Valo Health Taps Pharma Veteran for AI Drug Discovery Helm

LEXINGTON, MA – February 03, 2026 – In a significant move that underscores the convergence of big pharma expertise and artificial intelligence, Valo Health has appointed Dr. Karin Conde-Knape as its new Chief Scientific Officer. The AI-driven drug discovery company is betting that the Novo Nordisk veteran, a recognized leader with over two decades of experience, is the key to accelerating its mission of transforming how new medicines are made.

Dr. Conde-Knape steps into the role as Valo, founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2019, aims to scale its ambitious platform that combines human data, AI, and advanced lab models to unearth and develop novel therapies. Her appointment follows the planned retirement of Dr. Mike Graziano, who will remain with the company as a Scientific Advisor, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

“Dr. Conde-Knape’s scientific leadership, passion for patient-centric innovation, and proven track record in drug discovery will be invaluable as we continue to scale our platform and deliver on our mission to transform drug discovery through AI-enabled human causal biology and predictive chemistry,” said Brian Alexander, MD, MPH, CEO of Valo, in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team during such an exciting time for the company and our industry.”

A Legacy of Pharma Innovation

Dr. Conde-Knape arrives at Valo not as a newcomer to innovation, but as a seasoned architect of it within the traditional pharmaceutical landscape. Her career is a roadmap of significant contributions to some of the industry's largest players, making her move to an AI-first biotech a powerful statement.

Most recently, as Senior Vice President of Global Drug Discovery at Novo Nordisk, she was at the forefront of building the early pipeline for a company that has dominated the cardiometabolic space. Her tenure saw her play a key role from a global discovery perspective in the journey of Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug. Her work extended across diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, and renal diseases—therapeutic areas that align closely with Valo's own pipeline focus. Her industry-wide recognition, including being named one of the 'Fiercest Women in Life Sciences' by Fierce Pharma and a 'top 20 women breaking new ground in biopharma R&D' by Endpoints News in 2024, was heavily influenced by her strategic leadership and impact at Novo Nordisk.

Before her time at Novo Nordisk, Dr. Conde-Knape spent over a decade at Hoffmann-La Roche, leading discovery and biomarker teams in the cardiovascular and metabolism space. She also led external innovation efforts in Europe and Asia Pacific for Johnson & Johnson, demonstrating a long-standing expertise in identifying and integrating external technologies and opportunities—a skill set critical for the fast-moving AI sector.

“I have long admired Valo’s vision, ways of working, and bold approach to reimagining drug discovery,” Dr. Conde-Knape stated. “By starting with human data and applying advanced analytical tools and techniques, we can better understand disease causality and design new drugs based on those learnings. I look forward to building on Valo’s momentum and partnering with the team to deliver more therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.”

The "Brain Gain" Validating AI Drug Discovery

Dr. Conde-Knape's appointment is a prime example of a broader industry trend: the "brain gain" of top-tier talent from established pharmaceutical giants to agile, technology-driven biotechs. This migration serves as a powerful validation for the AI drug discovery field, signaling that its promise is maturing into tangible potential.

Companies like Valo, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Insitro are no longer just seen as high-tech service providers but as the potential future of R&D. They are attracting leaders who have seen the limitations of traditional, often slow and costly, drug discovery firsthand and are eager to pioneer new methods.

Valo’s approach is particularly comprehensive. It hinges on its platform which uses AI and human causal biology to identify novel drug targets and patient subtypes. This is complemented by proprietary 3D engineered human tissue models—like its Biowire platform for cardiac tissue—that allow for target validation in systems that better mimic human physiology than traditional animal models. Finally, its closed-loop chemistry platform aims to design and synthesize potential drug molecules with unprecedented speed and precision.

The challenge for these companies is to translate computational power into clinical success. By bringing in a leader like Dr. Conde-Knape, who has successfully navigated the complex journey from discovery to marketed drug multiple times, Valo is strategically positioning itself to bridge that gap. Her deep understanding of translational science and clinical development is expected to provide critical guidance for Valo’s preclinical and discovery-stage assets.

A Strategic Transition and Synergistic Future

The leadership transition at Valo appears to be one of strategic evolution rather than revolution. Dr. Mike Graziano, the outgoing CSO, leaves a significant legacy. He was instrumental in building Valo's scientific foundation, particularly in advancing the Biowire platform which originated from TARA Biosystems, a company he was involved with and which Valo acquired in 2022. His extensive experience, including his role in the development of the cholesterol drug Zetia® at Schering-Plough, has been crucial in establishing Valo's scientific credibility. His transition to a Scientific Advisor role ensures this deep institutional knowledge is retained.

Dr. Conde-Knape's arrival is particularly synergistic given Valo's existing partnerships. The most notable is a major, multi-program collaboration with her former employer, Novo Nordisk, focused primarily on cardiovascular disease. Her intimate knowledge of Novo Nordisk's strategic priorities, research culture, and pipeline needs could prove invaluable in maximizing the success of this critical partnership.

Furthermore, she will take the helm of a diverse and growing portfolio. Valo is not only advancing its internal programs in oncology, neurodegeneration, and cardiometabolic disease but also collaborating with external partners like The Michael J. Fox Foundation on Parkinson's disease research and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on device evaluation methodologies.

With Dr. Conde-Knape’s appointment, Valo Health is sending a clear signal to the industry. The company is doubling down on its strategy of marrying its powerful AI engine with the rigorous, patient-focused discipline of traditional drug development. Her leadership will now be central to proving that this combination can deliver on its ultimate promise: bringing transformative therapies to patients faster and more effectively than ever before.