Title: From Bench to Biotech: A Career Journey Focused on Patient Impact

Abstract: Philina Lee will share her journey from the early inspirations that drew her to science, to building a career in biotech in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and ultimately to becoming CEO of AdvanCell. Along the way, she will reflect on how career paths are rarely linear: progress often comes through unexpected opportunities, lateral moves, and broad experiences that create the foundation for future leadership. Her story highlights the role of adaptability, curiosity, and patient impact in shaping a meaningful career.

Bio: Philina is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with more than 20 years of experience and a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to successfully develop and commercialize innovative therapies in oncology.

Before joining AdvanCell, Dr. Lee served as Chief Commercial Officer at Blueprint Medicines (acquired by Sanofi). She was instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy and building its commercial infrastructure in oncology and mast cell disorders. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Algeta ASA, where she helped build the organization that successfully launched the first and only approved alpha therapy, Xofigo®, in collaboration with Bayer AG. She has also held leadership positions at Sanofi and Genzyme.

Dr. Lee also served on the Board of Directors of radiopharmaceutical company Fusion Pharmaceuticals, prior to its acquisition by AstraZeneca.

She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta and a PhD in Cell Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.