Connect‑Bio: Focus on Radiopharmaceuticals

Verkin Khajadourian, Director, Business Development, Contract Research (Cadena Research, a division of CPDC).
Verkin joined Cadena Research and CPDC in March 2026 as Director, Business Development. She brings 25 years of experience in drug development, toxicology, laboratory sciences, and commercial operations within contract research organizations.
In her role, she helps grow the business by building strategic relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech partners, while working with internal teams to deliver tailored research solutions for preclinical development in the radiopharmaceutical space. Verkin holds a Master of Science in Chemistry and an MBA.

Martin Lepage, Director of the Sherbrooke Molecular Imaging Centre platform and Full Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke.
Along with his colleagues, Martin has helped build the CIMS’ reputation and strong positioning in the development, optimization, validation, as well as clinical and commercial translation of radiopharmaceutical products. Over the course of his career, he also served as a professor at Vanderbilt University, Director of the Quebec Bio-Imaging Network, and Director of the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, and Yale University in New Haven, United States.

Peter Loparco, Director, Business Development and Investments at CPDC.
With a decade of experience in the life sciences sector, Peter specializes in evaluating innovative technologies, strategic partnerships, licensing, and early-stage investment opportunities.
His background in biotechnology, consulting, and corporate strategy helps bridge scientific innovation and the commercialization of promising radiopharmaceutical technologies. Peter holds a Master of Biotechnology from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph.

Ryan Simms, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Radiopharmaceutical Programs at Defence Therapeutics.
Ryan is a biopharmaceutical executive and radiopharmaceutical development leader with 20 years of experience advancing targeted radiopharmaceuticals from discovery to first-in-human clinical studies. He has led CMC, manufacturing, radiochemistry, isotope supply and technical operations for clinical-stage programs at Abdera Therapeutics, Fusion Pharmaceuticals and CPDC. As a consultant, he advises biotech companies on early-phase development and regulatory strategy.