Occam Recruits CEO for Drug Discovery Platform Company
In late 2024, Occam recruited Mark Pykett, VMD, PhD, as CEO of Orogen Therapeutics - a Boston-based platform company applying ML algorithms to DNA Encoded Libraries (FocusDEL™) to supercharge small molecule discovery across a range of therapeutic areas. Orogen is backed by Anterra Capital and Novalis LifeSciences.
Mark is a serial entrepreneur and accomplished biotech CEO and board member. Most recently, he served as CEO of Myrtelle - a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting rare CNS disorders. Prior executive appointments include that of CEO of Agilis Therapeutics (which he exited to PTC Therapeutics), CSO of PTC Therapeutics, and CEO of Navidea Biopharmaceuticals.
Mark holds a BA in Biology from Amherst College, a dual VMD/ PhD in molecular biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Northeastern University. He completed postdoctoral training in cancer biology at Harvard University before entering industry.
About Orogen Therapeutics
Orogen Therapeutics is revolutionizing small-molecule drug discovery by integrating proprietary focused DNA-encoded libraries (FocusDEL™), virtual screening, and bespoke chemical adaptation, all powered by machine learning and guided by human insight. Their mission is to rapidly and effectively deliver groundbreaking clinical solutions to patients with serious unmet medical needs.
The company's proprietary platform pioneers a novel drug discovery approach, enabling the efficient derivation of novel drug candidates in less time and at lower cost. Orogen's team comprises creative veteran scientists with decades of drug development experience and a deep interest in all aspects of small molecule R&D, including data science, cutting-edge AI, DNA-encoded libraries, focused libraries, target evaluation, chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics.
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Occam Global is a leading executive search and advisory partner for entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations targeting exceptional goals across the life sciences, deep tech, and venture capital sectors worldwide. Since 2012, Occam has collaborated with top founders, CEOs, and investors across the tech industry to provide high-performing leaders who fuel growth. From stealth startups to public markets, we recruit senior executives, advise on organizational strategies, and invest alongside visionary teams to build innovative companies. Occam’s success is rooted in our proven ability to attract outstanding business and scientific leaders, seamless access to rare talent, and a strong commitment to results guided by high ethics and enlightened aggression. Whether you’re launching, leading, or investing, we are here to support growth through the power of talent.