Harout Semerjian: A Visionary Leader Steering Geron Toward a New Era in Oncology

On August 7, 2025, Harout Semerjian stepped into the role of President and CEO at Geron Corporation, a pivotal leadership change at a transformative moment in the company’s history. With more than three decades of global experience in oncology and hematology, Semerjian is uniquely positioned to guide Geron as it transitions from a clinical-stage biotech into a commercial-stage powerhouse. His appointment comes amid Geron’s exciting launch of RYTELO (imetelstat), a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor with the potential to reshape treatment paradigms for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Who is Harout Semerjian?

Harout Semerjian is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive known for his extensive leadership in oncology and hematology. With over 30 years of experience driving commercial strategy and launching groundbreaking therapies, he has built a reputation as a dynamic leader capable of bridging innovation and commercialization in the complex world of cancer treatment.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Semerjian’s journey began in Lebanon, where he cultivated a passion for the life sciences early on. Earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Lebanese American University, he laid a solid scientific foundation that would serve as a launchpad for his career. Recognizing the importance of merging scientific insight with business acumen, Semerjian pursued advanced studies, earning MBAs from both Cornell University and Queen’s University in Canada. This dual background in biology and business provided him with a rare blend of skills, priming him for leadership roles at the intersection of science, strategy, and commercial execution.

Climbing the Ranks: A Career Marked by Strategic Vision

Semerjian’s professional ascent is a testament to his ability to lead complex organizations and launch transformative therapies. His 17-year tenure at Novartis was a formative period where he took on increasingly senior roles. At Novartis, he made significant contributions as the global lead for two landmark oncology drugs:

Gleevec® and KISQALI®. Gleevec revolutionized treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, and Semerjian was at the forefront of its global launch and commercial strategy. Later, as the Senior Vice President and Global Launch Leader for KISQALI®, he demonstrated his capacity to shepherd novel oncology treatments through challenging global markets.

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His leadership extended beyond the commercial realm to shaping the hematology franchise in the United States, where he was responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, optimizing market access, and deepening relationships with healthcare providers. This experience was crucial in developing a patient-centric approach to drug commercialization, emphasizing both efficacy and accessibility.

Following his success at Novartis, Semerjian expanded his horizons at Ipsen Pharma, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. There, he oversaw global commercial strategy across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases. His ability to navigate diverse markets and complex regulatory environments underscored his versatility and strategic foresight.

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In 2020, he took the helm of Immunomedics as CEO, leading the company through its acquisition by Gilead Sciences, a testament to his skill in steering organizations through critical transitions. Most recently, Semerjian was CEO of GlycoMimetics, a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on hematology therapies, where he guided the advancement of promising candidates like uproleselan, an E-selectin antagonist in Phase III trials for acute myeloid leukemia.

Harout Semerjian’s gratitude towards his colleagues at GlycoMimetics – Read here.

Impact on Oncology Research and Commercialization

Throughout his career, Semerjian has balanced a deep understanding of oncology science with commercial pragmatism. He recognizes the complexities of bringing innovative therapies from the lab to patients, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among clinicians, researchers, payers, and regulatory bodies. His approach has consistently prioritized patient outcomes while navigating the challenges of global market dynamics.

At Geron, this philosophy is especially vital. The company’s flagship product, RYTELO, targets patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes characterized by transfusion dependence, a condition with significant unmet medical need. Under Semerjian’s leadership, Geron has expanded physician education and payer engagement, leading to rapid uptake of RYTELO with over 1,000 active ordering accounts within the first quarters of commercialization. His strategic expansion of the sales force and medical affairs team reflects a commitment to ensuring broad patient access and clinician confidence.

Simultaneously, Geron’s IMpactMF Phase III clinical trial for relapsed/refractory myelofibrosis is nearing full enrollment, a critical milestone for potential label expansion and long-term growth. Semerjian’s experience in guiding late-stage clinical programs into commercial success is a cornerstone of Geron’s strategic roadmap.

Leadership Philosophy and Legacy

Semerjian’s leadership style combines visionary strategy with hands-on mentorship. He has spoken candidly about the importance of trusting teams and empowering them to innovate, fostering a culture where accountability and collaboration thrive. His personal journey from a biology student to a global biotech leader reflects resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to improving patient lives.

His appointment as CEO of Geron is not merely a change of guard; it is the beginning of a new chapter defined by ambitious growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication to oncology patients worldwide.

Looking Forward: The Road Ahead for Geron and Semerjian

As Geron prepares to scale RYTELO’s presence across the United States and European markets, Semerjian’s seasoned leadership will be instrumental in navigating reimbursement challenges, expanding clinical indications, and solidifying Geron’s footprint in hematology. His deep expertise in oncology drug launches provides confidence that Geron can realize the full commercial potential of its telomerase inhibition platform.

Beyond business metrics, Semerjian remains committed to the human side of oncology: the patients whose lives depend on new therapies, the clinicians who deliver care, and the scientific community pushing the boundaries of cancer research.

In an industry defined by complexity and rapid change, Harout Semerjian stands out as a leader who brings not only experience but a vision, one that aligns commercial success with meaningful patient impact. As he leads Geron into this new era, the oncology community watches with anticipation, hopeful that his stewardship will translate into new breakthroughs and brighter futures for patients worldwide.

Here are two of his interviews on biotech innovation, legacy and leadership you should not miss out. 

OncoDaily Dialogues #1 – Harout Semerjian / Hosted by Roupen Odabashian

Hope-Driven Leadership – Harout Semerjian

“Even if we are standing, the world is turning and changing.”

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Written by Sergey Badalyan, MD