In Vivo Cell Engineering & Gene Editing Summit 2026

Dr. Bagashev is the VP of In Vivo Cell Therapies at Velvet Therapeutics, where he leads strategic development of next-generation CAR based immunotherapies. He brings extensive expertise in immuno-oncology and cell therapies, with publications spanning engineered CAR constructs and immune-modulating platforms. Previously, at Carisma Therapeutics, he advanced preclinical proof-of-concept in vivo CAR-M programs for solid tumors using mRNA/LNP delivery systems. Before Carisma Therapeutics, he contributed to translational ex vivo CAR-T research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. His work integrates synthetic biology, vector engineering, and tumor immunology to develop scalable and affordable In Vivo CAR cellular therapies for solid tumors.

George Diaz, M.D., Ph.D., currently serves as VP, Therapeutic Area Lead for Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs) at iECURE. Dr. Diaz joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in genetics and pediatrics, particularly in metabolic diseases and monogenic disorders. Most recently, he served as chief of the division of Medical Genetics and professor in the Departments of Genetics & Genomic Sciences and Pediatrics at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Stefanos Theoharis brings over 20 years of broad experience in the cell and gene therapy space, business development, program management, manufacturing and basic research brings a deep knowledge CGT sector. Former CBO of Bone Therapeutics, Belgium-based company, developing specialized cell therapies for orthopaedic disorders. Prior to that he was Senior Vice-President at Cell Medica, and CBO at apceth GmbH. He also held positions, among others, as Director Business Development at Roche, focused on partnering activities in emerging science and technologies and M&A Analyst at Lazard, the global investment bank. He holds a PhD in gene therapy and immunology from Imperial College London.

Dr. Kmiec is a pioneering molecular biologist and a leading authority in gene editing and genetic therapies. He is the Founder and Executive Director of ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute, where he has spearheaded groundbreaking research in CRISPR-based technologies, particularly targeting inherited disorders and cancer. Dr. Kmiec is also the Founder and CEO of CorriXR Therapeutics advacing in vivo CRISPR directed gene editing for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. He holds academic appointments at the University of Delaware and the Wistar Institute.

Dr. Jenny Marlowe serves as Chief Development Officer of nChroma Bio, bringing extensive expertise in research and development, gene therapy, and translational sciences. She joined nChroma in December 2024, following her role as Chief Development Officer at Chroma Medicine, where she led development efforts through its merger with Nvelop Therapeutics. Prior to Chroma Medicine, Jenny was Chief Scientific Officer at Solid Biosciences, overseeing R&D efforts for gene therapy programs targeting neuromuscular and genetic cardiomyopathy indications. She also served as Chief Scientific Officer of AavantiBio, where she led scientific strategy until the company’s acquisition by Solid Biosciences.