Franklin Biolabs Appoints Vatsala Naageshwaran as CEO

• Franklin Biolabs has named Vatsala Naageshwaran, PhD, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

• Dr. Naageshwaran brings over 20 years of experience in advancing therapies for rare and debilitating diseases.

Franklin Biolabs, a contract research organisation (CRO) focused on genetic medicines, has announced the appointment of Dr. Vatsala Naageshwaran as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Naageshwaran brings over two decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having held leadership roles in companies such as Pharmaron, Absorption Systems, Myriad Genetics, and Astex Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. James Wilson, the Chairperson of Franklin Biolabs, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Naageshwaran’s appointment. “We are incredibly excited to have Vatsala join our team,” he said, highlighting her unique combination of business and scientific expertise. “Vatsala is well equipped to lead Franklin Biolabs as it brings transformative therapies to more patients with rare and debilitating diseases.”

Dr. Naageshwaran’s career includes significant achievements, including her role as Chief Business Officer at Absorption Systems, where she oversaw global business strategy for services supporting cell and gene therapies. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Business Development at Pharmaron, focusing on US cell and gene therapy services.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join Franklin Biolabs,” said Dr. Naageshwaran. “I am confident that my experience will help advance the development of innovative therapeutics that will profoundly impact the lives of patients worldwide.”

Dr. Naageshwaran holds degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacometrics and has been recognised with several awards, including FDA grants for pharmaceutical research. Her leadership has contributed to Pharmaron’s recognition as a Top CRO from 2018 to 2021.