Ara Aslanian

Montai Therapeutics leverages a novel AI computational platform to discover first-in-class small molecules targeting high-value immune and oncology targets. Lead a team executing drug discovery programs across multiple immunology and oncology indications, from hit-finding through development candidate nomination. Designed and led multiple transcription factor–focused discovery programs, establishing end-to-end screening funnels spanning target validation, hit identification, mechanistic characterization, and translational pharmacology. Lead translational biology and clinical biomarker strategy for a DC-stage program advancing toward the clinic. Conceived, championed, and presented a partnership proposal to develop a novel molecular glue therapeutic for lung cancer — selected over competing options within the Flagship Pioneering portfolio, resulting in Montai's first-ever strategic industry partnership.

As the first R&D employee at HotSpot, I built biology/pharmacology early discovery programs for inflammation/immunology and metabolic disease projects from inception. Strategic design and execution of complete screening funnels for novel small molecules, including hit finding, biophysical characterization, functional cellular studies and in vivo PD and efficacy studies. Engaged partners and international CROs to design, develop and execute screening and functional in vitro and in vivo assays to discover, develop, and characterize allosteric modulators for immunology targets identified with the HotSpot Spotfinder platform. Championed the use of capabilities including cellular target engagement, high-throughput biophysical assays, and novel cellular assays to discover and characterize the unique MoA of allosteric modulators for immune targets.

Responsible for all preclinical biology/pharmacology activities spanning multiple projects across diverse disease areas, including target selection, proof-of-concept, MoA and efficacy studies, lead/development candidate nomination, and IND-enabling studies. Lead biologist on Deuruxolitinib (deuterated Ruxolitinib; LEQSELVI) — acquired by Sun Pharma ($576M), NDA approved Oct 2023, approved for Alopecia Areata Jul 2024. Lead biologist on Deutivacaftor (deuterated Ivacaftor) — acquired by Vertex ($170M), NDA submitted Jul 2024 as part of a triple drug combination for cystic fibrosis. Conceived and led biomarker strategy for a >250-patient Phase II CKD clinical trial (CTP-499) and Phase I/II studies for Alopecia Areata. Assembled preclinical data packages for FDA submissions, clinical trial applications, and major partnering efforts.

Led all aspects of in vivo preclinical development, including efficacy studies, PK/PD, and disease model development for a novel peptide-based GPCR-targeting technology for stem cell mobilization and immune/inflammation indications. Independently drove discovery efforts that triggered multiple BD milestones by identifying and characterizing lead development candidates. Presented to scientific advisory boards, investor representatives, and interfaced with partnered company scientific teams.

Independently designed and executed in vivo efficacy studies of small molecules with a focus on immune function and leukocyte trafficking. Designed and carried out proof-of-concept, modeling, and feasibility studies for therapeutic antibodies, resulting in a successful lead candidate selection. Attended the Novartis "Leading at the Frontline" leadership training program.

Studied the role of adaptive immunity and inflammation in atherosclerosis, with a focus on NKT cell function and chemokine-mediated leukocyte trafficking. Generated several novel chemokine knockout mice (CXCL16, MCP-3, MCP-2) and analyzed immunological phenotypes in vivo and ex vivo, resulting in multiple scientific publications describing the mechanism of chemokine/chemokine receptor biology.

Graduate thesis project: elucidation of the biochemical mechanism of the anti-leukemic drug asparaginase in terms of gene expression and functional adaptation of plasma membrane amino acid transport proteins. Laboratory of Dr. Michael Kilberg, Ph.D. Additional studies: Characterized the genetic regulation of the beta-globin locus control region in the laboratory of Dr. Jörg Bungert, Ph.D. (1997-2000).