Safia Rizvi is a distinguished business executive, entrepreneur, and scientist with over two decades of leadership in the life sciences and healthcare sector. Her career is defined by a pursuit of innovation with purpose and a commitment to making effective therapies accessible worldwide.

As CEO of CILA Therapeutics, Safia is driving the development of novel therapies for chronic lung diseases like COPD and Cystic Fibrosis, alongside a platform for improved RNA delivery directly to the lungs. Under her leadership, CILA has evolved from concept to a clinical trial-ready pipeline, prioritizing therapies for orphan diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD).

Prior to CILA, Safia held pivotal executive positions at innovative biotechnology organizations, including Chief Operating Officer of CARAVAN BIOLOGIX and Managing Director of the Blue Group. Her strategic insights and operational expertise helped advanced cell therapy platforms and provided invaluable advice to CEOs and leadership teams.
Safia has broad experience across multiple disease areas and therapeutic modalities, spanning traditional Pills, Biologics, Vaccines, and Cell & Gene therapies. Her diverse experience as a scientist and business leader at large and mid-cap multinationals (GlaxosmithKline, Astra Zeneca, UCB) as well as small innovative startups, giver her a distinct perspective on strategic challenges of life science organizations. She has successfully navigated global and local regulatory and market access environments in the US, EU, and Asia, and offers invaluable insight to corporation seeking global expansion and tangible growth.
With an MBA from Wharton, a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and completion of a comprehensive “”Board Room Ready”” program at George Washington University, Safia brings a unique blend of scientific acumen and business savvy. Her contributions include numerous publications and over 25 patents.

Currently serving on the board of Kermode Biotechnologies and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma Safia also co-founded eLIT, a nonprofit empowering economically challenged women through education. Her leadership has been recognized with awards from American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Ernst & Young.
Named one of 50 women to watch for corporate boards in 2024, Safia is a strategic asset for organizations seeking to drive innovation, ethics and global impact.