PHILADELPHIA — (May 28, 2025) — The Wistar Institute, a global leader in biomedical research in cancer, immunology and infectious disease, is pleased to welcome Joshua Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Friedman is currently Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Spyre Therapeutics, a Massachusetts-based developer of next generation therapeutics for people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).
Dr. Friedman has an extensive history in drug discovery, translational science, and early and late-stage clinical development, including roles at Janssen Research and Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and Spark Therapeutics. He completed his Ph.D. research at The Wistar Institute and the University of Pennsylvania.
“I’ve seen first-hand the commitment to excellence and the devotion to collaborative science that are vital components of Wistar’s culture,” said Dr. Friedman. “Fundamental biomedical research is the bedrock of future treatments and cures, and without this type of work, there is no meaningful path toward discoveries that can change the future of human health. I’m honored to have the opportunity to lend my background and expertise to help guide the future direction of the organization.”
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Josh back inside The Wistar Institute,” said Dario C. Altieri Ph.D., Wistar Institute president and CEO, director of the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center, and Robert and Penny Fox Distinguished Professor. “His connection to Wistar and his deep understanding of our culture and the vital work that we do, are tremendous assets for our Board and the Institution.”
Dr. Friedman received his A.B. in biochemistry from Harvard University and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees
from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine prior to moving to the pharmaceutical industry.
ABOUT THE WISTAR INSTITUTE:
The Wistar Institute is the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training. Since 1972, the Institute has held National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center status. Through a culture and commitment to biomedical collaboration and innovation, Wistar science leads to breakthrough early-stage discoveries and life science sector start-ups. Wistar scientists are dedicated to solving some of the world’s most challenging problems in the field of cancer and immunology, advancing human health through early-stage discovery and training the next generation of biomedical researchers. wistar.org
