Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery

Institute Director


Sanja Sever, PhD

Sanja Sever is the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Vice President of Drug Discovery and the Director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery and holds the John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Innovations in Molecular Biology. Dr. Sever joined UTMB from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she lead an NIH-funded research lab for 21 years.

Dr. Sever is an internationally recognized molecular biologist and biochemist whose research focuses on the mechanisms that underlie diverse human diseases. She has authored more than 50 publications in such high-impact journals as Nature, Nature Medicine, and New England Journal of Medicine. Her discoveries related to dynamin regulation of actin cytoskeletons have tremendous implications for previously undruggable kidney, cardio-vascular and neuro-degenerative diseases. Dr. Sever and her collaborators have also conducted groundbreaking research related to the causes of chronic and acute kidney disease and the relationship between kidney disease and diabetes. She serves on a National Institutes of Health study section and on the NIDDK Strategic Planning group for the future of kidney research.

Dr. Sever is an inventor on several patents related to her basic and translational research and is a cofounder of Walden Biosciences, which is currently developing novel, first-in-class therapies for kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Her expertise spans every phase of drug discovery and development, including financing and fund-raising, business development, incorporation of companies, identification, and validation of druggable pathways, and lead optimization.

Dr. Sever brings her passion for the development of novel, life-changing therapies that are based on outstanding science to the SIDD. Her goal is to foster collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and industry partners to drive novel, innovative approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diverse diseases. Dr. Sever’s approach to answering challenging scientific questions and improving health involves working across disciplines, leveraging local and regional resources, and engaging stakeholders.

Email: sasever@utmb.edu