Garo H. Armen
Garo H. Armen is an American-Armenian scientist. He is the co-founder and CEO of Agenus, Inc, as well as the chairman of the Children of Armenia Fund.
Career
Dr. Garo Armen is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agenus Inc., a biotechnology company heco-founded in 1994, focused on pioneering immunotherapies to fight cancer. One of Agenus’ most
groundbreaking achievements is the development of the BOT/BAL combination therapy, which has
demonstrated remarkable success in difficult-to-treat cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer.
This therapy reawakens the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer, representing a significant
advancement in the treatment of cancers that were once considered insurmountable.
Dr. Armen is also the Chairman of Mink Therapeutics, which is developing novel cell therapies that
modulate immune responses. These therapies hold promise for treating both cancer and a range of
immune disorders, providing a versatile approach to managing complex diseases.
Dr. Armen has made significant contributions to corporate leadership. He spearheaded the restructuring
of Elan Corporation, plc, guiding the company through a critical period that ultimately saved it from
collapse. He also serves as the Executive Chairman of Protagenic Therapeutics, a company focused on
therapies for neurological and metabolic disorders.
Dr. Armen began his career at Brookhaven National Laboratory after earning his Ph.D. in Physical
Chemistry from the City University of New York. He later transitioned to Wall Street, where he
founded Armen Partners, a firm specializing in healthcare investments. His efforts resulted in key
industry mergers, including the union of Immunex Corporation and Lederle Oncology.
Humanitarian work
Dr. Armen founded the Children of Armenia Fund in 2003, with a vision to revitalize ruralArmenia. Through grassroots initiatives, COAF has implemented over $100 million worth of projects,
dramatically improving education, healthcare, and social programs across more than 100 villages. These
efforts have empowered young Armenians and strengthened their communities, fundamentally altering
the socio-economic landscape of rural Armenia.
Honors
In 2024, Armen received the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance's highest award, the Eminent Person Award.In 2016, the Immigrant Learning Center in Malden, MA named Armen an Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year.
In 2004, Armen received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his humanitarian efforts in Armenia.
In 2002, Ernst & Young recognized Armen as the NYC Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year.
Early life
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953, Dr. Armen moved to the United States in 1970, where his career hasspanned scientific innovation, corporate leadership, and philanthropy.