Accelerated precision oncology

Acrivon is developing targeted therapies to improve the lives of patients. At the frontier of proteomics, Acrivon’s proprietary patient selection method is designed to profoundly alter precision oncology drug development and the treatment landscape of patients suffering from cancer. Powered by our AP3 platform, we match drug mechanisms to the biologic drivers of cancer in patients, uncovering drug sensitivity not achievable through genomics.

Committed to delivering real therapeutic outcomes for patients

Aiming to address the world’s most common and pressing cancers,  Acrivon’s technology and pipeline is built to improve patient outcomes.

This is possible due to our unique  patient selection test, which is designed to accurately match our drug candidates with patients whose tumors are predicted to be sensitive.

Our pipeline

Our pipeline is initially focused on DNA Damage Response, cell cycle, and transcriptional regulators.

Our lead program, ACR-368 (also known as Prexasertib, in-licensed from Lilly), is a clinically-advanced, potent selective kinase inhibitor of the DNA Damage Response. Currently in phase 2 clinical development, ACR-368 has demonstrated deep, durable single agent anti-tumor clinical activity, including complete responses, in a proportion of patients and a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile across multiple high unmet need solid cancer types.

Acrivon is also leveraging its proprietary AP3 precision medicine platform for developing its internally developed pipeline programs, consisting of its clinical candidate ACR-2316, a selective, dual WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitor, and a preclinical cell cycle program with an undisclosed target.

Partnering with Acrivon

Impactful therapeutics matched to the right patients

Our AP3 platform is designed to be broadly applicable and suitable for strategic co-development partnerships around predictive OncoSignature tests for drug candidates with potential for accelerated approval, or for marketed drugs based on increased overall response rates. We continually assess in-licensing and partnering opportunities with like-minded visionary companies. 

Founded & led by accomplished drug developers

Our global team operates out of two leading life science clusters, Greater Boston and Medicon Valley in Southern Scandinavia. Our experienced Scientific and Management Team includes leading pioneers in phosphoproteomics, and executives with extensive experience in precision oncology therapeutic and protein-based companion diagnostic development.

Peter Blume-Jensen

M.D., Ph.D. CEO, President, FounderChairperson
  • Three decades precision oncology R&D and in-licensing leadership experience
  • Expertise in oncogenic kinase signaling, phosphoproteomics, and clinical drug and biomarker development
  • Executive Serono, Merck & Co., Daiichi Sankyo; CSO Metamark Genetics
  • First marketed prostate test ProMark® (NCCN Guidelines)
  • Inventor AP3 platform and OncoSignature patient selection method

Erick Gamelin

M.D., Ph.D. Chief Development Officer
  • 30 years academic (Professor Medical Oncology) & industry leadership
  • Previously CMO STEP Pharma
  • Senior clinical roles Amgen, Pfizer, Dynavax, and Macrogenics
  • Formerly CEO, The West Oncology Institute, a national university cancer center and hospital
  • Led >150 phase 1-3 oncology trials
  • Awarded “Chevalier in the National Order of Merit” by the French Minister of Health

Kristina Masson

Ph.D., M.B.A. Co-Founder, EVP, Business Operations, Site Head, Director
  • Expertise in cancer biology, predictive biomarkers, novel therapeutics development
  • Founder, President, and CEO of OncoSignature (acquired by Acrivon)
  • Establishment and leadership of Acrivon’s phosphoproteomic hub and early drug programs based on company’s proprietary AP3 platform
  • Previously cross-functional team lead at Merrimack Pharmaceuticals
  • Post-Doc MIT/Broad
  • OncoSignature trademark protection and brand identity

Jesper Olsen

Ph.D. Professor, University of Copenhagen; Academic Co-Founder, Head of Phosphoproteomics
  • Professor quantitative proteomics, University of Copenhagen
  • Vice Director, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research
  • Pioneer in mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics for analyses of cell-signaling networks at systems-wide scale
  • Comprehensive kinase drug profilings with clinical actionability
  • Amongst most cited phosphoproteomics experts; top 0.1% in protein sciences

