Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., M.B.A
Aura Biosciences has appointed biotechnology executive Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., M.B.A., to its board of directors, adding commercial and operational leadership as the clinical-stage oncology company advances its lead therapy, bel-sar, toward potential regulatory approval.
The Boston-based biotechnology company said Bender’s experience leading oncology companies through late-stage development, commercialization and strategic transactions will support Aura as it prepares for its next phase of growth. The appointment comes after the completion of enrollment in the Phase 3 CoMpass trial evaluating bel-sar (AU-011) for early choroidal melanoma.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jeremy to our Board of Directors and excited to be working alongside him again,” said Natalie Holles, chief executive officer of Aura Biosciences. “Jeremy is an accomplished biotechnology leader with deep experience advancing innovative therapies through late-stage development, commercialization and significant value creation in rare oncology. As Aura advances toward potential regulatory approval of bel-sar and prepares for its next phase of growth, his operational and commercial expertise will further strengthen our Board. I look forward to his contributions as we continue executing our strategy to bring the first potential frontline, vision-preserving treatment to patients with early choroidal melanoma.”
Bender most recently served as chief executive officer, president and a member of the board of directors at Day One Biopharmaceuticals, where he oversaw the company’s transition from a clinical-stage business to a commercial oncology company. During his tenure, Day One secured regulatory approval and commercial launch of OJEMDA® for pediatric low-grade glioma before being acquired by Servier in 2026 in a transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion.
Before joining Day One, Bender was vice president of corporate development at Gilead Sciences. His career also includes executive leadership positions at Tizona Therapeutics, Sutro Biopharma and Allos Therapeutics, where he led corporate strategy, business development and operational initiatives. He began his career as a consultant in the life sciences practice at Boston Consulting Group.
“I am honored to join Aura’s Board at this pivotal time for the company,” Bender said. “Having worked closely with Natalie during her tenure on the Day One Board, I have seen firsthand her strategic vision, thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to patients. With enrollment complete in the Phase 3 CoMpass trial and bel-sar advancing toward a potential regulatory approval, Aura is entering an exciting new chapter. I look forward to working with Natalie, the Board and the management team to execute on the company’s strategy, build on its strong foundation and create meaningful value for patients and shareholders.”
Bender currently serves as an independent director of Mereo BioPharma Group plc and previously served on the board of Fusion Pharmaceuticals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Stanford University, a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Aura Biosciences is developing precision therapies for solid tumors with a focus on preserving organ function. Its lead candidate, bel-sar, is in late-stage development for early choroidal melanoma, a rare eye cancer, and is also being evaluated in earlier-stage programs targeting additional ocular oncology indications and bladder cancer. The company is headquartered in Boston and is focused on advancing targeted oncology therapies designed to improve outcomes while preserving patients’ quality of life.