Rakesh Dixit, Ph.D, DABT

Rakesh Dixit, Ph.D, DABT, conducted extensive graduate and post-graduate training in Toxicology–Biochemistry with both Indian and US Institutions and is board certified in Toxicology from the American Board of Toxicology, Inc. since 1992. In December 1992, he joined the Department of Safety Assessment, Merck and Co., Inc, West Point, PA where he served in various management positions. During his about 14 years with Merck, Dixit contributed to the successful filings of many blockbuster drugs. For about a year, he was associated with Johnson and Johnson PRD, La Jolla/Alza as Senior Director of Toxicology. In Aug 2006, Dixit joined AstraZeneca Biologics (formerly MedImmune) to lead Global Biologics Safety Assessment, Experimental Pathology, and Laboratory Animal Medicine. In his current position, Dixit is responsible for providing guidance on research and development of biological products; including nonclinical toxicology/safety support for all AstraZeneca biologics products, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. Rakesh Dixit has published more than 60 papers in renowned international journals and has given over 100 invited lectures/presentations/workshops in national and international meetings. His areas of expertise are mainly in the area of pharmaceuticals and biologics drug development, safety assessment of small molecule drugs, biologics, vaccines and in exploring mechanisms of toxicity. He is also considered a recognized expert in safety and pharmacology biomarkers and has won many awards.