Bluestar Genomics Appoints David Mullarkey Chief Executive Officer

SAN DIEGO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bluestar Genomics, Inc., an early cancer detection company leading the development and commercialization of next-generation liquid biopsy approaches initially focused on non-invasive detection of high-mortality cancers, today announced the appointment of David Mullarkey as chief executive officer, effective January 10. Mullarkey will also join the company's board of directors. Current acting chief executive officer and chief scientific officer Samuel Levy, Ph.D., to continue in his role as chief scientific officer.

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David Mullarkey, Chief Executive Officer of Bluestar Genomics, Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mullarkey brings an extensive track record of success across the life sciences industry of scaling and delivering value with therapeutic, diagnostic, and life science tools companies in both private and public settings.

“Dave is a terrific addition to the Bluestar Genomics executive team as the company transitions to becoming a commercial organization and brings its non-invasive cancer detection technology to patients,” said Stephen Quake, DPhil, co-founder of Bluestar Genomics and member of the board of directors. “He brings proven expertise as a leader in the genomics industry and in health care more broadly, and I know that Sam is looking forward to returning his full focus to the company’s science.”

Most recently, Mullarkey was president and chief executive officer of Omniome, where he raised over $150 million and guided the DNA sequencing company from the early technology development through the delivery of a beta prototype leading to its sale to Pacific Biosciences in 2021. Prior to Omniome, Mullarkey served as the president and chief operating officer of Ariosa Diagnostics, driving rapid global revenue growth and market development for the cell-free DNA non-invasive prenatal testing company resulting in the acquisition by Roche in 2014. Post-acquisition, Mullarkey led the integration of the Ariosa business and served as a global lifecycle leader, site head for a 250-person CLIA Lab/R&D location, and a core member of the Roche Sequencing Solutions leadership team. He has also held leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals and Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“The Bluestar Genomics platform is demonstrating unsurpassed performance in identifying some of the deadliest cancers at very early stages of disease. Having received FDA breakthrough device designation for early detection of pancreatic cancer, the team is focused on expediting the generation of high-quality, rigorous clinical data and making the test available for patients,” said Dave Mullarkey, incoming chief executive officer of Bluestar Genomics. “Having the opportunity to push the boundaries of science, work as part of an incredibly talented and driven team, and most importantly aggressively pursuing lifesaving innovations is both humbling and rewarding.”

About Bluestar Genomics

Bluestar Genomics is an early cancer detection company focused on the development and commercialization of non-invasive epigenomic tests to detect cancer through a standard blood draw, earlier than existing methods and when the disease is still treatable. The company uses its one-of-a-kind epigenomic platform that combines best-in-class bioinformatics and genomic technologies to analyze individuals’ changing biology that is yet to produce symptoms. Leveraging its novel liquid biopsy technology, Bluestar Genomics is initially focused on high-mortality cancers with the greatest need for early detection, starting with pancreatic and women’s cancers. With locations in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area, Bluestar Genomics collaborates with top research institutions and is supported by multiple global healthcare and technology investors and pharmaceutical collaborations. For more information, visit https://www.bluestargenomics.com or follow us on Twitter @BluestarGenomix.

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