Eduardo Paredes
I’m originally from the city of Chihuahua, in Mexico, but I’ve lived and worked in the US for over 20 years. I am currently the VP of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) at Leal Therapeutics, a biotech startup focused on developing ultra-precise therapeutics for patients with major disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).
I’ve worked in the oligonucleotide therapeutics field for over 10 years. Apart from my background in organic synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and virology, my doctoral and post-doctoral work included modifying oligonucleotides for nanotechnological, biochemical and therapeutic applications. Now, I oversee a talented group of scientists in the discovery, medicinal chemistry, pre-clinical manufacture and technology innovation of CNS therapeutics.
"The IE Brown Executive MBA helps set me apart, not only through my technical expertise, but a more practical and operational mastery of company management."
Tell us about your role at Leal Therapeutics.
I’m currently the vice president of CMC at Leal Therapeutics. I oversee the entire Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) pipeline, as well as delivery platform discovery. These are all very technical roles in the regulatory and biochemistry disciplines.
How did your work become centered around oligonucleotides?
Oligonucleotides came to be the focus of my career by pure chance. As an undergraduate researcher, I learned about these chemical compounds that one could synthesize, which helped tune how our genes are expressed. I fell in love with the different sequences, targets and structures that scientists could effect using this very versatile molecule. With a lot of hard work from the community, this field in pharmaceutical development is finally reaching its stride.
Why did you choose to pursue the IE Brown Executive MBA?
Throughout my development in the scientific discipline, I’ve used all the training I received in university and beyond. However, as I climbed the corporate ladder, I realized I never received formal training to manage teams or businesses and their complex financial, strategic and personal complexities, as this isn’t routinely covered in science curricula. The IE Brown Executive MBA provides complimentary formal business training to supplement my technical skill set.
What’s your program experience been like so far?
The IE Brown Executive MBA is demanding in both time and effort. Balancing this with work and personal life is tough, and ensuring that I give time to all these facets has been the biggest challenge yet. However, the program is very helpful in this regard as our professors are more focused on command of the concepts rather than large problem sets. Overall, it's been an enjoyable experience so far.
What key skills from the program are you already using in day-to-day life?
As I’d never taken a business class, I found I struggled in financial accounting, particularly with complex accounting management of stocks, and in Managerial Economics, with current account deficits and their sources. But while the material is new and challenging, I didn’t even know the business vocabulary to use just four months ago. The IE Brown Executive MBA does a great job of building a solid foundation and then diving deeper into the concepts. Applying these to my work has been really rewarding.
Has the IE Brown Executive MBA given you a new perspective of your career?
With the serious investment that biotech companies require, it’s important for technical staff to understand funding, economic complexities and cost structures to be successful. The program has allowed me to view my future roles not just from a technical perspective, but also from the operational side.
How does a degree from IE Business School help you stand out from other candidates?
Most scientists develop in their respective fields through either a master of science degree or a PhD. However, senior leaders—those who run pharmaceutical companies—augment their doctoral degrees with an MBA. The IE Brown Executive MBA helps set me apart, not only through my technical expertise, but a more practical and operational mastery of company management.
Will the IE Brown Executive MBA help you continue making a positive impact in your industry?
Besides IE Business School and Brown University’s excellent reputation, the program’s practical focus on innovation and diversity translates well to the pharmaceutical field. Maximizing the success of biotech startups will deliver cures to patients. By understanding not only the technical needs of an organization but also its business cycles, I will be able to have a stronger impact in the company and drive strategies for success.
What advice would you give someone about to start the IE Brown Executive MBA?
My advice to any scientists thinking about starting the IE Brown Executive MBA is to go for it! This program complements the training offered in any scientific degree and will be very useful in helping you reach senior management.