Blake Aftab
Chief Executive Officer Adicet Bio
Dr. Aftab joined Adicet Bio in April 2021 with nearly 20 years of experience across academia, biotech and pharmaceutical industries, developing small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates and cell therapies through all stages of drug development. Previously, at Atara Biotherapeutics, he served as Vice President and Head of Preclinical Science and Translational Medicine, contributing to the company’s transition to cell therapy and leading Allo-CAR T cell capabilities. At UCSF, he led drug discovery and clinical translation programs in multiple myeloma. Dr. Aftab holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a BSc from UC Santa Barbara.
Seminars
Tuesday 9th February 2027
Industry Leader’s Fireside Chat: Aligning the Future of In Vivo & Ex Vivo Cell Therapies for Greater Clinical & Commercial Impact
8:45 am
- Reviewing how emerging clinical data is shaping market perspectives on in vivo cell therapies to guide smart pipeline decisions
- Examining the resurgence of next-generation in vivo CAR-Ts and ex vivo explorations for solid tumours and autoimmune disease to identify where each modality can unlock the greatest opportunity
- Aligning scientific, manufacturing, regulatory and commercial perspectives on the future direction of the field to accelerate clinical impact
Tuesday 9th February 2027
Panel Discussion: Why China, Why Now? Evaluating the Opportunities, Risks & Realities of Operating in China
12:00 pm
- Assessing the advantages and trade-offs of Chinese development and manufacturing, to determine the optimal balance between speed, cost, quality, effort, and long-term clinical strategy
- Navigating IIT pathways and regulatory requirements to support future clinical and regulatory success in Asia, the US and Europe
- Examining the investment and commercial implications of conducting trials and manufacturing in China, to accelerate asset interest and global market opportunities
