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Mathai Mammen, MD, PhD

Mathai Mammen is a world-renowned innovator in drug discovery, development, and team and company building. He brings significant global R&D and corporate leadership experience to his role as Chairman, CEO, and President at Parabilis Medicines.

Mathai previously served as a member of the Executive Committee and Global Head of R&D at Johnson & Johnson. At J&J, he reshaped one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical R&D organizations, notably pioneering the early and strategic integration of data science and AI-driven methodologies across the company’s entire portfolio. He led his team to global approvals for nine medicines, including Darzalex Faspro™, Balversa™, Carvykti™, Rybrevant™, and Tecvayli™ in oncology; Tremfya™ and Ponvory™ in immunology; and Spravato™ and Invega Hafyera™ in neuroscience. Under his leadership, the team also developed a world-class discovery engine and advanced numerous additional medicines through critical phases of clinical development – including Lazcluz™, Talvey™, Imaavy™, as well as milvexian, TAR-200, ikotrokinra, TNF-IL23 combinations, bota-vec, nipocalimab, and seltorexant – and achieved an unprecedented 90% success rate in Phase 2 to Phase 3 transitions.

Mathai’s tenure at J&J was marked by over 40 acquisitions and licensing deals, along with more than 350 strategic partnerships and collaborations that broadened J&J’s portfolio and capabilities. These efforts helped build a pipeline including 9 practice-changing blockbusters with $10B+ peak year sales potential, increasing the value of J&J’s portfolio by an industry-leading 300%. Prior to joining J&J, Mathai was Senior Vice President at Merck, overseeing diverse therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, immuno-oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases, notably contributing to the development of Keytruda™. Earlier, he co-founded Theravance, Inc. where, as head of R&D, he led the creation of several approved therapies, including Breo™, Anoro™, Trelegy™, Yupelri™, and Vibativ™. Throughout his career, Mathai has led the discovery/development of 17 approved high-impact medicines across therapeutic areas.

Mathai’s leadership philosophy centers on advancing ambitious science with profound therapeutic potential. He believes true innovation requires a fundamental industry-wide shift away from incrementalism and toward high-difficulty, high-reward science and technology capable of delivering meaningful global patient impact. He champions cross-disciplinary collaboration and cultivates teams that integrate scientific rigor, advanced analytics, and strategic business insight to accelerate truly transformational innovation for patients in need.

Chairman & CEO, Parabilis Medicines

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