Margarita brings to Newron over 20 years of dealmaking expertise and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, she was Managing Director of AbbVie Ventures, where she led investments and built biotech companies across the US and Europe. Margarita also served as a board member for several biotech companies across the US and Europe. As a Director in Abbott’s Global Pharmaceutical Licensing & Acquisitions Division, she was involved in the successful in-licensing of Elagolix and the acquisitions of Solvay, ImmuVen and the Lupron franchise. Before joining Abbott, Margarita practiced as a corporate and securities lawyer in the Silicon Valley, advising tech and biotech companies on strategic transactions including IPOs and mergers and acquisitions. She received her bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and her juris doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law (both California). She serves as a member of the board of Aligos Therapeutics, a NASDAQ-traded biotech, and as chairperson of Xyo Bio, a privately-held biotech. Until her appointment as independent director on April 2024, Margarita has been acting as advisor to Newron’s board since October 1, 2023. She is American.