Synedgen Appoints Dr. Laura Saward as CEO and Dr. Kenton Gregory as CMO Amid Strategic Growth
Synedgen, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering treatments based on human glycobiology, has announced significant leadership changes as the company accelerates its clinical and strategic initiatives. The company has promoted Dr. Laura Saward, Ph.D., to President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Saward, who joined Synedgen in 2024 as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), will retain her CSO responsibilities while stepping into her expanded leadership role.
This transition marks a pivotal moment for Synedgen as it advances its innovative platform targeting diseases rooted in glycoscience, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal system. Dr. Saward’s promotion comes as the company enters a critical phase of growth driven by its $119 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The contract supports the development of MIIST305, Synedgen’s lead compound for the treatment of gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS), a condition with limited therapeutic options.
“We are delighted that Laura has agreed to lead Synedgen through the next stage of our company’s growth and the execution of our BARDA contract,” said Dr. Kenton Gregory, Chairman of Synedgen’s Board of Directors. “Her deep experience in managing government contracts, navigating regulatory pathways, and driving product development to FDA approval makes her an ideal leader. We are confident in her ability to deliver results and expand Synedgen’s impact across both biodefense and commercial healthcare sectors.”
Dr. Saward brings over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry, having held leadership roles that span drug development, regulatory affairs, and business strategy. Prior to joining Synedgen, she served as Executive Vice President of Health and Medical at Adva Diagnostics Inc., where she played a key role in shaping corporate strategy, forging partnerships, and guiding the company through early growth phases. Her career also includes executive roles at Emergent BioSolutions, where she led the Therapeutics Business Unit, and at Cangene Corporation, where she served as Chief Scientific Officer and was instrumental in obtaining licensure for multiple therapeutics targeting infectious diseases and biothreats.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Saward said, “I am honored to lead Synedgen at this exciting juncture. Our technologies have broad potential in both biodefense and commercial settings, as reflected in our partnerships with BARDA and the Department of Defense. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to fulfill our mission and deliver on the promise of our pipeline.”
Dr. Saward’s appointment as CEO is accompanied by another key leadership move: Dr. Kenton Gregory, a renowned biomedical innovator and Synedgen’s current Chairman, will now also serve as the company’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Gregory is a Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), and brings over three decades of experience in translating cutting-edge medical technologies into lifesaving interventions.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gregory has conceived and developed numerous medical technologies across a broad range of domains including hemorrhage control, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) countermeasures, regenerative medicine, laser diagnostics, and AI-based imaging. He holds more than 50 patents and has co-founded seven companies to commercialize his research. Dr. Gregory has also served as a principal investigator on a BARDA-funded CBRN program focused on extended field and mass casualty care, and has overseen the development and regulatory clearance of over a dozen FDA-approved medical products.
Commenting on his new role, Dr. Gregory stated, “It is a privilege to take on the role of CMO at Synedgen at this critical time. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Saward and the broader team to drive the development of MIIST305 and other pipeline candidates that leverage our glycobiology platform. We are in a strong position to address urgent unmet medical needs, and I am excited to contribute to the advancement of this mission.”
Together, Dr. Saward and Dr. Gregory represent a formidable leadership team poised to guide Synedgen through its next phase of growth. With an expanded executive team, validated scientific platform, and strategic partnerships with U.S. government agencies, Synedgen is well-positioned to become a leading force in both biodefense and commercial healthcare innovation.
These leadership changes reflect Synedgen’s commitment to building on its scientific strengths while executing on its vision to develop and deliver impactful medical solutions rooted in the unique field of glycobiology. As the company prepares for the next stages of its MIIST305 development and broader pipeline expansion, the new executive appointments are expected to catalyze Synedgen’s growth trajectory and further strengthen its position in the biotechnology landscape.
