Erin Quirk, M.D., serves as President and Head of Research and Development at Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for liver diseases and oncology. In this pivotal role, she oversees the company's entire R&D pipeline, guiding the advancement of novel small-molecule candidates from discovery through clinical trials. With a keen emphasis on addressing unmet needs in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cancer, Quirk has been instrumental in shaping Terns' strategic direction, fostering collaborations, and driving the progression of lead programs like TERN-701 for chronic myeloid leukemia and TERN-601 for obesity-related conditions. Her leadership has helped position Terns as a key player in metabolic and oncologic therapeutics, leveraging her extensive expertise to accelerate drug development timelines and enhance patient outcomes. Quirk brings over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical research and clinical development to her position at Terns. Prior to joining the company in 2020, she held senior roles at Gilead Sciences, where she contributed significantly to the development and approval of groundbreaking antiviral therapies, including treatments for HIV and hepatitis C. Notably, she played a key role in the clinical programs for drugs like Truvada and Harvoni, which revolutionized care for millions of patients worldwide. Her background as a board-certified infectious disease specialist, combined with her M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and training at prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School, has equipped her with a deep understanding of translational medicine and regulatory pathways. Under Quirk's guidance, Terns has achieved several milestones, including the initiation of multiple Phase 2 trials and securing significant funding to support its pipeline. Her achievements extend beyond corporate success; she is a recognized thought leader in the field, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Quirk's commitment to innovation and patient-centric approaches continues to drive Terns' mission, positioning the company for future breakthroughs in treating complex diseases.