Sabah Öney is a leading figure in the biotech industry, known for his patient-centric approach to science and commitment to translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications. Originally from Cyprus, he came to the U.S. at age 18, earning a genetics degree from the University of Kansas and a PhD. in genetics and genomics at Duke University. Recognizing that a strong business background would help him become a bridge between scientific teams and the business world, Sabah enrolled at Stanford GSB to gain expertise in finance and strategy.
Sabah’s career has included significant roles at several innovative biotech companies. He played a pivotal role at Ariosa Diagnostics, an organization at the forefront of applying genomics to diagnostics, specifically in non-invasive prenatal testing. He then served as the chief business officer of Alector, a biotech firm targeting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. During his tenure, he was instrumental in driving the company’s growth, including its IPO and major partnerships. Sabah is currently serving as CEO at Dispatch Biotherapeutics, a startup leading the charge to develop genetically engineered CAR T-cell therapies to address solid tumors, which account for approximately 90 percent of all cancer diagnoses.
In an interview with Luke Timmerman on the podcast The Long Run, Sabah explains, “I wanted to go after an idea that could have a very big impact on humanity.” He also emphasizes, “This work matters deeply to me, as it does to so many whose lives have been touched by cancer. We’ve built a strong scientific foundation that gives us a real shot at making a difference.” In 2022, Sabah’s personal commitment to this work led him to participate in the Timmerman Traverse trek to the Everest Base Camp, along with 18 other biotech professionals. Sabah alone raised nearly $97,000 for cancer research through the trek, supporting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Sabah recounts that the journey was a “life-altering experience” that reinforced his belief in the power of a shared purpose. Through his unique combination of scientific rigor and business acumen, Sabah continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in biotechnology, driven by an unwavering commitment to transforming lives through breakthrough treatments.
