Type Of Business:
Biotechnology company
Expertise:
Delivery of nucleic acids to cancer cells
Major Product/SVS:
Development of nanoparticles for anti-cancer drugs
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling; Reading
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1992); MBA, University of Florida, Gainesville (2011)
Affiliations Awards:
American Association for Cancer Research; Beta Gamma Sigma
Children's Names:
Akimi Ashizawa
Work History:
Director, Preclinical Operations and Research, Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. (Present); Research Associate Professor, University of Florida (2009 to present); Associate Professor, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (2005 to 2009)
Career Achievements:
Dr. Tari's research in liposome delivery of nucleic acids has resulted in six issued U.S. patents, which are licensed to Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. One of the patented products, BP-100-1.01, which is an RNA-interfering modality targeted against the GRB-2 protein, is currently being studied in a Phase I clinical trial in refractory leukemia patients.
Spouse's Name:
Tetsuo Ashizawa, MD
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was to receive approval from the FDA to study one of her research drug products in a cancer clinical trial.
Number Of Years In Profession:
13
Number Of Years In Current Position:
1
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to determination, focus, hard work and support from her family.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because while in graduate school, she had a grand dream of using her scientific knowledge to reduce cancer suffering and mortality.
Extended Bio Profile:
In addition to being the director of preclinical operations and research at Bio-Path Holdings, Inc., Dr. Tari is an associate professor at The University of Florida. Her academic research focuses on developing nanoparticles to enhance the selectivity and efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA-interfering oligonucleotides to cancer cells.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Liaising with the academic institution to further bring research in academics to the business side; Talking with venture capitalists and advisers to raise money; Making presentations
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Tari hopes to expand her business relationships and business experiences, move into a more executive management role in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company, and get branded as a top executive in the biotechnology industry.