Barbara L. Handelin, PhD

Dr. Handelin is a veteran molecular, medical geneticist who has pioneered the responsible application of genetics to clinical medicine over a 30-year career. In 1987 Dr. Handelin established one of the first commercial DNA testing laboratories at Integrated Genetics (now Genzyme Genetics). After co-founding a gene therapy company (Genovo), Dr. Handelin began her own consulting practice, delivering to venture capital investors, start-ups, biomedical universities, biotechnology, diagnostics, genomics, pharmacogenomics and bioinformatics companies. She founded a biosimulation company, Kenna Technologies, where she has served as CEO until its acquisition by DNA Print Genomics. At DNAG she led the development of new pharmacogenetics diagnostic tests as well as bringing DNA identity technology to intelligence and forensic criminal investigations. In 2014 she cofounded the nonprofit organization, BioPontis Alliance for Rare Diseases, offering a nontraditional model for drug discovery in rare, orphan diseases. Today she is leading Audacity Therapeutics, PBC, and Audacity R4 Pharmaceutical Fund, proposing a new business model in the biopharmaceutical industry designed to reorient medical value ahead of financial returns. She also serves the research management needs of rare disease patient organizations through NovoKen, LLC. Dr. Handelin served on the boards of several genomics companies (e.g. EXACT Sciences and RedPath Integrated Pathology). She served 10 years as a board member of Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) as well as on a variety of federal committees and advisory panels on ethics in genetic testing, including the Secretary’s Advisory Panel on Genetics, Health and Society.