Laura Shawver, PhD

Laura Shawver, PhD, is a successful biotech executive with more than 25 years of experience in the development of drugs for cancer and other serious diseases. Prior to Silverback, Laura was president and CEO of Synthorx, Inc ($THOR), a company developing engineered cytokines for cancer and autoimmune disorders, from 2017 through its acquisition by Sanofi in 2020 for $2.5B. Previously, she was CEO of Cleave Biosciences since 2011 and Entrepreneur in Residence for 5AM Ventures from 2010 – 2011. From 2002 – 2010, Laura was the CEO and Director of Phenomix Corporation and President of SUGEN, Inc. from 2000 – 2002 after holding various positions since 1992. She is the founder of the non-profit organization, The Clearity Foundation, which helps women with ovarian cancer improve their treatment options. Laura currently serves on the board of Relay, Nkarta, and Cleave Therapeutics. She received her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Iowa.