Dr. Kaivan Khavandi MD MRes PhD MBA MRCP is a Physician Scientist and SVP, Research & Development at GSK. In this role, he heads one of GSK’s three global R&D units, accountable for end-to-end drug discovery and development, with active programs across respiratory medicine (asthma, COPD, ILD), hepatology (MASH, ALD, Hep B, cholestatic pruritus), immune-fibrosis / nephrology (SLE/CTD, OA, LN, GN & ADPKD), and neuro-immunology (FTD, Alzheimer’s Disease), all anchored in the science of the immune system, human genetics and functional genomics. The organization is comprised of a large number of highly talented scientists, physicians and cross-functional leaders based at labs and sites across our major global R&D hubs (Stevenage UK, Upper Providence PA, Cambridge/Waltham MA and GSK Global HQ in London). The unit constitutes R&D responsibility for all therapy areas at GSK, excluding oncology and vaccines/ID.

His previous roles include Vice President, Disease Area Head of Neuroscience & Emerging TAs at GSK, Chief Medical Officer at BenevolentAI, Clinical/Translational Lead, Internal Medicine at Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Medical Lead, Inflammation & Immunology at Pfizer International Developed Markets, as well as consulting roles across multiple global biopharma. Prior to joining industry, Kaivan practiced Medicine at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals, with research activities at King’s College London, where he earned his PhD in Molecular Medicine & Pharmacology and completed fellowships awarded by the National Institute for Health Research and British Heart Foundation. He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of the UK, has held Honorary Senior Lectureships in Cardiovascular Medicine, and continues to sit on various scientific management and oversight committees governing alliances both with academic and biotech.