Dr. Mathai Mammen, a seasoned veteran in the biotech industry, understands the challenges of bringing new drugs to market. With a wealth of experience from his time at Johnson & Johnson and other major pharmaceutical companies, Mammen is now leading Parabilis Medicines on a mission to target “undruggable” biological pathways.
Mammen’s career began with the co-founding of Theravance, where he played a key role in bringing five medications to market. He then went on to lead various disease areas at Merck & Co. and served as the head of R&D at Johnson & Johnson. Now, as CEO, president, and chairman of Parabilis, Mammen is focused on using AI-based prediction and a highly adaptable platform to tackle challenging pathways that have not been explored before.
Founded in 2015 as FogPharma, Parabilis changed its name last year and is currently advancing a lead candidate in phase 1/2 trials that targets the beta-catenin:TCF protein, a key player in various types of cancer. The company also has promising early-stage programs targeting drivers of prostate cancer.
Mammen believes that addressing targets once considered beyond medicine’s capabilities is crucial for meeting unmet medical needs and establishing a company as a pioneer in the industry. By developing medicines in a unique and effective way, companies can differentiate themselves and create a lasting impact.
In a recent interview, Mammen shared his thoughts on the current state of the biopharma industry. He noted that while there is plenty of funding available for good ideas, the industry is experiencing a contraction due to a proliferation of companies and generalist money. Mammen emphasized the importance of having confidence in the translational potential of one’s biology and the need for a differentiated and durable medicine to stand out in a competitive market.
At Parabilis, Mammen is challenging boundaries and crushing dogma by targeting previously “undruggable” proteins using special peptides called “Helicons.” By addressing these challenging biological targets, Parabilis is creating a durable advantage in a crowded landscape of innovation.
Overall, Mammen sees the business appeal of targeting “undruggable” pathways as a way to differentiate a company and establish a wide moat in the industry. By uniquely drugging these challenging interfaces, companies like Parabilis can secure a lasting advantage and make a significant impact in the field of biopharma.
