Overview

Despite advances in the immuno-oncology field, 70-80% of patients do not respond or have a limited response to existing therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.

Portage Biotech aims to change this with a unique approach that drives the development of first-in-class immuno-oncology therapies for patients with cancer.

 

Our Mission: To identify and accelerate promising medicines that revolutionize treatment and quality of life for patients with cancer.

Using our diverse drug platforms and strong industry network to identify novel assets and asset combinations, we’ve created a model that incorporates the proven practices of our team’s previous successes to catalyze and revolutionize R&D.

 

Quality Science & Development Strategy

We know quality science and leverage our team’s deep knowledge to create a viable product development strategy that supports commercial potential and company growth. We execute the development process and create strategies to guide novel immuno-oncology assets and asset combinations from bench through human proof of concept.

 

Track Record of Success

Portage’s team of scientists, clinicians and pharma-experienced executives have a long history of success. The team has collectively contributed to five oncology drug approvals, created many high-value exits and knows the right experiments to pick the most promising clinical therapies and efficiently package them for commercialization or acquisition. Among our most notable projects is the early investment, formation and growth of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, leading the Company to the second-largest IPO in 2017 and later its successful commercialization leading to acquisition by Pfizer for approximately $12 billion in 2022.

 

De-Risking Clinical Development

We reduce the risks associated with early clinical development through more efficient capital management and scientific oversight. Each platform in our pipeline yields multiple products, and those products are discussed with potential big pharma partners and selected for clinical development if they are differentiated and have a compelling product profile. We continue to review hundreds of potential therapeutic candidates, utilizing a fail-fast approach to select only the most promising assets and asset combinations to advance.

Leadership

Ian B Walters, MD, MBA - Chief Executive Officer and Director

CEO, Chairman and Director

Dr. Ian Walters has over 20 years of leadership and expertise in oncology/immunology drug development and specializes in the evaluation, prioritization and innovation of new therapies for the treatment of severe diseases.

Robert Kramer, PhD - Chief Scientific Officer

Chief Scientific Officer

Robert has 24 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is the former Head of Oncology Discovery Research at both Bristol-Myers Squibb and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, part of the Johnson & Johnson group of companies.

Allan Shaw, CFO

Chief Financial Officer

Allan Shaw brings more than 20 years of public company financial, operational and strategic global business leadership.

Brian Wiley

Chief Business Officer

Brian Wiley has nearly 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with over 25 years dedicated to oncology.

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Chief Accounting Officer

As Chief Accounting Officer, Joseph Ciavarella directs all financial reporting activities at Portage.

Justin Fairchild

VP of Development

Justin Fairchild has nearly 20 years of oncology drug development experience. 

Board of Directors

Lead Director

Gregory Bailey is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Juvanescence …

Dr. Robert Glassman brings more than 25 years of healthcare banking, venture investing and advisory experience…

Director

Steven Mintz has been a self-employed financial consultant since January …

CEO, Chairman and Director

Dr. Ian Walters has over 20 years of leadership and expertise in …

Director

Jim is an author, entrepreneur and investor…

Linda has more than 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry…

Director

Mark has over 30 years of advising experience for biotech and pharma companies …