Our Team

Mark Alfenito, PhD
President | CEO

Mark Alfenito's scientific training pairs with a strong transactional background to make him an excellent liaison between the scientific and strategic spheres. More than 20 years' experience in the biotech industry has equipped him with a deep understanding of the ins and outs of idea development, fundraising for new projects and collaborations, business structure, and intellectual property, as well as clinical, manufacturing and licensing processes as they relate to pharmaceuticals. His prior accomplishments include private and venture-backed financings, leading to two successful IPOs, as well as more than $600M of corporate deals and transactions. An active scientific thinker, Mark holds 13 issued patents.

Previous positions:

  • Founder and President, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals
  • Vice President, Corporate Development, Dyax Corp.
  • Founder and President, Target Quest (acquired by Dyax Corp. pre-IPO)
  • Assoc. Director for Corporate Development, Hyseq Pharmaceuticals

BS, Cornell University; MS & PhD, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Harvard University; postdoctoral fellowship, Stanford University

Georffrey-Yarranton

Geoffrey Yarranton, PhD
Manager | Science Advisor

Geoff Yarranton is an experienced molecular biologist/biochemist whose leadership experience in the biotech industry spans more than 35 years. His scientific acumen is matched by a robust understanding of operational and business logistics, with a focus on the domestic and international drug approval process, as evidenced by his close involvement in the development of FDA-approved biopharmaceutical products including Mylotarg, Bexxar and Cimzia.

Geoff has overseen two successful bio/pharma mergers and guided KaloBios Pharmaceuticals through its IPO. His practical knowledge of the entire pharmaceutics lifecycle, from drug discovery to R&D to patenting to manufacturing, makes him a resource of immense value to EnGen. Geoff holds 23 issued patents.

Previous positions:

  • Founder, CSO and CEO KaloBios Pharmaceuticals
  • Founder and CEO, Celscia Therapeutics
  • Senior VP for R&D, Coulter Pharmaceutical
  • Director of Ressearch, Celltech Therapeutics

BSc (Hons), University of Leicester (UK); PhD, National Institute for Medical Research (UK); postdoctoral fellowship, MIT

Mark Baer, PhD
Vice President | Research

A scientist’s scientist, Mark Baer is a formally trained cellular and molecular biologist who brings formidable analytical and communication skills to problem solving and reconciling clashing cultures. His knowledge of drug discovery and development best practices and procedures is informed by 20-plus years of practical experience in therapeutic antibody R&D and the manufacture of therapeutics for cancers, inflammatory diseases and microbial diseases. Mark’s résumé boasts more than 20 groundbreaking academic papers and 16 issued patents.

Previous positions:

  • Director of Research, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals
  • Research Consultant, Viro Dynamics
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, National Cancer Institute

BA, Cornell University; PhD, Biochemistry, UNC Chapel Hill

Adam Guttman, JD
Manager | Legal

Adam Guttman is an accomplished attorney specializing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, with invaluable expertise in industry-specific negotiation. He is adept at formulating structured agreements that protect and preserve the rights of all parties. Ethical, fair, and dedicated to building strong contractual relationships, he has logged more than 30 years of active practice as a corporate and securities attorney, representing diverse public and private clients in negotiating complex licensing and collaborative deals.

Previous positions:

  • Senior Counsel, Amgen
  • Senior Counsel, Abgenix
  • Outside Counsel, Hyperion Biotechnology
  • Outside Counsel, BioMarin Pharmaceutical

MMA, University of Texas, Finance; JD, University of Texas School of Law