From Big Pharma to Biotech CEO

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you’ll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Rachel Sha, CEO at Terrestrial Bio.

Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem with Rachel, covering:

• Navigating the Genzyme Sanofi acquisition and building a leadership career on the other side of the transaction
• Being in the right place at the right time to pursue entrepreneurship, and the steep learning curve of stepping into a biotech CEO role
• The decision to adopt a dual strategy, partnering with biopharma on a platform technology while also advancing internal programs
• Leading a $50M Series C raise in a challenging funding environment and evolving the company’s identity
• The real world trade offs between building manufacturing capabilities in house versus outsourcing to CDMOs

Rachel Sha is the CEO at Terrestrial, a company focused on transforming the delivery of next generation therapies with its microarray skin patch that provides a patient friendly experience that is injection free and without the hassle of cold chain.  Prior to Terrestrial, she was an Operating Partner at Engine Ventures, a venture fund spun-out of MIT that invests in Tough Tech companies primarily in the Boston area.  She advised companies and worked with the investment team in exploring investment themes, opportunities, and programming.  Before her time in venture, she spent seventeen years at Genzyme and Sanofi where she held leadership positions in business development, strategy, and commercial.  Her last role at the firm was the Global Vice President of Digital Strategy, Partnering and Governance at Sanofi where she led global strategy, business development, and governance of digital programs to transform Sanofi and healthcare.

She has long been a supporter of developing women entrepreneurs and has supported organizations like Mass Next Gen and Springboard Enterprises.  She was recognized by the Boston Business Journal in the 2025 class of Women Who Lead in Life Sciences.  Rachel holds a BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Chemistry and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Please note: Vaxess Technologies is now Terrestrial (Terrestrial Bio, Inc.). This change reflects a brand evolution and is not part of a merger or acquisition. There has been no change in control or operations. All contracts, relationships and business activities continue uninterrupted under our new name.

Molecule to Market is also sponsored by Bora Pharmaceuticals, and supported by Lead Candidate. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We’d also appreciate a positive rating!