Bruce M. Spiegelman is the Stanley J. Korsmeyer Professor of Cell Biology and Medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Spiegelman is best known for his studies of the regulation of adipose cells, the development of these cells and their role in diabetes and obesity. Dr. Spiegelman identified the biological function of several central regulators of the development of both white and brown fat cells, including PPARγ, PGC1α and PRDM16. Dr. Spiegelman’s lab, working closely with Dr. Griffin’s lab at The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, identified a new mechanism of action of the PPARγ-based anti-diabetes drugs, opening this area to a new generation of safer therapies.

 

Dr. Spiegelman has received a number of major honors, and has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the European Molecular Biology Organization.  In 2012, Dr. Spiegelman received the Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement from the American Diabetes Association, their highest honor. Most recently, he was elected in 2013 to serve as the head of the Metabolics and Physiology section at the National Academy of Sciences. 

 

Dr. Spiegelman received his B.S. in biology from the College of William and Mary and his Ph. D. in biochemistry from Princeton University.

Kevin Starr is a proven operational leader with over 25 years of experience building and operating leading biotech companies. Kevin co-founded Third Rock Ventures in 2007 and focuses on the formation, development and business strategy of our portfolio companies as well as actively identifying and evaluating new investments. He also assumes active leadership roles in Third Rock's portfolio companies, functioning as CEO through the first 12-18 months post launch.  

Prior to Third Rock Ventures, Kevin was COO and CFO at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where he led key roles in raising billions of dollars in capital through strategic alliances and public financing and driving growth through company expansion and mergers and acquisitions. Earlier in his career, he served in various executive roles at Millennium BioTherapeutics, Biogen and Digital Equipment Corporation.

Kevin holds a MS in Corporate Finance from Boston College and a BA in Mathematics and Business from Colby College. He is currently a Board Member of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.  Kevin is also a founding investor in Prospect Pictures, an independent film and entertainment company.