Two of the most influential minds in immuno-oncology walk into a biotech… and build something that could change everything.

Dr. Rachel Humphrey (CEO) and Dr. Melinda Merchant (CMO) of Normunity are two of the most seasoned and respected leaders in oncology drug development, with a combined 45+ years of experience across big pharma, biotech, and translational science. Rachel led the development of Yervoy® (ipilimumab) at BMS, Imfinzi® (durvalumab) at AstraZeneca, and Nexavar® (sorafenib) at Bayer, before holding CMO roles at Black Diamond, Mirati, and CytomX. Melinda, an immunologist and dual board-certified pediatric oncologist, spent a decade leading clinical studies at NIH and Memorial Sloan Kettering, running early trials of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and novel cell therapies before moving to industry and leading clinical development efforts of multiple investigational new drugs. Together, they now lead Normunity, where they’re pioneering a bold new therapeutic category: immune normalizers - designed to unlock immune resistance and open up new frontiers in cancer treatment.In this episode, we cover:

- How Normunity is redefining immuno-oncology with its first-in-class T-cell engager

- What it takes to build scientific teams that challenge each other - and still move fast

- Lessons from launching Yervoy, Imfinzi, Tazverik, and other breakthrough therapies

- Why biotech culture needs both humility and ego to succeed

- What’s next as Normunity prepares to enter the clinic with NRM-823

If you're a life sciences leader, founder, or investor - this conversation is essential listening. Tap in to hear what it really takes to build, lead, and scale science that matters.

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Rachel Humphrey

CEO at Normunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-w-humphrey-md-116b211b/

Melinda Merchant

CMO at Normunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-merchant-7b496a/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

16:58 Traits of a Drug Developer

19:53 Leadership in Biotech

27:28 Story Behind Normunity

30:23 Normunity Culture

32:28 Mindsets in Translational Science

36:33 Personal Life

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology

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