An industry veteran with more than 35 years in oncology drug development and more than a decade in biomarker and drug diagnostic co-development, Dr. Steven D. Averbuch has contributed to multiple drug and companion diagnostic approvals in the U.S. and other major markets.
Dr. Averbuch recently retired from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) where he led integrated biomarker and pharmacodiagnostic activities across the company’s R&D portfolio. During his tenure, Dr. Averbuch spearheaded the Pharmacodiagnostics Center of Excellence, established in 2008, which led to the application of BMS’ precision medicine strategy across all therapeutic areas. Under his leadership, the Center integrated the co-development and co-commercialization of diagnostic tests as companions to BMS medicines. Previously, Dr. Averbuch oversaw corporate-wide strategic initiatives for translational and targeted medicine and served as the Head of Early Global Clinical Research, where he was responsible for early asset development strategy and execution of all Phase 2 oncology programs.
Prior to joining BMS, Dr. Averbuch served in leadership roles at Merck Research Laboratories, where he was the therapeutic area head for oncology clinical research, and at AstraZeneca, where he led oncology drug development. Prior to joining industry, Dr. Averbuch held academic appointments at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) School of Medicine in Bethesda, Md.
He received his M.D. and internal medicine training from the University of Illinois, Chicago and his medical oncology training at the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Averbuch has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and is a co-author on one patent. In addition to the Caris Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Averbuch is currently on the Personalized Medicine Coalition Board of Directors, the Steering Committee of the National Biomarker Development Alliance and the Advisory Board for the University of Kansas Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research having served on multiple committees for both organizations. Dr. Averbuch is the 2014 recipient of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Former Vice President and Head of Precision Medicine within the Translational Medicine Division of Research and Development at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Former Head of Early Global Clinical Research at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Former therapeutic area head for oncology clinical research at Merck Research Laboratories
Member of boards and committees for the Personalized Medicine Coalition, the National Biomarker Development Alliance and the University of Kansas Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation