Andrew Kaplan
Principal Scientist & Lab Head Bristol Myers Squibb
Andrew is a Principal Scientist in the Neuroscience Thematic Research Center at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he leads small-molecule and biologics drug discovery programs from target identification through development candidate nomination for neurodegenerative diseases. He also guides scientific diligence for business development opportunities and manages cross-functional program teams and laboratory scientists. Previously, Andrew advanced functional genomics and iPSC-based disease modeling at UCB and Yumanity Therapeutics, supporting target discovery, validation, and mechanistic studies across ALS/FTD, Parkinson’s disease, and rare neurological disorders. He holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and a BSc in Cell Biology and Anatomy from McGill University, and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School.
Seminars
- Exploring the role of microglia and astrocytes as central innate immune effectors driving neuroinflammation and contributing to disease pathology in disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, while examining how shared immune targets are uniquely regulated in CNS-resident cells
- The diverse functions of adaptive immune cells including effector T cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells in CNS infiltration, antigen-specific responses, and disease modulation
- Mechanisms of immune checkpoint regulation and antigen presentation that control lymphocyte trafficking and activation within the CNS, highlighting potential therapeutic targets
- Challenges and opportunities in developing therapies that modulate innate and adaptive immunity, including timing, CNS penetration, and avoiding detrimental immunosuppression
- The critical balance between pro-inflammatory and neuroprotective immune activities, emphasizing the need for precise immune modulation to promote CNS repair while limiting damage
