Archives: Members
Henri Bayle, Ph.D.
CSO & CDO, Co-founder
Executive Director MemberDr. Bayle is a creative scientist with 30 years of post-graduate experience in biotech and academia. His training in Oncology, Immunology and Developmental Biology, led to a focus on the development of innovative molecular switches to regulate protein activity for biological impact. This ultimately brought him to Bellicum Pharmaceuticals to develop innovative methods to regulate CAR-T and CAR-NK with small molecules yielding 2 IND in solid tumors. During his 9 years at Bellicum he led the Discovery Program and rose to VP of all Research.
After seeing first-hand the impact that engineered cell therapy can have on cancer treatment, Henri co-founded NKILT Therapeutics with Raphael Ognar with the purpose of making engineered cell therapy available to more patients across cancer indications.
Henri has a PhD in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and performed his post-doctoral work in Pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He was Assistant Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at Baylor College of Medicine prior to joining Bellicum.
Outside of his R&D activity, Henri enjoys repairing and remodeling old houses and automobiles as well as experimental cooking for his family, friends and neighbors.
Raphaël G. Ognar, MSc, MBA
President & CEO, Co-Founder Chairman
Executive DirectorVisionary and charismatic biotech executive with over 27 years of experience spanning commercial strategy, drug development, and product lifecycle management. Raphaël has held key global and regional leadership roles at top-tier pharmaceutical companies including Novartis Oncology, Celgene, and Bristol Myers Squibb, with a 22-year track record of success in Oncology and Hematology.
Over the past decade, Raphaël has deepened his focus on Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy, culminating in the founding of NKILT Therapeutics, Inc. in 2021. Prior to this, he launched ANIM8 LLC, an executive advisory firm providing strategic and operational consulting for early-stage biotech.
Raphaël holds a Master’s degree and a D.E.A. in Physiology and Neurosciences from the University of Bordeaux I & II, as well as an MBA in Strategic Marketing and Enterprise Management from IAE Tours University.
Beyond his commitment to advancing cancer therapies, Raphaël is an avid rock climber, vintage wine enthusiast, musician and front man in his family band, and passionate animal rescuer who enjoys traveling the world with family and friends.