Eric Lai, Ph.D.,
About Eric Lai, Ph.D.,
Eric Lai, Ph.D., serves as the Team Lead for the COVID-19 Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Initiative at The National Institutes of Health and has been a Board Member at Pillar Biosciences Incorporated since 2021. He has extensive experience in pharmacogenomics and molecular diagnostics, with a notable history of leadership roles in various pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Eric Lai, Ph.D., serves as the Team Lead for the COVID-19 Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Initiative at the National Institutes of Health. He has held this position since 2020, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities for COVID-19. His role involves overseeing projects that facilitate rapid testing and diagnostics, which are crucial in managing public health responses to the pandemic.
Professional Experience at Pillar Biosciences
Since 2021, Eric Lai has been a Board Member at Pillar Biosciences Incorporated. In this capacity, he provides strategic guidance and insights based on his extensive background in molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics. His involvement with the company reflects his commitment to advancing diagnostic technologies in the biotech sector.
Academic Background and Training
Eric Lai completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1979 to 1985. He furthered his education with post-doctoral training in Human Genetics at Caltech from 1984 to 1989. His academic background laid the foundation for his expertise in pharmacogenetics and molecular diagnostics.
Previous Roles in Pharmaceutical Industry
Eric Lai has held several significant positions in the pharmaceutical industry. He served as Vice President of Discovery and Pipeline Genetics at GlaxoSmithKline from 2003 to 2006 and as Senior Vice President and Head of Pharmacogenomics at Takeda from 2012 to 2016. His experience includes leading teams in genomic medicine and molecular genetics, contributing to advancements in drug development and personalized medicine.
Expertise in Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers
Eric Lai possesses extensive experience in the development and validation of molecular biomarkers and clinical diagnostics. He has been involved in medical device IVD development, including two Premarket Approvals (PMAs) and four 510(k) submissions. His work has established him as a leader in pharmacogenetics, highlighted by his role in the successful Abacavir project, which transitioned from biomarker discovery to clinical application.