Rasmus Holm-Jorgensen

Chief Financial Officer
  • Over 25 years of experience building companies and driving strategy
  • Part of founding team of Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals and led company through IPO and product launch
  • Expanded portfolio of Synageva BioPharma as Group VP and General Manager, culminating in the company’s sale for $9 billion
  • 12 years at Novo Nordisk in the U.S., Europe and LATAM with responsibilities for economy and planning, portfolio analysis, investor relations and finance
  • M.S. in Economics from Copenhagen University; executive training at INSEAD, Stanford and Harvard

Eric Devroe

Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer
  • Expertise in launching, building, operationally leading, and executing in life sciences companies
  • Founder and CEO, Xione Therapeutics and Opsonix
  • Previously Exec. Dir., Strategic Alliances, MD Anderson Cancer Center; VP, BD, Metamark Genetics
  • EIR, Wyss Institute at Harvard
  • Venture Associate, Flagship Pioneering

Michail Shipitsin

Ph.D. Biomarker Development
  • Over 15 years expertise in translational and clinical biomarker research and development
  • Pioneer of automated, digital multiplex imaging and clinical biomarker tests
  • Previously, Dir, Head, Biomarker Development, Metamark Genetics and XTuit Pharmaceuticals
  • Post-Doc DFCI
  • Scientific lead on first-of-a-kind marketed, automated quantitative prognostic prostate cancer test, ProMark®

Monica Phadnis

Clinical Operations
  • Clinical Operations & Strategic Leader of Clinical Programs in Oncology with 360 degrees view of the the industry, working with sponsors, academic sites and CROs
  • 17 plus years of oncology clinical development experience across 4 continents (NA, EU, Asia and AU)
  • Grew Precision Medicine TEPMETKO® Program globally advanced research liquid biopsies to obtain “Breakthrough Therapy Designation” by FDA for Tepotinib (c-met inhibitor) NSCLC program
  • Winner of multiple leadership awards for creating and executing innovative customized solutions for speedy, efficient trial life cycles to achieve global milestones on time

Bruce Close

Quality and Compliance
  • Expertise in the design, implementation and oversight of quality management systems and compliance operations
  • Over 20 years of experience in GxP quality roles at large biopharmaceutical companies including as Celgene/BMS, Schering Ag/Bayer, and Regeneron
  • Worked with more than 35 different regulatory health authorities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, Australia, and Japan

Joon Jung

Ph.D. Data Science
  • Expertise in computational and translational science
  • Track record of successful drug discovery and development computational support
  • Experience in applying data science to target identification and optimization, clinical biomarker and patient stratification strategies, and systems biology
  • Led data science, translational discovery and informatics at Theonys and Cyclerion Therapeutics/Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
  • Senior research scientist at Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Triad Therapeutics

John van Duzer

Ph.D. Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls
  • Accomplished senior pharmaceutical industry executive
  • Over 30 years of experience in medicinal chemistry research, chemical development programs, and GMP manufacturing to support IND filing and clinical trials
  • Inventor of Lumiracoxib, a marketed cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, as well as ricolinostat and citarinostat, which are HDAC6 inhibitors for treatment of multiple myeloma
  • Manufacturing and technical operations leadership roles at Collegium Pharmaceutical, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Mersana Therapeutics, and ActivBiotics Corporation, in addition to being a consultant to Celgene

Thomas P. Nifong

M.D. Clinical CDx Operations
  • Extensive experience leading clinical operations and as a Medical Director providing strategic and technical expertise
  • Responsibilities spanning corporate strategy, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance and biomarker development
  • Direct involvement in commercialization and business development activities
  • Member of the executive management team for companies such as Pacific Edge Diagnostics, Definiens (acquired by MedImmune/AstraZeneca), and Metamark Genetics

