Dr. Karen Smith, MD, PhD, MBA, LLM

Director, Member of the Audit Committee

Dr. Karen Smith is a biotech and pharmaceutical executive, board director and clinical and scientific advisor. Her breadth of experience covers hundreds of clinical trials and over 20 regulatory approvals from multiple global drug and health authorities, including the US, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Japan, leading to product launches across diverse therapeutic areas including oncology, rare disease, cardiology, dermatology, neuroscience, and anti-infectives. 

In addition to the growth and creation of R&D pipelines, Dr. Smith’s successful record of business development includes acquisitions, divestitures, and partnership deals. 

Over the last 20 years, Dr. Smith has held various President, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer roles. She has built companies from the ground up and is a strong advocate for women in science and diversity in the Boardroom. 

Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles at Allergan, AstraZeneca, Jazz Pharma and Bristol Myers Squibb before transitioning to Executive roles in several Biotech and startup companies. 

Dr. Smith currently serves on the boards of Sangamo Therapeutics, Talaris Therapeutics, and Capstan Therapeutics. Previously, Dr. Smith served on the boards of Forward Pharma A/S, Sucampo, Acceleron Pharma, and Antares Pharma, all of which were successfully acquired.