Frazier Life Sciences Names Gerald Nepom as Senior Advisor
Frazier Life Sciences (FLS), a premier investment firm dedicated to advancing groundbreaking therapeutics, has appointed Gerald (Jerry) Nepom, M.D., Ph.D., as Senior Advisor. This strategic addition brings an esteemed expert in immunology to FLS, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to fostering innovation in the life sciences sector.
With more than four decades of experience in biomedical research, Dr. Nepom is recognized for his pioneering work in clinical and translational immunology. His expertise extends across autoimmune diseases, allergy, and transplantation, making him an invaluable asset to the firm. He is best known for founding the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), the first U.S.-based translational immunology institute, where he served as Director from 1985 to 2015. Under his leadership, BRI emerged as a global leader in immunological research, with groundbreaking contributions to understanding T-cell function and immune regulation in diseases such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to his tenure at BRI, Dr. Nepom served as the Director of the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN) from 2010 to 2023. The ITN, a consortium sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was at the forefront of clinical trials dedicated to immunomodulatory therapies. His leadership facilitated the advancement of numerous immunological treatments, propelling research from discovery to clinical application.
“Jerry has played a pivotal role in translating immunological insights into clinical applications, and his broad experience in both academia and industry will be beneficial to our team,” said Jamie Topper, Managing Partner at FLS. “His ability to bridge scientific discovery with biotech innovation strongly aligns with our commitment to advancing potentially transformative therapies through new and innovative companies.”
Beyond his leadership roles, Dr. Nepom has actively contributed to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, advising numerous companies from early-stage startups to global pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping strategic research initiatives, refining clinical development programs, and accelerating novel therapies to market. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in national research policy, having chaired the NIH’s first strategic planning committee for autoimmune diseases. His work has helped shape federal funding priorities and paved the way for groundbreaking studies in immunotherapy.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Nepom shared his enthusiasm for joining FLS. “I have been impressed by the depth of experience and thoughtful approach at Frazier Life Sciences in working to make a meaningful impact in biotechnology,” he stated. “I look forward to contributing my experience in immunology and clinical development to support their mission.”
Dr. Nepom’s scientific contributions extend beyond leadership and advisory roles. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with over 200 clinical programs benefiting from his expertise. His research has led to major advancements in understanding immune tolerance, helping shape the development of next-generation therapies for chronic and debilitating immune disorders. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the University of Washington School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award and the David Rumbough Award for Scientific Excellence from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Dr. Nepom’s academic credentials further cement his stature in the field. He obtained his A.B. from Harvard University, followed by both his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington School of Medicine. His dual expertise in medicine and research has uniquely positioned him to drive scientific breakthroughs with real-world clinical impact.
The appointment of Dr. Nepom as Senior Advisor underscores FLS’s commitment to leveraging scientific excellence to fuel biotech innovation. His deep understanding of immune-related diseases and extensive industry network will play a crucial role in identifying, supporting, and developing novel therapeutic approaches. As FLS continues to expand its portfolio of innovative companies and therapeutics, Dr. Nepom’s guidance will be instrumental in steering the firm’s investments toward groundbreaking solutions that address critical unmet medical needs.
With Dr. Nepom on board, FLS strengthens its position as a leader in life sciences investment, dedicated to advancing the next wave of transformative therapies. His appointment marks a significant step forward in the firm’s mission to support scientific discovery and bring life-changing treatments to patients worldwide.
