Dr. Laura Shawver Ph.D.

Silverback Therapeutics

Dr. Laura Shawver is CEO of Synthorx, a company focused on optimizing protein therapeutics. Prior to joining Synthorx, she was CEO and director of Cleave Biosciences, CEO of Phenomix Corporation, and president of SUGEN Inc. Her work in understanding the role of VEGF receptor in tumor angiogenesis led to the development of a new class of drugs including SutentTM currently marketed by Pfizer for kidney and stomach cancer. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006, she founded the non-profit organization, The Clearity Foundation which provides access to molecular profiling for women with recurrent and refractory diseases to help prioritize treatment options. Laura is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, serving on its Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee. She received her doctorate in pharmacology at the University of Iowa and pursued postdoctoral training at the University of Virginia Cancer Center and Washington University.

Year appointed: 2020