Shanghai, China, October 9, 2026
Everest Medicines has strengthened its global research and development capabilities by appointing two experienced scientists in messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine development. The biopharmaceutical company announced the appointments of Dr. Lakshmi Srinivasan, PhD, as Senior Vice President and Head of Translational Medicine, and Dr. Brandon Coder, PhD, as Vice President of Translational Sciences & Discovery. Both executives bring extensive experience in oncology research, cancer vaccines and the translation of innovative therapeutic approaches from early discovery into clinical development. Their appointments are intended to support Everest Medicines’ proprietary mRNA platform, advance its oncology pipeline and expand its research presence in the United States. The company plans to coordinate its global development strategy with its China-based research team while progressing multiple investigational programs. The appointments represent a strategic investment in scientific leadership as Everest Medicines advances its mRNA cancer vaccine candidates toward further clinical evaluation.
Everest Medicines Strengthens Global Oncology Leadership
Dr. Lakshmi Srinivasan brings approximately 20 years of experience in immunology and the development of immuno-oncology therapeutics. She previously served as Executive Director and Head of Oncology Translational Medicine at Moderna Therapeutics from 2023 to 2025. Her experience includes personalized neoantigen cancer vaccines, mRNA-lipid nanoparticle technologies, T-cell therapies and translational medicine. She has also held leadership positions at Repertoire Immune Medicines, Neon Therapeutics and Sanofi Oncology. Her research contributions include work on personalized cancer vaccines and clinical studies investigating mRNA-based immunotherapies. Dr. Brandon Coder previously served as Research and Early Translational Lead for Cancer Vaccines at Moderna. At Everest Medicines, he will contribute to discovery research and translational sciences, supporting the progression of innovative candidates through the drug development process. Together, the executives are expected to strengthen the company’s ability to connect laboratory discoveries with clinical research strategies. Their combined expertise in cancer vaccine science and early clinical development is particularly relevant as the company seeks to develop its proprietary mRNA technology for potential global applications.
EVM16 and EVM14 Advance Cancer Vaccine Development
Everest Medicines is progressing multiple mRNA cancer vaccine programs, including EVM16, a personalized mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine, and EVM14, an off-the-shelf tumor-associated antigen (TAA) mRNA cancer vaccine. According to the company, EVM16 has completed its first-in-human Phase 1a data readout, with reported findings indicating a favorable safety and tolerability profile, robust immunogenicity and promising preliminary efficacy. Selected data were presented at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. The company plans to advance EVM16 into a Phase 1b investigator-initiated trial in the fourth quarter of 2026, with additional indication-expansion cohorts intended to explore its potential further. Everest Medicines also plans to submit a U.S. Investigational New Drug (IND) application for EVM16 in the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, EVM14 has received IND clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and IND approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration. Its Phase 1 monotherapy dose-escalation study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. These milestones will help guide subsequent development decisions, although the candidates remain investigational and require further evaluation to establish their safety and therapeutic benefit.
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Global R&D Strategy Includes Emerging Cell Therapies
Beyond its mRNA cancer vaccine portfolio, Everest Medicines is developing EVM18, an investigational in vivo CAR-T therapy being evaluated in an investigator-initiated trial for autoimmune diseases, with global IND filing activities underway. The company’s broader research strategy reflects an interest in emerging biological approaches that could address significant unmet medical needs across oncology and immunology. Strengthening its U.S. presence and translational research leadership may help the company coordinate clinical development, scientific collaborations and future regulatory interactions across markets. The appointments of Dr. Srinivasan and Dr. Coder are expected to support these priorities while the company works toward its stated development milestones for EVM16 and EVM14. Further clinical studies will be essential to determine the efficacy, safety and long-term potential of these investigational therapies. Everest Medicines’ progress will depend on clinical evidence, regulatory review and the successful execution of its development plans. The new leadership appointments therefore mark an organizational milestone in the company’s efforts to advance its mRNA platform and strengthen its position in innovative biopharmaceutical research.
Source: Everest Medicines press release
