The Chain: Protein Engineering Podcast Episode: 79 - Conversation with Bahija Jallal on the Biggest Anticipated Transformations and Breakthroughs
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Nov 11, 2025 
Bahija Jallal, CEO of Immunocore and former president of MedImmune, shares her 30+ years of experience in biotech. She discusses the rising importance of T-cell engagers and their advantages over traditional therapies. Jallal reflects on her rewarding work with T-cell receptor therapy for uveal melanoma and highlights the role of AI in the future of drug discovery. With insights on balancing innovation with patient safety, she emphasizes the need for passionate scientists who prioritize patient outcomes.
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Personal Loss Sparked A Science Career
- Bahija Jallal traced her drive for science to her father's death from a medical error when she was nine.
- That event pushed her to pursue research so she could make meaningful differences for patients throughout her career.
From Kinases To Building A Biologics Pipeline
- Bahija described moving from small-molecule kinase work to biologics at MedImmune and building an empty pipeline into approved medicines.
- She credited timing, the right team, and strategic kills and restarts for delivering a BLA by 2015 ahead of schedule.
Transformative Results In Uveal Melanoma
- Bahija called Immunocore's T-cell receptor program her most rewarding project because it produced durable survival for previously untreatable uveal melanoma.
- She shared that patients are alive six to seven years later, a dramatic change from prior one-year prognosis.