Asif Ali serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Protagonist Therapeutics Inc., a position he has held since joining the company in 2016. With a robust background in finance and biotechnology, Asif brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to joining Protagonist, he was the Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller at Relypsa, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in the company's financial strategy and eventual acquisition by Vifor Pharma for $1.5 billion. His earlier career also includes significant positions at companies such as Affymax, Inc., and Thoratec Corporation, showcasing his deep understanding of the biotech industry's financial landscape. At Protagonist Therapeutics, Asif Ali has been instrumental in steering the company through various stages of growth and development. His strategic financial oversight has been crucial in advancing the company's pipeline of peptide-based new chemical entities, particularly in the areas of hematology and gastroenterology. Under his leadership, Protagonist has successfully navigated several funding rounds and established key partnerships, ensuring the company's financial stability and growth. Asif's ability to blend financial acumen with a keen understanding of the biotech sector's unique challenges has made him an invaluable asset to Protagonist's executive team. Asif holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from Santa Clara University. His educational background, combined with his extensive professional experience, has equipped him with the skills necessary to drive Protagonist's financial strategy forward. As the company continues to innovate and expand its therapeutic offerings, Asif's role will remain central to its success, guiding Protagonist towards achieving its mission of improving patient lives through cutting-edge peptide therapeutics.