Pfizer alumnus Geno Germano heads up nanoparticle startup Elucida

When Geno Germano left Pfizer in 2016, he headed to the synthetic biology firm Intrexon, but left relatively quickly as a restructuring changed the startup’s focus. Now, the pharma veteran has taken the helm at Elucida Oncology, which is developing a nanoparticle platform for diagnosing and treating cancer. 

The Cornell spinout is working on technology that could enable surgeons to see cancer in real time while working to remove a tumor and tumor-bearing lymph nodes. It’s also developing nanoparticle-drug conjugates designed to target and penetrate cancer cells, and to release their drug payload when they are exposed to enzymes found inside targeted cancer cells. And, the company says, testing shows the vast majority of these particles could exit the body safely through the renal system. 

Germano bid adieu to Intrexon in March last year, just 10 months after he had joined as president and CEO-in-waiting. When he signed on, the company was pushing synthetic biology programs across five business sectors: food, energy, environment, consumer markets and, of course, health. But the reorganization had the company spin out its human health projects into a separate company called Precigen and focus on the other sectors.

"I have come to realize that my preference is to work within the industry where I spent most of my life," Germano said at the time. "I therefore am leaving the company to continue my career in the pharma/biopharma industry." 

Before his stint at Intrexon, Germano headed the innovative pharma business at Pfizer. He found himself getting pushed out in early 2016, thanks to a corporate shakeup in preparation for Pfizer’s (abandoned) merger with Allergan.

He has also served in other roles at Pfizer, including as president of specialty care and oncology and head of specialty businesses. He found his way to Pfizer through the Big Pharma’s 2009 acquisition of Wyeth, where he had been president of the company’s U.S. division. 

At Elucida, Germano joins fellow Wyeth alumus Robert Essner, who was chairman and CEO before Pfizer’s takeover. 

"Geno’s considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry makes him an invaluable addition to the Elucida team. The background and stature he brings to this pivotal role will, without question, help our company fulfill its goal of becoming a leader in the world of precision medicine oncology," said Essner, Elucida’s executive chairman, as reported by Endpoints News. 

"My career is predicated on a commitment to meaningful change and Elucida affords the opportunity to explore the world of precision oncology and, perhaps, push the boundaries of its diagnostic and therapeutic applications. I am excited to join this dynamic team," Gernano said, according to Endpoints. 

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