality control within the biotechnology sector.
Research and Teaching Experience
Llenado has a diverse background in research and teaching. He worked as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Teaching Fellow at UC Irvine in 2006. Additionally, he served as a Medical Microbiology and Immunology Research Intern at the University of California, Davis - School of Medicine from 2000 to 2002. His early career also included a role as a Research Technician at Genentech from 2002 to 2005, where he contributed to research in microbial pathology.
Technical Leadership and Method Development
In his current and previous roles, R. Alan Llenado has demonstrated technical leadership in method development and quality assurance. He monitors the health of analytical methods across product portfolios, identifying trends and risks, and recommends technology solutions. He leads communication between Analytical Development, Process Design, and Quality Control, ensuring that requirements are met and new methods are effectively implemented.