Laura Shawver, Ph.D.
CEO, Silverback Therapeutics & Founder, The Clearity Foundation
Dr. Shawver views the C-suite from the perspective of a scientist, surfer and survivor. Her love of cool science guides the selection of companies she joins, her surfing experiences taught that big rides sometimes come along with wipe outs, and her ovarian cancer journey increased her urgency to bring new therapies to patients faster. Dr. Shawver founded The Clearity Foundation, a nonprofit organization helping women with ovarian cancer improve their treatment options following her own diagnosis and treatment in 2007. Currently, Dr. Shawver is CEO and director of Silverback Therapeutics and also serves on the Board of Relay, Nkarta and Cleave Therapeutics.
Prior to Silverback, she was President and CEO of Synthorx, Inc from 2017 through its acquisition by Sanofi in January 2020. Previously, Dr. Shawver was CEO of Cleave Biosciences from 2011-2017, Entrepreneur in Residence for 5AM Ventures from 2010 – 2011, CEO and Director of Phenomix from 2002 – 2010 and President of SUGEN Inc. from 2000 after holding various positions since 1992. Prior to SUGEN, she was employed at Berlex Biosciences, formerly known as Triton Biosciences. Shawver received her PhD in Pharmacology and a BS degree in Microbiology, both from the University of Iowa.
