Rakesh Verma, Ph.D.
Operator in Residence, Innovation, Mass General Brigham
Dr. Rakesh Verma is a biotech innovator and translational scientist with over two decades of leadership in oncology, immunotherapy, and biologics development. He has led strategy and R&D for multiple novel therapeutics—including cytokines, engineered antibodies, and adoptive cell therapies—across all phases from discovery through first-in-human studies and beyond.
Dr. Verma’s scientific journey began with a deep focus on translational research and cell therapy for multiple myeloma—a disease area that continues to drive his passion and commitment. He is a multiple-time founder, having launched biotech companies focused on immuno-oncology and cell therapy. He has held senior leadership roles across the biotech and pharmaceutical landscape, including at ARMO BioSciences, where he played a key role as Site-Head, in advancing immunotherapy programs through to its $1.6B acquisition by Eli Lilly, where he continued as a Vice President driving cytokine-based drug development. He also serves as a scientific advisor to early-stage ventures through UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck accelerator, supporting innovation and company formation at the earliest stages.
His research has been published in top journals including Nature Medicine, The Lancet Oncology, Journal of Experimental Medicine, and Blood, covering oncology, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. He holds a PhD in Medical Oncology, with additional degrees in operations management, toxicology, life sciences, and computer science.