Danny (Dong Jun) Lee

At DL BioInnovations LLC, I leverage my expertise to assist biotech founders and emerging companies in navigating the complexities of advancing ADC programs. My role encompasses providing fractional scientific leadership and expert consulting, focusing on preclinical strategies and cross-functional support. This approach ensures that clients receive the guidance necessary for successful project execution in a competitive landscape.

Responsibilities and achievements: - Payload design and optimization of potency, permeability, ADME properties that are suited for drug-conjugates leading to IND submissions - Hydrophilic linkers that enable high DAR ADCs with mAb-like PK - Development of novel and efficient conjugation chemistries - Generation of novel IP leading to numerous patent applications - Management of multiple external CRO FTEs - Work closely with biology and protein science teams to develop unique assays and solve specific problems - Competitive intelligence: continuously monitor preclinical and clinical landscape to guide BD and clinical teams

- Led design and chemical synthesis of biologically active molecules such as kinase inhibitors and heterobifunctional BRo5 molecules. - Designed and optimized key features of antibody-drug conjugates, including linker-payload chemistry, and bioconjugation. - Managed multiple external CRO FTEs.

- Design and chemical synthesis of mgs to grams of APIs and novel drug-linkers for use in antibody-drug conjugates. - Design and chemical synthesis of key tool compounds to enable biological studies and develop understanding of parameters that may widen the therapeutic index of antibody-drug conjugates. - Bioconjugation, HIC purification, analyses and characterization of antibody-drug conjugates.

- Design and chemical synthesis of novel warhead and linkers at mgs to grams scale for the preparation of antibody-drug conjugates.

Hired at the laboratory of Professor Stephen B. H. Kent sponsored by Reflexion Pharmaceuticals to develop a novel class of biologics called D-protein pharmaceuticals. Designed, synthesized and characterized D-protein antagonists against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. Coordinated with Amgen, Inc. and Genentech, Inc. to study pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of synthetic D-protein antagonists. Presented findings at international conferences. Provided practical and intellectual guidance for undergraduate and graduate students within the laboratory. Key Achievements: • Synthesized second generation D-protein antagonist of VEGF-A that had 82 oC thermal denaturation, nanomolar affinity for VEGF-A, and inhibited VEGFR-2 phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Invention disclosed (International Patent WO 2014/071234 A1). • Developed third generation D-protein antagonist of VEGF-A that had >95 oC thermal denaturation, nanomolar affinity for VEGF-A, non-immunogenic, resisted proteolysis and inhibited VEGFR-2 phosphorylation in human retinal endothelial cells. Invention disclosed (one of two Inventors) to UChicago Center for Technology Development & Ventures. • Developed forth generation D-protein antagonist of VEGF-A that had picomolar affinity for VEGF-A. Invention disclosed (sole Inventor) to UChicago Center for Technology Development & Ventures.

Hired at the laboratory of Professor Margaret A. Brimble sponsored by Maurice Wilkins Center for Molecular Biodiscovery to develop scale-up strategies of short amylin peptide analogues. Key Achievements: • Systematically executed the scale-up of cyclic amylin peptide analogues using solid-phase peptide synthesis and chemoselective Ru-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis (“stapled-peptides”). • Successfully formulated synthetic amylin peptide analogues for in vitro and in vivo biological experiments.