Carla Kantara, PhD, MBA
Director of Business Development
TARGET PharmaSolutions, Inc.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is pleased to highlight alumna, Carla Kantara, PhD, MBA. Dr. Kantara received her PhD in biological sciences from UTMB under the mentorship of Dr. Pomila Singh, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship with a focus in drug development and biotechnologies with Dr. Darrell Carney.
Dr. Kantara is currently the Director of Business Development at TARGET PharmaSolutions®, Inc., a real-world evidence clinical data company, where she is responsible for driving new business opportunities, partnerships, and expanding the company’s business portfolio. Prior to that role, Dr. Kantara was the Vice President for Business Development and Operations at Collaborative Clinical Research Solutions, Inc., where she developed strategic partnerships/alliances with academic, pharmaceutical/CRO, industry, life sciences and healthcare partners. During this time, Dr. Kantara also directed the U.T. System Healthcare Enterprise Clinical Trial Xpress (CTX) network.
Dr. Kantara formerly served as the Director of Health Innovation-Digital Health at UTMB Health, as part of the President’s Initiative, where she developed new health-related technologies and forged strategic partnerships to promote the commercialization of UTMB’s health innovations. She also supported the day-to-day operations of the Virtual Health Network, a U.T. System telemedicine initiative established to create a unified healthcare enterprise across Texas. Prior to that role, Dr. Kantara directed the Cancer Stem Cell and Radiation Studies for Chrysalis BioTherapeutics, Inc. As the Director of Research Operations and Global Development, she provided expertise for research operations, R&D strategic planning, and business development opportunities.
Dr. Kantara is an expert reviewer and editorial member for several national and international peer reviewed journals/grant organizations. She has authored numerous scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and patents and has presented award-winning scientific research findings at national/international meetings. Dr. Kantara previously served as the Chair of the UTMB Committee for Career Development and continues to serve on numerous committees and as an expert panelist in her field.
Congratulations to Dr. Kantara on being selected for this 50th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight!