About
We're focused on a single high-conviction asset, advanced through capital-efficient development — with the discipline to ask the right questions, and the speed to act on the answers.
Mission
Our work is anchored in two convictions: that mechanism specificity matters, and that small, focused teams move faster when guided by data.
Scientific philosophy
We start from a thorough understanding of plogosertib's chemistry, identify the populations most likely to benefit, and design trials that can deliver clean, interpretable readouts in modest patient numbers.
Our team
Experienced oncology operators across founding, executive, and clinical functions.
Dhaval Parikh
Founder & Chairman
Dhaval Parikh is the Founder and Chairman of Tethra Biosciences, leading strategic direction, capital formation, and platform-driven clinical-stage asset development. A serial, unconventional entrepreneur and healthcare investor with over 18 years of experience, he has built and scaled companies focused on value creation across the life sciences and health technology sectors.
Mark Kirschbaum, MD
Founding Chief Medical Officer
Leads Tethra's clinical development strategy and execution across the oncology pipeline. Previously Chief Medical Officer at Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals and contributor to oncology programs at ArQule (acquired by Merck). Board-certified oncologist with deep expertise in early-phase trial design and regulatory engagement.
Cristina Sanz, PhD
Head of Clinical Operations
Leads global clinical execution across Tethra's development programs. Over 20 years managing Phase I–IV trials in oncology, neurology, and immunology, with prior senior roles at Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Taiho Pharma Europe, and Biogen. Holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Khan Maola, PhD
Head of Regulatory Affairs
Leads global regulatory strategy across Tethra's oncology programs. Previously Head of Regulatory Affairs at ArQule (acquired by Merck), with contributions to the approvals of XPOVIO® and NEXPOVIO®. Holds a PhD in Chemical Biology from RIKEN, Japan, with prior research roles at the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School.
Bal Ram Chopra, CPA
Head of Finance and Operations
Leads financial strategy, capital planning, and operational infrastructure at Tethra. Previously Segment CFO for the U.S. business at Indivior Pharmaceuticals, with senior finance roles at Reckitt Benckiser spanning global strategy, R&D, and international operations. CPA, MBA from Temple University, and Chartered Accountant (CA).
Alychia Deming
Head of Clinical Data Management
Leads end-to-end clinical data management at Tethra. Over 15 years across Phase I–IV oncology, cardiovascular, and neurology studies, with prior leadership at Atlantic Research Group, United Therapeutics, I3 PharmaNet, and PPD. Certified Clinical Data Manager (SCDM); BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
