Sebastián Bernales

Biography

Sebastián Bernales did his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the Catholic University in Chile and
his Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF). His early
contributions to science were in the area of cell biology, especially in learning of how cells cope with
accumulation of unfolded proteins and how they control organelle homeostasis.
In addition to his research, Bernales has played a critical role in the development of a unique
relationship between UCSF and Fundación Ciencia & Vida. Since 2002, more than 200 graduate students
and faculty members from UCSF have been to Chile to participate in collaborative efforts.
In 2007, he joined the California-based biotechnology company Medivation Inc. where his last title was
Vice President of Discovery Biology. Medivation was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development and commercialization of medically innovative therapies to treat serious diseases, including XTANDI (enzalutamide), an approved androgen receptor inhibitor used as a treatment for prostate cancer. Pfizer acquired Medivation in 2016.
He has co-founded several biotech companies -e.g. Praxis, Merken, Metagenomi, Medzyme, Kreas- and
support several others as board member or advisor -e.g. NotCo, Levita, Miroculus, Epiphany, Mikrovia.
He is also a Venture Partner at Droia Ventures and a General Partner at Humboldt Fund.