Hi, I’m Dorna Pourang.
Clinical trial operations and strategy Oncology and next-generation therapeutics
I’m a clinical trial operations and strategy specialist working at the forefront of innovative oncology and advanced next-generation therapeutics. For nearly two decades, I’ve driven multiple therapeutics from first-in-human studies through clinical development and into approval, leading early-phase strategy and results-driven execution across biotech and pharma. My work spans complex biologics, emerging modalities, and global clinical infrastructure, with a focus on building scalable, ethical, and patient-centered trial systems.
Alongside my industry work, I’m passionate about expanding access to evidence-based mental health treatments. This includes helping establish the first psychedelic-assisted therapy program for veterans with PTSD within the VA hospital system and consulting across early regulatory and health-equity frameworks in the field. Above all, I’m committed to innovative, patient-centered care models that ensure breakthrough science reaches the patients who need it most.
Previous organizations
- Astellas Pharma
- Agensys
- Nuvalent Biotech
- Lykos Therapeutics
- NKGen Biotech
- Biosplice
- Journey Colab
Publications
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AFM24 in combination with autologous NK cells (SNK01) in patients with advanced/metastatic epidermal growth factor (EGFR) expressing solid tumors: initial results from the phase 1 dose escalation study
ASCO Breakthrough (2023)
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The combination of CD16A/EGFR innate cell engager, AFM24, with SNK01 autologous natural killer cells in patients with advanced solid tumors
ASCO Annual Meeting (2022)
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Microcannula utilization for injectable facial fillers: standard of care?
AJCM (2018)
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Preoperative chronic or acute purulent sinusitis is not associated with the development of post operative meningitis in endonasal skull base surgery
Journal of Neurological Surgery, Vol 75 (2014)
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The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiogenesis-(1-7)/Mas axis confers cardiopulmonary protection against lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Vol 192, Issue 8 (2010), 1075-1072
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Clinical outcomes of melanoma brain metastases: surgery in the ipilimumab era
Submission pending
Features
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“Resurfacing” Premiere Psychedelic Q&A with Koa Smith and Kyle Thiermann (opens in new tab)
YouTube
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Soho House Psychedelic Speaker Series with Dorna Pourang, Rick Doblin, Natalie Ginsberg, Dustin Robinson, and Joseph McCowan (opens in new tab)
Patch
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Psychedelics Panel at LA Tech Week 2022 (opens in new tab)
The Argonaut
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“Building a Better Industry for Psychedelics” on Into the Multiverse Podcast (opens in new tab)
Spotify
Press
- Mental Health is a Mosaic and Your Treatment Should be Too (opens in new tab)
- What Psychedelic Researchers Are Learning About Mental Health (opens in new tab)
- MUD/WTR’s Psychedelics Advisor: Dorna Pourang (opens in new tab)
- How pro surfer Koa Smith overcame depression and trauma with psychedelic mushrooms: “I never slipped back” (opens in new tab)
- Psychedelics at LA Tech Week (opens in new tab)
- Psychedelic Series Featuring MAPS Executives (opens in new tab)
- The Wellness Revolution: Psychedelics Used as Medicine with Dorna Pourang (opens in new tab)
Education
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General Sciences
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B.S. Biology