
Daniel Kavanagh, PhD, RAC
Senior Scientific Advisor, Gene Therapy, WCG IRB
Biography
Dr. Kavanagh serves as scientific lead in the IBC Services division, and works closely with sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), and institutions to establish IBC oversight of gene transfer trials. Prior to joining WCG, Dr. Kavanagh was assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, assistant immunologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and a principal investigator studying infectious diseases at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard.
While at Harvard, Dr. Kavanagh served as vice chair of the Partners Institutional Biosafety Committee, which oversees biosafety at two main Harvard teaching hospitals. He was also co-chair of a Phase 1 clinical trial of an autologous mRNA transfected dendritic cell vaccine in HIV+ subjects.
In addition, he served as director of the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research Biosafety Level 3 Core. Dr. Kavanagh’s scientific research has focused on factors that modulate the T cell response to infectious diseases and tumors, including antigen processing, TCR signaling, co-stimulation, and checkpoint signaling integration. He has coauthored 37 peer-reviewed papers in numerous journals, including Nature Immunology, Blood, The Journal of Experimental Medicine, and the Journal of Immunology.
Dr. Kavanagh received a PhD in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Oregon Health and Science University. He completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and the Rockefeller University. He is also holds a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
Latest insights by Daniel

Key Takeaways From FDA’s New Draft Guidance, “Studying Multiple Versions of a Cellular or Gene Therapy Product in an Early-Phase Clinical Trial”
Blog Posts
Four Key Elements You Need to Know About the Role of IBCs in Gene Therapy Trials
Blog Posts
As a sponsor, does my HGT clinical trial require IBC approval at all sites?
Blog Posts
Does Human Gene Transfer research at my site require IBC approval?
Blog Posts
Institutional Biosafety Committee Review for Genetically Modified Vaccines and Gene Transfer Products
Videos
NIH Launches NExTRAC to Advise on Emerging Biotechnologies
Blog Posts
Amendments to the NIH Guidelines: Effects on Human Gene Transfer Research
Blog Posts
Germline Modification for HIV Prevention is Unjustified
Blog Posts
Changes to Human Gene Transfer Oversight at NIH
Blog Posts