Cassia Life Sciences is co-owned by Chiara Ghiron and Russell Thomas. Together, we bring senior experience in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery leadership, DMPK, screening, operations, business development and biotech strategy.
We have worked in large pharma, biotech and discovery service companies. As a result, we understand both the science of drug discovery and the practical decisions needed to move projects forward.
Our experience spans several therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, anti-infectives and other areas of small molecule research. We also bring hands-on experience in outsourced R&D models, project strategy, investor-facing materials and operational leadership.
Russell Thomas is a senior drug discovery executive with broad experience in medicinal chemistry, discovery leadership, biotech operations, business development and alliance management.
Russ began his career at GlaxoWellcome, where he worked on and led anti-infective and neuroscience programmes. He later held senior medicinal chemistry and leadership roles at Evotec, Siena Biotech, Proteros, Axxam and Symeres. At Symeres he led Business Development and was CSO.
Across these roles, Russ has led discovery teams, managed operations, supported strategic alliances and helped shape early-stage biotech assets. He has also worked across several therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, anti-infectives and other small molecule programmes.
As a result, Russ brings practical insight into how discovery projects are built, managed, reviewed and progressed.
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Chiara Ghiron is a senior medicinal chemist and drug discovery leader. She has broad experience across small molecule discovery, DMPK, screening and compound management.
Chiara began her career in medicinal chemistry at GlaxoWellcome, where she worked on anti-infective and neuroscience programmes. She then joined Evotec, where she worked across multiple therapeutic areas and became Lab Head in Medicinal Chemistry.
At Siena Biotech, Chiara held senior leadership roles in medicinal chemistry, DMPK, compound management and screening. This experience gives her a strong understanding of how to connect compound design with biological data, developability and project decision-making.
Additionally, Chiara is an expert in plant-based food science, delivering courses and consultancy focused on food chemistry and plant-based ice cream formulation, translating complex concepts into practical solutions.
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How we work with our partners
Cassia works as a senior, hands-on partner for clients who need clear scientific and strategic judgement.
We focus on practical recommendations, robust decision-making and realistic execution. Therefore, our support can range from focused advisory input to deeper involvement in project design, external partner management, diligence or fractional leadership.
Our aim is simple: to help project teams make better decisions and move discovery projects forward with confidence.
Talk to us about your project
We are happy to discuss how Cassia Life Sciences could support your discovery, diligence or strategic planning needs.