“Lead with purpose, empower through science, and build what matters.”
Dr. Ivone Bruno is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience shaping the future of cell and gene therapy. With a career spanning biopharmaceutical innovation, translational research, cGMP manufacturing, and regulatory strategy, she has played a critical role in bringing transformative therapies from concept to clinic. Her expertise bridges science and strategy, fostering a collaborative environment where discovery meets execution.
Currently serving as Vice President of Preclinical Affairs at CytoImmune Therapeutics, Dr. Bruno leads initiatives across infrastructure development, analytical capabilities, and IND-enabling activities. She has spearheaded the creation of robust preclinical programs, driven grant submissions including SBIR and CIRM awards, and established strategic partnerships with academic institutions and biotech companies. Her leadership has ensured the rapid development and qualification of analytical methods that now underpin CytoImmune’s NK-cell-based immunotherapy platform.
Prior to CytoImmune, she held the position of Senior Director of CMC and Preclinical at Invectys, where she managed FDA pre-IND meetings and rewrote a major funding proposal that secured $14M from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas. She led the technology transfer of Invectys’ CAR-T program to MD Anderson Cancer Center in record time and oversaw the development and manufacturing of lentiviral vectors and antibody-based therapies.
At Lonza, one of the leading CDMOs in the cell and gene therapy space, Dr. Bruno served as Manager and Principal Scientist, managing over 10 active client programs while leading a team of scientists responsible for the development, optimization, and transfer of critical assays. She introduced novel analytical platforms, including ddPCR and Luminex technologies, that significantly enhanced product characterization, safety testing, and release capabilities.
Her leadership journey includes her impactful tenure at Houston Methodist Research Institute, where she directed the Cell Therapy and RNA Therapeutics Core. She developed cGMP-compliant manufacturing processes for mRNA and DNA-based therapies, generated over $10M in potential partnerships, and supported the IND for a Phase II ALS study with Regulatory T cells. She built and mentored cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Guzman Bruno served as a Senior Development Scientist at Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, where she helped optimize CAR-T cell manufacturing for Phase I/II clinical trials in the U.S. and Europe. She was instrumental in transferring Bellicum’s technology to a European manufacturing site, ensuring global compliance and process scalability.
At InGeneron, she served as Director of Regenerative Cell Research, developing stem cell-based therapeutic platforms for inflammatory and musculoskeletal disorders. Her work supported EMA filings and led to the development of medical devices for point-of-care cell therapy applications. She also collaborated closely with engineering teams to align biological innovation with device functionality.
Dr. Bruno’s academic foundation is equally distinguished. She holds a PhD in Human and Molecular Genetics from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as a Master’s in Biology/Microbiology from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico. She also holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Pharma and Biotech from MIT Sloan School of Management, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and forward-thinking leadership.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has fostered global collaborations across the U.S., France, Germany, and Spain. Her work has contributed to high-impact peer-reviewed publications and patents, and she has presented at numerous national and international conferences, demonstrating her role as both a thought leader and scientific communicator.
Beyond her scientific and operational achievements, Dr. Bruno is deeply committed to mentorship, community outreach, and empowering future generations of scientists. She believes in leading by example, building diverse teams, and aligning purpose with progress.
Character:
Dr. Bruno demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility, both in leading scientific teams and supporting underserved communities through education and outreach. Her collaborative approach creates a culture of empowerment and mutual respect.
Knowledge:
With a career grounded in cell biology, molecular genetics, immunology, and biomanufacturing, her technical depth spans mRNA, viral vectors, CAR-T, NK-cell therapies, and complex analytical development. Her knowledge is current and ever-expanding, as evidenced by her continued learning in AI and regulatory compliance.
Strategic:
She has a proven track record of translating science into scalable therapeutic platforms. Her strategic acumen is reflected in securing multimillion-dollar grants, forming key partnerships, and delivering IND-ready programs within tight timelines.
Communication:
A seasoned communicator, Dr. Bruno excels at translating complex science into actionable strategies across cross-functional teams, regulatory bodies, and executive stakeholders. Her communication style is transparent, inclusive, and visionary.
