Mark Esposito

Mark Esposito, Ph.D., is the CEO and Founder of KayoThera, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies targeting the retinoid signaling pathway, which has been historically challenging to drug. He co-founded KayoThera in 2019 alongside Dr. Yibin Kang, leveraging insights from their research at Princeton University. The company aims to create first-in-class oral antagonists that can address critical medical needs in oncology and cardiometabolic diseases.123

Professional Background

Dr. Esposito has a strong background in medicinal chemistry, cancer genetics, and immunology. He has served as the lead scientist behind KayoThera's technology and has played a crucial role in securing funding for the company, including a significant $8 million Series A financing round.35 His research has been published in prestigious journals such as Nature Cancer and Nature Cell Biology, highlighting his contributions to the field.24

Current Role

As CEO, Dr. Esposito oversees the strategic direction of KayoThera and leads its research and development efforts. His vision for the company is to revolutionize treatment options for patients with late-stage cancers and metabolic disorders by targeting previously "undruggable" pathways.14 Additionally, he has been recognized within the scientific community as a thought leader in therapeutic innovation.67

Contributions and Impact

Under Dr. Esposito's leadership, KayoThera is developing therapies that show promise in treating conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and various cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancer. The company's approach involves novel small molecule inhibitors that are designed to be safe and effective for patients.135

In summary, Mark Esposito is an influential figure in biotechnology with a commitment to advancing therapeutic options through innovative research and development at KayoThera.