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Dr. Mary Tagliaferri, a breast cancer survivor, mother, and amazing business leader, heads Nektar Therapeutics, a global biopharmaceutical company, in pursuit of clinical excellence. She boasts over two decades of professional expertise in pharmaceutical medication development, including substantial regulatory skills in the fields of oncology and women’s health.
In the key position of Chief Medical Officer at Nektar, Dr. Tagliaferri directs clinical strategy, clinical operations, biometrics, pharmacovigilance and oversees the company’s medical affairs, significant clinical investigator contacts, medical writing and publication tasks. She has provided strategic development leadership for the company’s immuno-oncology and immunology portfolio since joining Nektar in January 2015.
Nektar Therapeutics: At a Glance
Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical firm with a strong, entirely owned R&D pipeline of experimental drugs in oncology and immunology, as well as a portfolio of authorized partnering medicines.
They plan to start a global Phase 2b clinical trial this year for people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AtD) whose condition cannot be effectively controlled by topical anti-inflammatory drugs. AtD can have a substantial negative influence on patients’ and their families’ quality of life because it is a chronic skin condition. Due to the obvious eczematous patches on their skin, patients may experience social shame. Additionally, the severe itching and constant scratching can severely disrupt sleep. With ongoing symptoms and numerous restless nights, AtD can negatively affect emotional health and result in depression.
Rezpegaldesleukin (Rezpeg), a novel chemical from Nektar, is the company’s main immunology medication that is currently undergoing clinical testing. It targets the underlying immunological dysregulation by restoring T regulatory cells in both quantity and function to tame the excessive effector T cell response. We think this therapy has the potential to improve the lives of patients since it has a completely different mechanism of action from the atopic dermatitis medications that are now approved.
Rezpeg in AtD recently exhibited early efficacy results that showed greater efficacy than presently approved biological medicines and provided a long-lasting impact for up to 9 months without treatment. Because of these encouraging new data showing remarkable efficacy, safety, and persistence, the company is enthusiastic to move Rezpeg into a Phase 2b trial in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Dr. Tagliaferri highlights both her work in immunology and the significant clinical advancements in oncology. The primary objective for enhancing the effectiveness of cellular treatments has been to improve the function or fitness of CAR T cells. We think their treatment, NKTR-255, could have a wide range of applications to boost cellular therapies, including CAR T cells, TILs, engineered T cell receptor therapies, and NK cell products.
Dr.Tagliaferri’s Roller-coaster Ride
“Much of my inspiration and commitment to finding new and improved therapies for patients is fueled by my own journey with cancer”, said Mary Tagliaferri.
Dr. Tagliaferri’s story truly began when, at the young age of 30, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She faced major precancerous breast disease in her 40s, which necessitated a bilateral mastectomy. In her 50s, Dr. Tagliaferri was diagnosed with a new type of cancer. She and numerous other patients were forced to come around to new clinical procedures during the COVID pandemic, which made obtaining care more challenging and impersonal.
Having endured long periods of treatment, side effects, and recovery, the heroic physician was reminded over and over of the importance of discovering new cancer medicines, especially ones with low toxicities, so patients can have the highest chances of a cure and the fewest life-disrupting side effects.
Throughout her three decades of experience in drug development, the magnificent woman led clinical research in a broad range of fields, including oncology, immunology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and women’s health.
Prior to Nektar, she co-founded Bionovo, a biotech business specializing in the research and development of cancer and women’s health medicines. She also co-founded the Mt. Zion Carol Franc Buck Breast Cancer Translational Research Program in Botanical Medicine and the first traditional Chinese medicine clinic at the cancer center early in her career at the University of California, San Francisco.
What Makes Dr. Mary Tagliaferri a Healthcare Pioneer?—The Key Elements
Curiosity, being a quick learner, being extremely flexible to the shifting biopharmaceutical landscape, and attention to the company’s goals and purpose are just a few of the qualities that have benefited Dr. Tagliaferri’s career advancement. She also places a high priority on ethical behavior, success being acknowledged, receiving constructive criticism, and rolling up her sleeves to get the job done. These principles help put the visionary approach into practice.
The Significance of Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Tagliaferri works hard to create an inclusive and equitable atmosphere. As the mother of two black children, she has had a personal and distinct perspective on racial discrimination. She has frequently witnessed inaccurate assumptions being made about her children based on the color of their skin. The entire Nektar team upholds a zero-tolerance policy with regard to prejudice, and Dr. Tagliaferri highlighted that the workplace fosters a culture of respect for one another.
Achievements to be Proud of
Dr. Mary Tagliaferri has tremendous professional success with numerous memorable accomplishments. She garnered two honors from the San Francisco Business Times in 2019, including Women Who Lead in Life Sciences and The Most Influential Women in Business. She received the Woman of the Year award from the State of California’s Assembly District 14 in 2012 for her dedication to women’s health, particularly breast cancer awareness, and for her mentoring of young women in the biotech industry.
Dr. Tagliaferri’s Take on the Gender Pay Gap
I strongly believe in leading by example and providing a roadmap to success. Regarding pay, I serve on the compensation committees for two publicly-traded companies, RayzeBio and Enzo Biochem, and there are simple and equitable approaches to evaluating fair compensation that address salary, equity allocation, and benefits by using a third-party consultant specializing in compensation to create an objective process for establishing equitable compensation regardless of gender. Leveraging objective data to support pay equality is my strong advice for bringing about meaningful change.
Planning for a Brighter Future Ahead
It would be incredibly satisfying to see Rezpeg approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other autoimmune indications. A significant life achievement would be NKTR-255, a new polymer-conjugated human IL-15, being approved, which would demonstrate the efficacy of a cytokine for the treatment of cancer.
Serving on the Board of Directors for two companies, including as Chairperson for one, Dr. Tagliaferri is looking forward to new opportunities to serve as a Board member for emerging companies in the next few years.
On a personal level, she wishes to continue to be very physically active. As someone who has reaped numerous personal benefits from years of meditation and community building with a network of like-minded people, she relishes the idea of teaching meditation classes.
Parting Words by Dr. Mary Tagliaferri
Keep a good balance of work, rest, and play; keep strong connections to your community of family and friends; and don’t forget that laughter is some of the best medicine.
