Giovanni Abbadessa

Dr. Giovanni Abbadessa is a seasoned oncology developer with over 20 years of experience in advancing innovative therapies across biotech, pharmaceutical, and nonprofit sectors. He joined ModeX Therapeutics as Chief Medical Officer, where he leads the development of the company’s multispecific biologics for cancer and infectious diseases.

Prior to ModeX, Dr. Abbadessa was Vice President and Head of Oncology Early Development at Sanofi, where he spearheaded the clinical development of 16 experimental oncology drugs, guiding them from first-in-human studies through to Phase 2 trials. He established a dynamic team of 25 professionals and played a pivotal role in in-licensing 10 clinical assets. Dr. Abbadessa contributed to strategic oversight across multiple portfolios, including Phase 3 assets and partnerships, and collaborated with Investor Relations on oncology-focused initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Abbadessa led preclinical and clinical development programs at ArQule, where he was instrumental in advancing a BTK inhibitor into clinical trials, ultimately leading to the company’s acquisition by Merck. His deep technical expertise and hands-on leadership have driven significant clinical advancements, particularly in the fields of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

Dr. Abbadessa is actively engaged in the broader scientific community. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of BIOND Biologics and HiFi Bio and is a member of the European Society for Medical Oncology’s (ESMO) Targeted Anticancer Therapies committee. He has advised governmental bodies on accelerating clinical research and healthcare improvements and participated in key FDA-ASCO discussions shaping regulatory guidance for combination therapies.

Dr. Abbadessa completed his clinical fellowship in oncology in Milan, Italy, and his genetic oncology training at the University of Siena and Temple-Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. He has authored nearly 60 peer-reviewed articles, presented extensively at major conferences, and contributed to over 100 poster presentations.