Claremont, Calif.– Synedgen, a biotechnology company focused on targeting human glycobiology to treat a range of diseases, has announced a leadership shake-up with the promotion of Dr. Laura Saward to President and Chief Executive Officer. She will also continue in her role as Chief Scientific Officer. Additionally, Dr. Kenton Gregory has been appointed Chief Medical Officer, bringing decades of experience in biomedical innovation to the company’s expanding clinical programs.
Dr. Saward, who joined Synedgen in 2024, led the launch of the company’s gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) program and played a key role in securing a significant contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The agreement, valued at up to $119 million, supports the development of Synedgen’s investigational therapy MIIST305 as a medical countermeasure for GI-ARS.
“Laura’s deep expertise in drug development and experience navigating government partnerships make her the ideal leader for Synedgen’s next chapter,” said Dr. Gregory, Chairman of the Board. “Her proven ability to drive FDA approvals and execute on critical government-funded programs is exactly what we need to grow our company and pipeline.”
Dr. Saward brings over 25 years of biotechnology experience, including leadership roles at Emergent BioSolutions and Cangene Corporation, where she helped guide several products through FDA approval and commercialization. She also served as Executive Vice President of Health and Medical at Adva Diagnostics, where she led strategy and partnership initiatives.
“I’m honored to lead Synedgen at such a pivotal time,” Dr. Saward said. “Our proprietary technologies have tremendous potential for both commercial and biodefense applications. With the addition of Dr. Gregory to our leadership team, we are well-positioned to deliver on our commitments to BARDA, the Department of Defense, and our broader stakeholder community.”
Dr. Gregory, a professor at Oregon Health & Sciences University, brings over 30 years of experience in developing life-saving medical technologies. He has co-founded seven companies and holds more than 50 patents across diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. His background includes leading roles in multiple BARDA programs and contributing to over a dozen FDA-approved products.
The appointments mark a strategic move by Synedgen to strengthen its leadership team as it advances its pipeline and expands partnerships with U.S. government agencies.
