Garo H. Armen

Garo H. Armen
Garo H. Armen
Born	1953; Istanbul, Turkey
Occupation(s)	Scientist, entrepreneur, CEO
Known for	Co-founder and CEO of Agenus, Inc.; Chairman of Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)

Garo H. Armen () is a scientist and entrepreneur of American-Armenian heritage. He is the co-founder and current CEO of Agenus, Inc, a biotechnology firm specializing in the development of cutting-edge immunotherapies for cancer. Additionally, Armen leads the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) as its chairman.

Career

Dr. Armen holds the positions of Chairman and CEO at Agenus Inc., a company founded in 1994 with the mission to create breakthrough immunotherapy treatments for cancer. One of Agenus' significant contributions is the BOT/BAL combination therapy, designed to reactivate the immune system against challenging malignancies such as metastatic colorectal cancer, representing a major step forward in cancer care.

He also presides over Mink Therapeutics, a company dedicated to advancing innovative cell-based therapies aimed at regulating immune responses in cancer and immune-related illnesses, thereby expanding therapeutic possibilities.

Armen was instrumental in steering Elan Corporation, plc through a critical restructuring phase that averted its failure. He currently serves as Executive Chairman of Protagenic Therapeutics, which focuses on developing therapies for neurological and metabolic disorders.

Armen earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the City University of New York and began his professional journey at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Later, he transitioned into the financial sector by founding Armen Partners, an investment firm concentrating on healthcare that played a pivotal role in facilitating major industry mergers, including Immunex Corporation’s acquisition by Lederle Oncology.

Humanitarian work

In 2003, Armen established COAF with the goal of revitalizing rural communities in Armenia through grassroots efforts. To date, COAF has allocated over $100 million toward initiatives that improve education, healthcare, and social services across more than 100 villages, substantially enhancing local socio-economic conditions and empowering residents.

Honors

In 2024, Armen was honored with the Eminent Person Award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance.

He was recognized as Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year by the Immigrant Learning Center in 2016 and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2004 for his philanthropic contributions.

In 2002, Ernst & Young awarded him the title of NYC Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year.

Early life

Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1953, Dr. Armen relocated to the United States in 1970 where he developed a distinguished career encompassing scientific research, corporate leadership, and charitable endeavors.

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