Raluca Budiu Predoiu is a seasoned expert in precision medicine, clinical trials, and drug development with extensive experience in oncology and biomarker research. She currently serves as the Director of Precision Medicine, Companion Diagnostics Strategy Lead at AbbVie, where she has been instrumental in shaping strategies for the development and integration of companion diagnostics to support precision oncology therapies.  

Prior to her role at AbbVie, Raluca held key leadership positions at Merck, where she contributed significantly as Principal Scientist (Director) in Translational Oncology. In this role, she led biomarker research for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), colorectal cancer (CRC), hematologic cancers, and managed Merck’s external collaboration studies. Her extensive work in biomarker development and precision oncology helped propel the company’s oncology portfolio forward. Raluca also served as an Associate Principal Scientist at Merck, leading cross-functional teams to drive cutting-edge cancer therapies from discovery to clinical applications.  

Before joining Merck, Raluca was a Scientist/Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she advanced cancer research, and a Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh, where she generated innovative pre-clinical models for ovarian cancer. Her work included developing a new triple transgenic mouse model and testing a new vaccine for advanced-stage ovarian cancer.  

With over a decade of research and leadership experience, Raluca has made significant contributions to oncology research, biomarker development, and precision medicine, and continues to shape the future of cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies. She is driven by a commitment to advancing clinical and translational research, bringing innovative therapies to patients in need.