Sam Rua

CDx Regulatory
  • Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance executive with experience in global regulatory submissions and registration strategies
  • Successfully led investigational product candidates through regulatory processes and to the market in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia
  • Roles in regulatory and clinical affairs, quality systems and operations at HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Beckman Coulter, Third Wave Technologies, and Ventana Medical Systems

Rasmus Holm-Jorgensen

Chief Financial Officer
  • Over 25 years of experience building companies and driving strategy
  • Part of founding team of Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals and led company through IPO and product launch
  • Expanded portfolio of Synageva BioPharma as Group VP and General Manager, culminating in the company’s sale for $9 billion
  • 12 years at Novo Nordisk in the U.S., Europe and LATAM with responsibilities for economy and planning, portfolio analysis, investor relations and finance
  • M.S. in Economics from Copenhagen University; executive training at INSEAD, Stanford and Harvard

Mary-Alice Miller

J.D. Chief Legal Officer
  • Over 20 years of corporate legal experience
  • Previously, served as General Counsel of two companies that she helped take public
  • Prior entrepreneur, having started and scaled her own digital media company, which she sold in 2016
  • Named one of Boston Business Journal’s 2012 40 Under 40 and Mass High Tech’s 2013 Women to Watch
  • Received her J.D. from Boston College Law School and B.A. from Boston College

Praveen Marapaka

Ph.D. Global Regulatory Affairs
  • Over 25 years of proven drug development experience in the field of Oncology, Immunology, Respiratory, ID and other therapeutic areas with in-depth understanding of the nuances of global product development strategy resulting in global regulatory approvals as they apply to a high-growth pharma/biotech environment
  • Effectively led global teams managing all aspects of a product life cycle, from pre-clinical to post-approval
  • Hands on global regulatory leader with extensive experience in engaging Global Regulatory Authorities
  • Innovative regulatory strategist and created unique pathways resulting in successful approvals of multiple drugs, biologics and combination products
  • Held senior leadership roles at Merck KGaA, AstraZeneca, Schering-Plough and was accountable for driving regulatory strategies for company’s product portfolio
  • Published scientific research and regulatory work in leading scientific journals

David Proia

Ph.D. Biology and Drug Discovery
  • Expertise in oncology drug discovery and development
  • Program lead for several oncology modalities including small molecules, conjugates, degraders
  • Previously VP, ROME Therapeutics; Sr. Dir, C4 Therapeutics
  • 40+ peer reviewed publications

Katharine Peterson

C.P.A. Finance & Accounting
  • Extensive experience in public accounting and biotech companies across both finance and accounting roles
  • Expertise includes financial management and reporting, operational efficiencies, system rollouts, and strategic and operational planning to support high-growth life science companies
  • Previously held positions at Wave Life Sciences, Spero Therapeutics, and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals

Parvin Miah

Human Resources
  • Over 20 years of global HR experience
  • Success leading and implementing business and talent initiatives across small, mid-size and large companies
  • Certified coach
  • Volunteer and mentor in her local community and abroad.
  • Received her Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University

Adam D. Levy

Ph.D., M.B.A. Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs
  • Led Investor Relations at multiple biotech companies, including Zentalis Pharmaceuticals and Turning Point Therapeutics
  • Led Corporate Strategy at Gilead Sciences, directing the development of a new set of corporate ambitions and strategies
  • Served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, delivering the company’s first ever board-endorsed strategic plan
  • Led multiple teams at McKinsey and Company as Engagement Manager, focusing on helping large pharma companies develop and implement growth strategies

Rajshree Kandadai

Business Development
  • Over 20 years’ experience in business development/licensing, corporate strategy and alliance management roles
  • Senior Director Corporate Development & Strategy at Aurigene and responsible for delivering over $250M in realized revenues
  • Led the healthcare equity team at UBS ISC (now a Cognizant Company) and was an Equity Analyst both at UBS ISC and HSBC

