The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation announced Monday that Goutham Narla has been named chief scientific officer of WARF Therapeutics, a program dedicated to advancing discoveries from the University of Wisconsin–Madison toward new medicines.
Narla started his role on April 2.
“Goutham is an outstanding physician-scientist and entrepreneur whose career has focused on turning fundamental discoveries into new therapies,” Erik Iverson, CEO of WARF, said in a statement. “His experience leading cutting-edge research programs and building biotech companies makes him an ideal person to guide the next chapter of WARF Therapeutics. We’re excited for him to work closely with UW–Madison researchers and our team to help bring new treatments closer to patients.”
Narla has extensive experience in cancer biology and translational drug development, and founded Rappta Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing anti-cancer therapies.
WARF Therapeutics, launched in 2018, partners with UW–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research to advance early-stage discoveries into preclinical drug candidates.
“I am excited to be able to work with the world-class team of individuals at WARF in partnership with leading investigators at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to help move the next great discoveries forward towards clinical translation,” Narla said. “This is truly a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in patient care.”
He succeeds Jon Young who led WARF Therapeutics since its inception and retired on April 1.
