Biology Staff

Deborah Mitchell, Ph.D.

Development Scientist

Education

Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina.

Brief Background

Deborah has over 30 years of experience as a biologist and protein chemist in the biotechnology industry and academia. She joined Emory Institute for Drug Development in 2008. In her tenure at a biopharmaceutical company ImClone Systems, she contributed to the development of Erbitux, a cancer treatment drug. Later she worked at Aderans Research on a tissue engineering process that led to advancement of a biological product into advanced preclinical testing under GLP conditions. She directed development of the technology that was transferred to production stage for Phase I clinical trials on cell-based hair regeneration for male and female pattern baldness. Deborah was a key participant in the preclinical development of EIDD-2801(Molnupiravir) for the treatment of COVID-19, currently marketed by Merck Pharmaceuticals. She also contributed to another drug candidate, EIDD-2173, currently in Phase 2 clinicals trials and has been licensed to Antios Therapeutics for treatment of Hepatitis B. Deborah oversees the coordination and execution of in vitro and in vivo projects, including cell biology, drug formulation, compound solubility and PK and tolerability studies in small animals. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, listening to music, reading, and spending time with family.

Rui Jin, Ph.D.

Associate Development Scientist