Jean-Marie Cuillerot

M.D. Chief Medical Officer
  • Chief Medical Officer, Dragonfly
  • Chief Medical Officer, Agenus
  • Global head of clinical development in immuno-oncology and vice president of clinical immunotherapy and immuno-oncology at EMD Serono
  • Awarded Merck CEO award for leading clinical development of avelumab from pre-IND through global approvals in record time
  • Clinical development leadership roles at BMS and Novartis
  • Clinical research physician at Centre d’Immunolgie Pierre Fabre, France

Lingling Li

Ph.D. Biostatistics
  • Over 15 years experience in clinical development strategy, clinical study design, statistical methodology, analysis, regulatory matters, GCP compliance, SOPs, and inspection readiness
  • Oversaw statistical activities for 6 FDA submissions, 3 EMA submissions, FDA Advisory Committee Meeting, EMA Scientific Advice Group and Oral Explanation Meetings, numerous IND
    submissions, protocol and SAP development, study set-up and conduct
  • Leadership roles in Biometrics at ImmunoGen, Karyopharm, Sanofi, and previously an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School

Christina Scherer

Ph.D. Early Program Management
  • Over 20 years experience leading cross-functional drug discovery and development programs and alliance management
  • Program lead for multiple preclinical and clinical programs, including small molecule and biological therapeutics for infectious diseases, autoimmune
    disorders, and oncology indications
  • Collaborative and data-driven drug development professional with a strong publication and patent record

Virna Schuck

Ph.D. Clinical Pharmacology
  • Accomplished clinical pharmacologist with nearly 20 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Scientific and strategic leader in the fields of clinical pharmacology, DMPK, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
  • Experienced in early to late development across various disease areas, supporting clinical trials and designing and executing on clinical pharmacology studies
  • Contributor to the discovery of Zoliflodacin and the successful submissions of Tembexa® and Leqvio®
  • Held leadership roles at Ribon Therapeutics, Certara, Novartis, and AstraZeneca

Peter Blume-Jensen

M.D., Ph.D. CEO, President, FounderChairperson
  • Three decades precision oncology R&D and in-licensing leadership experience
  • Expertise in oncogenic kinase signaling, phosphoproteomics, and clinical drug and biomarker development
  • Executive Serono, Merck & Co., Daiichi Sankyo; CSO Metamark Genetics
  • First marketed prostate test ProMark® (NCCN Guidelines)
  • Inventor AP3 platform and OncoSignature patient selection method

Erick Gamelin

M.D., Ph.D. Chief Development Officer
  • 30 years academic (Professor Medical Oncology) & industry leadership
  • Previously CMO STEP Pharma
  • Senior clinical roles Amgen, Pfizer, Dynavax, and Macrogenics
  • Formerly CEO, The West Oncology Institute, a national university cancer center and hospital
  • Led >150 phase 1-3 oncology trials
  • Awarded “Chevalier in the National Order of Merit” by the French Minister of Health

Kristina Masson

Ph.D., M.B.A. Co-Founder, EVP, Business Operations, Site Head, Director
  • Expertise in cancer biology, predictive biomarkers, novel therapeutics development
  • Founder, President, and CEO of OncoSignature (acquired by Acrivon)
  • Establishment and leadership of Acrivon’s phosphoproteomic hub and early drug programs based on company’s proprietary AP3 platform
  • Previously cross-functional team lead at Merrimack Pharmaceuticals
  • Post-Doc MIT/Broad
  • OncoSignature trademark protection and brand identity

Jesper Olsen

Ph.D. Professor, University of Copenhagen; Academic Co-Founder, Head of Phosphoproteomics
  • Professor quantitative proteomics, University of Copenhagen
  • Vice Director, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research
  • Pioneer in mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics for analyses of cell-signaling networks at systems-wide scale
  • Comprehensive kinase drug profilings with clinical actionability
  • Amongst most cited phosphoproteomics experts; top 0.1% in protein sciences

