Sam Blackman

Mission-driven physician-scientist, pediatric hematologist-oncologist, and seasoned biotechnology executive, focused intensely on the pre-clinical and clinical development of new therapeutics for children with cancer.

I have had a 13+ year history in oncology clinical development, prior to founding Day One, and have held roles of increasing responsibility in various setting, ranging from large global pharmaceutical companies (Merck, GlaxoSmithKline) to small venture-backed startups (Mavupharma, Silverback). My career has enabled me to drive and oversee the development of novel cancer therapeutics in pediatric and adult oncology, across a range of mechanisms of activity, and has afforded me deep experience in small molecule targeted therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cells, and novel immunooncology agents.

My industry experience has also included the development and execution of proof-of-biology studies in oncology; the development, validation and implementation of transcriptional and imaging biomarker programs to support oncology drug development; and the evaluation and development of new biomarker platforms, using human experimental models, to facilitate early go/no-go decisions in oncology drug development. I have also authored and implemented multiple EMA Paediatric Investigation Plans (PIP) to support regulatory filings in the EU.

My clinical background is in pediatric hematology/oncology, with subspeciality training in pediatric neuro-oncology. My laboratory work was primarily in cell biology, in particular the identification of thromboxane A2 receptors in oligodendrocytes, and work to examine the role of Sonic hedgehog signaling in high-grade gliomas. In addition to my cancer drug development work, I am an avid writer and storyteller, having performed multiple times in solo storytelling shows, as well as on stage at The Moth, and have won two Moth GrandSLAM slams.