Derek Adams

Biography

Derek Adams joined us in March 2017 as our Chief Technology and Manufacturing Officer. Prior to joining bluebird, Derek was the Senior Vice President of CMC at Evelo Biosciences. At Evelo, Derek established the initial process development function and supply chain for clinical studies and drove strategy for product development. Prior to his time at Evelo, he served as Vice President of Technical and Strategic Product Development at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where his responsibilities included developing and supporting all manufacturing processes globally as well as global clinical supply chain. His Alexion career also included roles as Plant Manager for Alexion’s Rhode Island Manufacturing facility and head of upstream process development. Derek began his career in process technical support for live virus vaccine production at Merck & Co, Inc. Derek holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with High Distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). 

Research Interest

Main aim is to develop and bring to market the most advanced products based on the transformative potential of gene therapy as a one-time treatment option for patients with severe genetic and rare diseases and cancer.