Manu Chakravarthy

Bio:

Dr. Manu Chakravarthy is a physician–scientist and visionary leader in drug development with over two decades of experience turning scientific discoveries into transformative therapies. Recognized internationally as a thought leader in metabolic diseases, he has shaped the field through high-impact publications and keynote lectures worldwide. 

He currently serves as SVP and Global Head of Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism Product Development at Roche-Genentech, where he directs the strategy and execution of a portfolio addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Previously, as Head of R&D and Chief Scientific & Medical Officer at Carmot Therapeutics, he led all R&D efforts and played a pivotal role in the company’s acquisition by Roche in 2024. Earlier leadership roles include EVP and Chief Medical Officer at Axcella Therapeutics, VP and Global Head of External R&D at Eli Lilly, and Distinguished Scientist at Merck where he led Discovery Medicine in cardiometabolic diseases and contributed to multiple successful drug approvals across endocrinology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases.  

Dr. Chakravarthy earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from UT Houston Medical School and MD Anderson Cancer Center. He trained in Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed both a Clinical Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Lipid Metabolism at Washington University in St. Louis, where he later served on the faculty. He is board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism and serves as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Rutgers.