132. Targeting ferroptosis cell death for cancer and beyond, Luba Greenwood, CEO, Kojin Therapeutics

Synopsis: Luba Greenwood is the CEO of Kojin Therapeutics and Managing Partner of Dana Farber Cancer Institute Venture Fund. Kojin Therapeutics harnesses groundbreaking discoveries in cell state and ferroptosis biology to create novel therapies and cures for diseases traditionally considered intractable. The Dana Farber Cancer Institute Venture Fund accelerates the development of new research and technologies to treat incurable diseases, particularly in oncology and immunology. Luba discusses the early years of her career as a lawyer and how her legal experience relates to running a biotech company, her background in big pharma at Pfizer and Roche, and the work Kojin is doing in novel biology. She also dives into the qualities that she values in a board member, the importance of company culture, and her perspective on what good leadership looks like. Biography: Luba Greenwood is a leading figure in the biotech and digital health world with vast experience as an executive, investor, and company builder in the biotech, life sciences, diagnostics, and tech sectors. Luba is the Chief Executive Officer of Kojin Therapeutics, a world leader in ferroptosis, pioneering breakthrough medicines in oncology, immunology, neuro, metabolism, and inflammation. Most recently, Luba has served as the Managing Partner of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Venture Fund, Binney Street Capital, which she has built and launched. She has also taught at Harvard University at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Previously, Ms. Greenwood served in leadership roles at Google Life Sciences, Verily, and was a VP Global Business Development and Mergers & Acquisitions at Roche, where she also established and led the East Coast Innovation Hub. Ms. Greenwood has led $5B+ in deals and investments across multiple therapeutic areas and life sciences globally. She has also co-founded companies in the oncology, AI/ML, women’s health and microbiome space. Luba began her career as a lawyer, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. She is a recipient of several awards and honors for her work in the community, including the Science Club for Girls Catalyst Award for her commitment to advocating for women in science and technology.