Asen Bagashev

In Vivo CAR-M Immunotherapy | Cancer Biology | Immunology | Autoimmunity Under the Carisma Therapeutics collaboration with Moderna, my team leveraged CAR-M based immunotherapies expertise to develop groundbreaking cancer treatments. Our focus on solid tumor animal models has driven advancements in LNP based In Vivo reprogramming, culminating in novel therapeutic strategies. • Led platform optimization, target nomination and IND-enabling studies for the anti-GPC3 in vivo CAR-M for hepatocellular carcinoma program under Carisma’s collaboration with Moderna. • Presented pre-clinical data at SITC2024 demonstrating feasibility, tolerability and efficacy of a novel anti-GPC3 in vivo CAR-M for hepatocellular carcinoma. • Managed a high-performing team of 5 in vitro & in vivo PhD and non-PhD level scientists. • Implemented new experimental designs to assess in vivo reprogramming toxicology, safety risks, and mechanisms of action (MOA). • Managed the execution of CRO in vitro and in vivo studies. • Functioned as a cancer immunotherapy subject-matter expert (SME). Presentations: • Pre-clinical efficacy of a novel anti-GPC3 in vivo CAR-M for hepatocellular carcinoma Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2024 • In Vivo CAR-M: Redirecting endogenous myeloid cells with mRNA for cancer immunotherapy Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2023

CAR-T Immunotherapy | Cancer Biology | Immunology • Fostered productive collaborations with key immunotherapy and cancer biology leaders. • Led a high-performing team of 3 PhD and non-PhD level scientists. • Managed laboratory operations. • Advanced the integration of JAK2 inhibitors with TSLPR CAR-T therapy for high-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). • Designed and performed novel assays to support the clinical development of CAR-T cell products. • Demonstrated that TCF3-HLF B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells proliferative advantage relies on Aurora kinases and Ras GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). • Interpreted and communicated study results through oral and poster presentations at internal and external meetings. Awards: • ASH Abstract Achievement Award (oral presentation) • Rally Foundation Independent Investigator Award

CAR-T Immunotherapy | Cancer Biology | Immunology Investigated the loss of CD19 surface expression in relapsed ALL cases after CART19 therapy, uncovering misfolded CD19 as a key mechanism of resistance. • Developed novel CRISPR/Cas9 based CD19 KO models to support multiple CART therapy projects and patent applications. • Demonstrated that surface CD19-negative clones are susceptible to p53/CHK1 inhibition and DNA damage, suggesting strategies for preventing CD19 antigen escape. • Collaborated with leading immunotherapy experts, advancing key research findings for publication and grant submissions. Awards: • Alex’s Lemonade Stand Million Mile Award • Alex’s Lemonade Stand Young Investigator Award • Joy Cappel Young Investigator Award (JCYIA) • Annual CHOP Research Day Laboratory-Based Research Award

• Led recitations, discussions, and grading for Molecular Biology and Genetics courses at the University of Pennsylvania. • Mentored and supervised students, providing academic support and guidance. • Collaborated with other Teaching Assistants to ensure classrooms and materials were prepared for effective learning environments.

• Led lectures, discussions, and lab classes at the Community College of Philadelphia

Molecular Neuroscience | Cell Biology | Virology • Investigated the role of microRNAs in CNS aging in the context of HIV infection. • Unraveled the mechanism of miR196a dependent viability of neurons in the HIV-1 brain. • Identified potential therapeutic targets in the aging brain. • Collaborated with translational, cell biology and clinical groups at Temple University and NIH to study the biology of chronic CNS inflammation. Awards: • Graduate Research Award

Autoimmunity | Immunology | Cell Biology | Virology • Studied the molecular mechanism of autoimmune disease using novel confocal imaging techniques. • Implemented biosensor surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques to characterize interferon response modulators. • Collaborated with translational immunology, cell biology and clinical groups at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and UPenn to advance treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Molecular Biology | Microbiology | Biochemistry • Conducted research on the impact of thermal buildup from a state-of-the-art large-scale, closed-loop, ground-coupled, heat pump system on groundwater chemistry and aquifer microbes. • Collaborated with a team of researchers to present findings at state research symposiums. Awards: • Received the Honor Graduate: Program Distinction Award from the Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences at Stockton University. • Received the 8th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium Award from the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland.