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Kevin Coker, JD, MPH, MS

Innovation Strategist and the Head of MedTech Development at MD Anderson Cancer Center and 1 other company
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Kevin Coker is currently an Innovation Strategist and the Head of MedTech Development at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the world’s number one ranked cancer center and an advisor for First Bight Investments, a Venture Fund and Accelerator focused on synthetic biology and industrial biomanufacturing.

Most recently Mr. Coker was the Co-Founder and CEO of Proxima Clinical Research, a contract research organization that serves the emerging drug and medical device industries. Proxima CRO was ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine two years in a row (2021, 2022) and won over 30 awards in its first seven years. He also served as founder and principal of M1MedTech, a virtual venture studio for medical devices, and was co-host of Inventing Tomorrow Podcast.

Over his career, Mr. Coker has served in a number of executive roles. Previously, he was a Board Director for Volumetric Biotechnologies, a 3D bioprinting company focused on making the world’s first 3D printed lung. The company was acquired by 3D Systems (NASDQ: DDD) in late 2021.

Mr. Coker was CEO and Director of MolecularMatch, a software company dedicated to helping laboratories interpret next generation sequencing tests for clinical practice. He served as the Vice President and Oncology Franchise Lead for Worldwide Clinical Trials, a global CRO working in over 50 countries, and was Vice President of Research for McKesson Corp. McKesson Specialty Health / US Oncology Research.

Mr. Coker received a B.S. in Biology from The University of Central Arkansas, an M.S. in Pathology from The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and J.D. and M.P.H. degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He is a certified clinical molecular biologist CLSp(MB) and is Regulatory Affairs certified RAC (US).

He is the former Chair of the Ethics Committee for Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) as well as a past Board Member and served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arkansas. He has been involved in hundreds of clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies pursuing marketing indications and been involved in dozens of regulatory submissions for both biotech and medical device companies.

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  • Tariffs and FDA Cuts Threaten Clinical Trial Costs and Timelines
    Kevin warns that tariffs on pharmaceuticals and FDA staffing shortages are inflating clinical trial costs and delaying approvals. "Tariffs and FDA staffing cuts are making clinical trials more expensive and slower to execute," he says. This affects drug costs, supply chains, and site selections, risking fewer life-saving treatments reaching the market. Proactive strategies and policy changes are urgently needed.
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  • Employee experience a top priority at Proxima CRO and it's led to our continued growth and the elevation of our brand as Superheroes. This Great Place to Work recognition is one more way for us to celebrate our employees' contributions toward advancing innovation in life sciences.