Percheron Therapeutics CEO Dr James Garner talked with Proactive about his global career journey, the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry, and the company’s transition to oncology with its Phase II-ready drug, HMBD-002.
Garner, who has led the development and approval of more than 30 new medicines, shared insights from his early days as a hospital doctor to now heading a clinical-stage biotech working on cutting-edge cancer therapies.
Percheron was previously focused on rare diseases but pivoted to oncology following a clinical trial failure.
Garner explained this transformation was not pre-planned but driven by necessity. He said, "Many drugs do fail... that’s just a reality in this industry. But it’s how you respond that defines your path forward." The company has since focused on developing HMBD-002, a novel immuno-oncology agent targeting the VISTA immune checkpoint.
Garner also discussed the challenges of leading in biotech, highlighting the need for trust, communication, and adaptability — especially in moments of clinical and strategic change. He reflected on his experiences across continents, and how a strong team culture plays a pivotal role in navigating high-stakes R&D environments.
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