Rene Wheat

I am a mother of two amazing young boys, wife of an entrepreneur and small business owner, daughter of veteran and mother who defied all odds medically (and scientifically), and more than blessed to have the most amazing personal and professional network of friends and colleagues. Personally, I help where possible and aimed to find the joy and positive in all situations. Academically, I am a lifelong learner. Professionally, I am fiercely focused on solutions. I specialize in infectious disease and vaccine drug development with a focus of creating a healthier world for all. I would describe myself as a coach and mentor helping to cultivate the next generation of trailblazer and pioneers in clinical research. Career highlights: 1st Full EMA approval of COVID inactivated adjuvant vaccine received June 2022, EUA approval received April 2022. Took compound from Phase I through 3 in ~1.5 years. Largest program delivered to date by CRO; included hiring and onboarding 130 employees in 3 months. 8 prior NDA approvals globally, most recent prior to COVID was approved in November 2019. 5 first in class drug approvals over course of career across the following indications (C. dif, COVID, XLH, HCV, and HIV) 1st and only therapy that addresses the underlying cause of X-linked hypophosphatemia developed 1st microbiome approved for the treatment of clostridium difficile 1st pharmacokinetic enhancer for use with ART developed in collaboration with Abbott Labs Contributed to development of ~20 HIV compounds across all classes <3.5 years - Took billion-dollar compound (LPV/RTV) from phase II to FDA approval in one of the fastest approval timelines to date (prior to the COVID pandemic). >12 strategic partnerships secured/developed across large pharma and biotech A lifetime of professional and personal relationships for which I am forever grateful (NIH, ACTG, IMPAACT, PIs, SCs, and project teams)