Eric Devroe

Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer
  • Expertise in launching, building, operationally leading, and executing in life sciences companies
  • Founder and CEO, Xione Therapeutics and Opsonix
  • Previously Exec. Dir., Strategic Alliances, MD Anderson Cancer Center; VP, BD, Metamark Genetics
  • EIR, Wyss Institute at Harvard
  • Venture Associate, Flagship Pioneering

Michail Shipitsin

Ph.D. Biomarker Development
  • Over 15 years expertise in translational and clinical biomarker research and development
  • Pioneer of automated, digital multiplex imaging and clinical biomarker tests
  • Previously, Dir, Head, Biomarker Development, Metamark Genetics and XTuit Pharmaceuticals
  • Post-Doc DFCI
  • Scientific lead on first-of-a-kind marketed, automated quantitative prognostic prostate cancer test, ProMark®

Bruce Close

Quality and Compliance
  • Expertise in the design, implementation and oversight of quality management systems and compliance operations
  • Over 20 years of experience in GxP quality roles at large biopharmaceutical companies including as Celgene/BMS, Schering Ag/Bayer, and Regeneron
  • Worked with more than 35 different regulatory health authorities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, Australia, and Japan

Joon Jung

Ph.D. Data Science
  • Expertise in computational and translational science
  • Track record of successful drug discovery and development computational support
  • Experience in applying data science to target identification and optimization, clinical biomarker and patient stratification strategies, and systems biology
  • Led data science, translational discovery and informatics at Theonys and Cyclerion Therapeutics/Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
  • Senior research scientist at Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Triad Therapeutics

John van Duzer

Ph.D. Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls
  • Accomplished senior pharmaceutical industry executive
  • Over 30 years of experience in medicinal chemistry research, chemical development programs, and GMP manufacturing to support IND filing and clinical trials
  • Inventor of Lumiracoxib, a marketed cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, as well as ricolinostat and citarinostat, which are HDAC6 inhibitors for treatment of multiple myeloma
  • Manufacturing and technical operations leadership roles at Collegium Pharmaceutical, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Mersana Therapeutics, and ActivBiotics Corporation, in addition to being a consultant to Celgene

Thomas P. Nifong

M.D. Clinical CDx Operations
  • Extensive experience leading clinical operations and as a Medical Director providing strategic and technical expertise
  • Responsibilities spanning corporate strategy, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance and biomarker development
  • Direct involvement in commercialization and business development activities
  • Member of the executive management team for companies such as Pacific Edge Diagnostics, Definiens (acquired by MedImmune/AstraZeneca), and Metamark Genetics

Sam Rua

CDx Regulatory
  • Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance executive with experience in global regulatory submissions and registration strategies
  • Successfully led investigational product candidates through regulatory processes and to the market in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia
  • Roles in regulatory and clinical affairs, quality systems and operations at HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Beckman Coulter, Third Wave Technologies, and Ventana Medical Systems

Mary-Alice Miller

J.D. Chief Legal Officer
  • Over 20 years of corporate legal experience
  • Previously, served as General Counsel of two companies that she helped take public
  • Prior entrepreneur, having started and scaled her own digital media company, which she sold in 2016
  • Named one of Boston Business Journal’s 2012 40 Under 40 and Mass High Tech’s 2013 Women to Watch
  • Received her J.D. from Boston College Law School and B.A. from Boston College

Praveen Marapaka

Ph.D. Global Regulatory Affairs
  • Over 25 years of proven drug development experience in the field of Oncology, Immunology, Respiratory, ID and other therapeutic areas with in-depth understanding of the nuances of global product development strategy resulting in global regulatory approvals as they apply to a high-growth pharma/biotech environment
  • Effectively led global teams managing all aspects of a product life cycle, from pre-clinical to post-approval
  • Hands on global regulatory leader with extensive experience in engaging Global Regulatory Authorities
  • Innovative regulatory strategist and created unique pathways resulting in successful approvals of multiple drugs, biologics and combination products
  • Held senior leadership roles at Merck KGaA, AstraZeneca, Schering-Plough and was accountable for driving regulatory strategies for company’s product portfolio
  • Published scientific research and regulatory work in leading scientific journals

