Samuel Waksal

Samuel Waksal is a prominent figure in the biotechnology sector, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Graviton Bioscience, a position he has held since January 2022. He is recognized for his extensive background in immunology and academic medicine, having founded multiple biotech companies throughout his career.

Career Overview

• ImClone Systems: Waksal founded ImClone in 1984, where he played a pivotal role in developing the cancer drug Erbitux (cetuximab). The company was later acquired by Eli Lilly for approximately $7 billion.13

• Kadmon Pharmaceuticals: After founding Kadmon in 2010, he contributed to the development of innovative therapies, including a selective ROCK2 inhibitor, which was acquired by Sanofi for $2 billion.12

• Graviton Bioscience: At Graviton, Waksal focuses on pioneering therapies for fibrotic, autoimmune, and central nervous system diseases. The company has made significant advancements in drug development and has secured substantial investments to further its research.14

Academic Background

Waksal earned his bachelor's degree and a doctorate in immunobiology from The Ohio State University. His academic career includes roles at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and Mount Sinai Hospital, where he conducted significant research in cancer and immunology.34

Personal Background

Born on September 8, 1947, in Paris, France, Waksal comes from a family of Holocaust survivors. His early experiences shaped his commitment to advancing medical science.34

Samuel Waksal's contributions to biotechnology have been marked by both innovation and controversy, notably involving legal challenges during his tenure at ImClone. Despite these setbacks, he has remained a key player in the industry, continuing to lead groundbreaking research initiatives.