Richard A. Heyman, PhD, is a scientist and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in co-founding and building biotech and life science companies. Rich most recently served as Chairman of both Vividion Therapeutics, which was purchased in August 2021 by Bayer Pharma and Amunix Pharma, purchased by Sanofi in December 2021. He is the co-founder and Chairman of ORIC Pharmaceuticals, which is developing drugs to overcome resistance in cancer. Previously, Rich was the co-founder and CEO of Aragon and Seragon Pharmaceuticals, which focused on therapeutics targeting hormone dependent cancers; J&J purchased Aragon in 2013 and Genentech purchased Seragon one year later. He has been involved in the discovery and development of multiple therapeutic agents approved by the FDA, including the prostate cancer drug, Erleada. Rich is a Venture Partner for Arch Ventures and serves as Chairman of PMV Pharma and Rayze Bio, as well as serving on the BOD of Enliven Therapeutics and the ongoing Vividion/Bayer venture. In addition to his corporate experience, Rich is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Salk Institute, on the Board Foundation for the AACR, the BOD at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center and a founding member of both Life Science Cares, San Diego and Curebound. He has won numerous awards including Ernst and Young San Diego Regional Entrepreneur of the Year, Connect Hall of Fame Award, the UCSD Rell Sun Award and the Endocrine Society Outstanding Innovation Award. Earlier in his career he trained as an NIH postdoctoral fellow and staff scientist at the Salk Institute. Rich is the author or inventor on more than 125 publications and patents.
Richard A. Heyman, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor