Leadership

Dr. Rock is a biochemistry specialist with more than 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug development who is responsible for building out Pliant’s comprehensive fibrosis drug discovery engine. Prior to joining Pliant as Director of Biology and Head of Molecular Screening and Biochemistry, Dr. Rock held roles of increasing responsibility within the biochemistry group at Anacor Pharmaceuticals, most recently serving as Director of Biochemistry. At Anacor, Dr. Rock led key biochemistry research efforts in support of Kerydin®, the company’s first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of human onychomycosis and Eucrisa®, an approved treatment for eczema. Dr. Rock managed the biochemistry group in support of multiple partnered R&D programs including those with GSK, Pfizer and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to this, Dr. Rock held the role of Project Manager at PPD Discovery, Lab Head and Senior Scientist II at Systemix and began his professional career conducting his post-doctoral fellowship at the DNAX Research Institute. Dr. Rock has co-authored more than 20 publications and holds numerous patents in the areas of inflammation and anti-infectives.

Dr. Rock received his B.S. from York University in Toronto, Canada with honors in biology and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Toronto.