David Proia

Ph.D. Biology and Drug Discovery
  • Expertise in oncology drug discovery and development
  • Program lead for several oncology modalities including small molecules, conjugates, degraders
  • Previously VP, ROME Therapeutics; Sr. Dir, C4 Therapeutics
  • 40+ peer reviewed publications

Katharine Peterson

C.P.A. Finance & Accounting
  • Extensive experience in public accounting and biotech companies across both finance and accounting roles
  • Expertise includes financial management and reporting, operational efficiencies, system rollouts, and strategic and operational planning to support high-growth life science companies
  • Previously held positions at Wave Life Sciences, Spero Therapeutics, and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals

Parvin Miah

Human Resources
  • Over 20 years of global HR experience
  • Success leading and implementing business and talent initiatives across small, mid-size and large companies
  • Certified coach
  • Volunteer and mentor in her local community and abroad.
  • Received her Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University

Adam D. Levy

Ph.D., M.B.A. Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs
  • Led Investor Relations at multiple biotech companies, including Zentalis Pharmaceuticals and Turning Point Therapeutics
  • Led Corporate Strategy at Gilead Sciences, directing the development of a new set of corporate ambitions and strategies
  • Served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, delivering the company’s first ever board-endorsed strategic plan.
  • Led multiple teams at McKinsey and Company as Engagement Manager, focusing on helping large pharma companies develop and implement growth strategies

Rajshree Kandadai

Business Development
  • Over 20 years’ experience in business development/licensing, corporate strategy and alliance management roles
  • Senior Director Corporate Development & Strategy at Aurigene and responsible for delivering over $250M in realized revenues
  • Led the healthcare equity team at UBS ISC (now a Cognizant Company) and was an Equity Analyst both at UBS ISC and HSBC

Jean-Marie Cuillerot

M.D. Chief Medical Officer
  • Chief Medical Officer, Dragonfly
  • Chief Medical Officer, Agenus
  • Global head of clinical development in immuno-oncology and vice president of clinical immunotherapy and immuno-oncology at EMD Serono
  • Awarded Merck CEO award for leading clinical development of avelumab from pre-IND through global approvals in record time
  • Clinical development leadership roles at BMS and Novartis
  • Clinical research physician at Centre d’Immunolgie Pierre Fabre, France

Lingling Li

Ph.D. Biostatistics
  • Over 15 years experience in clinical development strategy, clinical study design, statistical methodology, analysis, regulatory matters, GCP compliance, SOPs, and inspection readiness
  • Oversaw statistical activities for 6 FDA submissions, 3 EMA submissions, FDA Advisory Committee Meeting, EMA Scientific Advice Group and Oral Explanation Meetings, numerous IND
    submissions, protocol and SAP development, study set-up and conduct
  • Leadership roles in Biometrics at ImmunoGen, Karyopharm, Sanofi, and previously an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School

Christina Scherer

Ph.D. Early Program Management
  • Over 20 years experience leading cross-functional drug discovery and development programs and alliance management
  • Program lead for multiple preclinical and clinical programs, including small molecule and biological therapeutics for infectious diseases, autoimmune
    disorders, and oncology indications
  • Collaborative and data-driven drug development professional with a strong publication and patent record

Virna Schuck

Ph.D. Clinical Pharmacology
  • Accomplished clinical pharmacologist with nearly 20 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Scientific and strategic leader in the fields of clinical pharmacology, DMPK, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
  • Experienced in early to late development across various disease areas, supporting clinical trials and designing and executing on clinical pharmacology studies
  • Contributor to the discovery of Zoliflodacin and the successful submissions of Tembexa® and Leqvio®
  • Held leadership roles at Ribon Therapeutics, Certara, Novartis, and AstraZeneca