From the news release today:

Internationally renowned expert in the field of cancer research, Dr. Craig B Thompson, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, will deliver the keynote address at the symposium which will be chaired by Dr. Norman Wong, Chief Scientific Officer of Resverlogix and Dr. Dominique Verhelle of Third Rock Ventures.

Some things I'm trying to put together from this news release:

Dr Dominque Verhelle

while at Pfizer in La Jolla California (2012-2015)

Led the Epigenetic group in the Tumor Cell Biology department (Oncology Research Unit). Successfully created a functional and productive group in hiring Epigenetic experts and developed the Epigenetic research strategy for first in class drugs in balancing a portfolio of targets with short and long term success (jump start programs and innovative targets connected to Tumor Metabolism and Tumor Signaling). Effectively managed a multi-disciplinary and geographically distributed team (biologists, chemists, biochemists, pharmacologists…). Identified, developed and managed collaborations with external partners (CRO and academia). In close relation with Precision Medicine group, identified patient populations early into the program based on mutations, amplifications, translocations of major players in Epigenetics. Developed, advised and guided research project leaders from target identification to small molecule lead development.

while at Celgene in San Diego (8 years)

Research and Development in Oncology Department. Group Leader of two drug discovery programs in the epigenetic arena for oncology therapy.
Discovery Research Department. Investigated the role of epigenetics in the mechanism of action of Revlimid and Thalidomid, two drug leaders for blood cancers. Elucidated one part of the mechanism of action in Multiple Myeloma and identified new potential combination therapy with HDAC inhibitors.

Just speculating that Dr Verhelle must have met some of the Resverlogix (and Zenith) folks while in California with Pfizer. She only joined Third Rock in 2015. Third Rock does a lot of investments in early startups. Do we see a possible source of funds coming from this relationship?

Dr Craig B Thompson

Thompson became president and chief executive officer of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center—the world’s oldest and largest private institution devoted to cancer prevention, treatment, research, and education—in November 2010.

He is well known and well respected (although his previous employer (Univ of Pennsylvania) sued him for conflict of interest when he left for Sloan-Kettering in 2011. Have since settled out of court).

In any event, it seems like RVX is starting to play with some fairly high profile and very "connected" people. Having a few folks from Constellation and Cold Spring Harbor there as well, might just be a catalyst to get more exposure.

Now with a new VP of Investor Relations (Clayton Paradis) to put out the message of what transpires at this event, we'll see if there is renewed interest in our little YYC company.

GLTA

masila