About Steve Cockrill

Originally from England, I attended the University of York to earn my B.Sc. in Chemistry.  After graduation, I continued my studies in the graduate program at Texas A&M University where I completed my Ph.D. in Chemistry under the mentorship of Professor Ronald D. MacFarlane.

My interest in life sciences and the application of analytical techniques to solve complex problems was piqued and after a post-doctoral role at Texas A&M University, I moved into the biotech industry with Tanox as a bench scientist developing and validating assays for clinical phase monoclonal antibody products.

I took an opportunity to work with Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology where I executed detailed characterization studies of biological products using mass spectrometry, chromatography, and electrophoretic methods, including high-value client programs on behalf of Sigma-Aldrich Fine Chemicals.

After Sigma-Aldrich, I returned to biotech with Amgen where I held roles of increasing responsibility within Analytical Sciences.  I served as functional area lead for commercial and late-stage clinical molecules, supporting method development, qualification, and transfer activities, as well as deep characterization and comparability studies of therapeutic proteins.  I was fortunate enough to work on major blockbuster programs including Aranesp, Epogen, Neupogen/Neulasta, Enbrel, and Prolia/XGEVA, as well as working collaboratively with early-stage development groups and Quality Control to standardize analytical strategies.  I was also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing Excellence in Operations.

I was invited to join the Corporate Quality Control group to serve in a leadership role for Amgen's Analytics of the Future initiative in which I led strategic initiatives to identify new technologies and develop implementation strategies in order to reduce the turnaround, footprint, and costs associated with Quality Control.

After Amgen, I transitioned from large biotech to small virtual and semi-virtual organizations where I had the opportunity to work on new therapeutic modalities including PEGylated antisense oligonucleotide products at Ophthotech (now Iveric Bio) and microbiome-based encapsulated oral products at Assembly Biosciences.  These organizations leveraged external development, manufacturing, and testing vendors, and I had responsibilities to interface successfully with these contract partners.  At Assembly Biosciences, I was also responsible for developing internal capabilities relating to Analytical Development, Quality Control, and Drug Substance Development functions.

Following Assembly Biosciences' decision to discontinue the entire microbiome program portfolio, I joined Akero Therapeutics to oversee the Analytical Development and Quality Control functions and partner with external vendors for Drug Substance and Drug Product development and manufacturing, as well as contract testing laboratories, to advance Akero's Fc-fusion protein candidate, efruxifermin.  

Finally, I spent a short period with Immunovant as head of Analytical Sciences and Quality Control, preparing for PPQ readiness for the lead monoclonal antibody asset and completing CMC sections for the next-generation candidate enabling the filing of an initial IND.  In 2023, I founded SLC BioPharma Consulting to help clients advance their therapeutic programs.

Throughout my career, I have applied the same principles to all aspects of my work - ensure decisions are data-driven, results are delivered in a timely manner, and quality is rigorously enforced.  I look forward to partnering with you to move your candidates to clinical initiation through commercial launch.