INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 29, 2026 — Libris Innovations, the for-profit subsidiary of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), is delighted to announce the appointment of Ramani Varanasi as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Varanasi will lead Libris Innovations’ efforts to advance and support new ventures emerging from IBRI and partner innovations, while providing advisory guidance to help early-stage biotechnology companies secure the capital and talent needed to thrive. Her appointment underscores IBRI’s ongoing focus on strengthening the pathway from translational research to the creation of new companies.

“Libris Innovations builds upon the robust research engine established by IBRI, with a clear focus on translating that work into new companies and, ultimately, therapies for patients,” said Varanasi. “By launching new ventures and bolstering the biotech ecosystem in Indianapolis and beyond, we can advance promising science one company at a time.” 

A scientist, seasoned executive, and entrepreneur, Varanasi brings more than three decades of experience shaping and driving innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with organizations of all sizes to connect scientific insights with business value. Her expertise spans multiple disease areas and therapeutic approaches, from small-molecule and biologic programs to next-generation genetic and cell-based therapies.

Most recently, Varanasi served as Executive-in-Residence at University of California, San Francisco Innovation Ventures, where she worked closely with innovators and early-stage companies to support venture creation and commercialization efforts. She also serves as an advisor and board member to multiple biotechnology organizations, contributing expertise in company strategy, governance, and growth. Earlier in her career, she held the role of chief executive officer at companies focused on both drug development and advisory services for emerging biotech ventures.

“Ramani’s appointment represents a significant step forward for Libris Innovations,” said Alan Palkowitz, PhD, IBRI President and CEO. “Her leadership and experience will be pivotal in accelerating the translation of research into companies that deliver meaningful benefits to patients in need.”

About Libris Innovations

Libris Innovations is the for-profit subsidiary of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, established to advance IBRI’s most promising scientific discoveries into new life sciences companies dedicated to delivering medical innovations for patients in need. Libris oversees the formation and growth of ventures originating from IBRI and partner innovations, offering strategic guidance and advisory support to help early-stage biotechnology companies attract the capital, talent, and resources required to succeed. Companies supported by Libris benefit from strategic direction and operational support that facilitate moving discoveries from research through development and commercialization. 

About the IBRI

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is a leading translational medicine institute dedicated to advancing life sciences in the race to eliminate disease and enhance human health and well-being.

By linking early-stage biotech companies with academic researchers—and supported by the mission and resources of industry leaders, investors, and philanthropic partners—the IBRI is developing a new, independent model to conquer disease, uniting previously fragmented forces in the pursuit of cures. 

Through careful curation and support of early-stage companies with investment, talent, and space, the IBRI strategically accelerates drug discovery. Our work benefits from Indiana’s relatively low cost of living and doing business, allowing more resources to be directed toward scientific advancement. 

Driven by the same entrepreneurial creativity as the groundbreaking scientific work we support, the IBRI’s labs advance research across the frontiers of diabetes, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rare pediatric diseases. Our ambitious public-private vision cultivates talent while efficiently bridging the gap between research-driven inquiry and profit-driven drug development. 

At the IBRI, cures are launched on a clear path to clinical trials—enabled by the combined resources and experience of our academic and industry partners, but without the typical pressure for rapid commercialization. This freedom allows IBRI labs to pursue breakthroughs that might otherwise never occur. Breakthroughs are happening here.

Our innovative financing model ensures that when discoveries are ready for clinical trials, the intellectual property is sold back to industry or spun off, creating a direct revenue stream. By every measure, the IBRI model demonstrates a new approach that delivers results: scientific bench work is nurtured, drug discovery is accelerated, workforce development is continuous, investors see returns, and donors see impact. 

Most importantly, IBRI’s work matters to patients—those whose lives are improved or even saved by this forward-looking approach to life sciences. After more than a decade of proven results, the IBRI is poised to transform life sciences—and for millions of people, even life itself.

SOURCE Indiana Biosciences Research Institute