Dr. James N. Woody is a pioneering force in biotechnology, medical research, and pharmaceutical innovation, whose career spans more than three decades of groundbreaking scientific discovery, corporate leadership, and strategic board service. With a unique blend of medical expertise, military service, and entrepreneurial vision, Dr. Woody has dedicated his life to advancing life-saving treatments, shaping industry standards, and mentoring the next generation of scientific leaders. His journey reflects a rare combination of scientific rigor, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to improving global health outcomes.
James began his career as a pediatrician, following rigorous training at Loma Linda University, Duke University School of Medicine, and Harvard University’s Boston Children’s Hospital. His early work in pediatric immunology provided the scientific foundation for what would become an extraordinary path in immunotherapeutics and medical innovation. Drafted into the U.S. Navy after his residency, he was quickly recognized for his expertise in bone marrow transplantation and immunology, which led to his leadership of the Navy’s radiation injury program—a role that would have lasting global implications.
In this capacity, Dr. Woody assembled a team of clinicians and scientists to address the challenges of radiation exposure on naval vessels, ultimately discovering the HLA antigens necessary for successful allogeneic transplants. This breakthrough led to the founding of the National Marrow Donor Program, a transformative initiative that has facilitated over 140,000 life-saving transplants worldwide. His military career continued to flourish as he was tasked with overseeing the Navy’s BL4 infectious disease facility in Cairo, monitoring and containing high-threat pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Ebola, and Rift Valley Fever. During the Gulf War, as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Medical Research and Development Command, he directed global biowarfare detection and infectious disease surveillance efforts, earning the Marine Corps/US Navy Legion of Merit for his service.
Transitioning to the private sector, Dr. Woody became Chief Scientific Officer at Centocor, where he led the development of infliximab (Remicade), the first anti-TNF inhibitor. This pioneering biologic not only revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis, but also created a $40 billion therapeutic industry that continues to benefit millions of patients. His leadership at Centocor was marked by a dedication to both scientific excellence and practical application, ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries reached patients efficiently and effectively.
Following his success at Centocor, Dr. Woody served as President and General Manager of Roche Bioscience (formerly Syntex), where he guided a broad range of bioscience research initiatives, from genetics and genomics to clinical development. He championed the advancement of CellCept (mycophenolic acid), now a standard treatment in transplantation medicine. His ability to integrate cutting-edge science with strategic corporate vision cemented his reputation as a leader who could bridge the worlds of research and commerce.
In the realm of entrepreneurship and venture capital, Dr. Woody has demonstrated a consistent ability to identify, fund, and scale promising biotechnology ventures. As a General Partner at Latterell Venture Partners for 15 years, he organized and supported diagnostic instrument companies such as ForteBio and Protein Simple—both successfully acquired by industry leaders. He founded and led multiple biotech startups, including Avidia, Proteolix, Cellective, and OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, each contributing significantly to the therapeutic landscape through innovations in oncology, autoimmune disease treatment, and antibody detection technologies.
Today, Dr. Woody serves as Chief Scientific Officer for MaraBio Systems, where he is spearheading the development of diagnostic tools to detect maternal autoantibodies that may contribute to a subtype of autism, with the ultimate goal of preventing neurodevelopmental harm before birth. His role as Board Chair at Enosi Therapeutics and his previous chairmanship at Viracta Therapeutics reflect his ongoing influence in shaping corporate strategy and guiding therapeutic innovation at the highest levels.
Throughout his career, Dr. Woody has maintained an active presence in academic and nonprofit leadership, serving as a Board Member for the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford and chairing its Quality, Service, and Safety Committee for over a decade. His international experience—spanning research leadership in the UK, Africa, and the Middle East—has provided him with a global perspective on healthcare challenges and opportunities.
A prolific author with over 140 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Woody is equally comfortable presenting at international scientific conferences as he is navigating boardrooms and investor meetings. His career reflects a rare balance of deep technical expertise, operational leadership, and a mission-driven approach to medicine and biotechnology.
Character:
Dr. Woody’s integrity, resilience, and dedication to improving patient lives have been the cornerstones of his career. He approaches every endeavor with a sense of duty, shaped by his years in the Navy and his lifelong commitment to medical ethics. His leadership style is anchored in respect, empathy, and the conviction that innovation must always serve the greater good.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees in medicine and immunology, coupled with decades of experience leading both research institutions and biotech companies, Dr. Woody possesses a rare depth of knowledge across scientific, regulatory, and commercial domains. His expertise spans the entire drug development lifecycle, from early discovery to market launch. He remains at the forefront of emerging technologies, ensuring that his work is always informed by the latest scientific advances.
Strategic:
Dr. Woody excels in aligning scientific innovation with sustainable business strategies. Whether leading a startup through early financing rounds or guiding a global pharmaceutical company’s R&D portfolio, he consistently demonstrates foresight, adaptability, and an ability to identify high-impact opportunities. His decisions are informed by both data-driven analysis and a nuanced understanding of market dynamics.
Communication:
An articulate and persuasive communicator, Dr. Woody bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and diverse audiences, from investors to policymakers to patient advocacy groups. He has a proven ability to inspire teams, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and build consensus among stakeholders. His presentations and publications reflect both clarity and passion for the work at hand.
