David Lagares

David Lagares, PhD, MBA

David is a serial entrepreneur and company builder with a track record of translating breakthrough biology into venture-backed therapeutics companies. He is the Founder & CEO of Zenon Biotech and co-founder of Mediar Therapeutics, both built on discoveries from his research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

His work has led to the creation of multiple patented platforms targeting fibrosis, inflammation, and cancer, supporting the formation of companies that have collectively raised over $200 million and advanced assets from early discovery into clinical development, including Phase 2 trials.

David combines deep scientific insight with operational and financing experience across the full company lifecycle: from target identification and platform build to syndication and strategic positioning with investors and pharma partners. His approach is grounded in identifying differentiated biology, building capital-efficient companies, and aligning early with clinical and commercial endpoints.

Prior to his entrepreneurial career, David was a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, where his research, published in Nature and Science and supported by the National Institutes of Health and industry, identified novel mechanisms that form the foundation of his companies.

David holds a PhD in Medical Research and completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. He also earned an Executive MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, where he focused on venture building, finance, and strategy.