Mercedes Diz

Chief Executive Officer
Highlight Therapeutics

Biography

Mercedes Diz is the Chief Executive Officer of Highlight Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech developing a novel dsRNA-based immunotherapy platform in dermato-oncology. The company’s lead candidate, now in advanced clinical development, has shown promising efficacy in Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer globally, and melanoma, one of the most aggressive and life-threatening skin cancers.

Before joining Highlight Therapeutics, Mercedes spent over two decades at Almirall, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Barcelona and dedicated to medical dermatology. As Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Executive Committee, she played a key role in shaping Almirall’s international strategy and growth. Over her tenure at the company, she held a variety of global leadership positions, including Head of Global Commercial Operations, VP Strategy and Corporate Development, and VP of Global Marketing & Market Access.

Mercedes holds a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, complemented by postgraduate studies in Business Administration and Management. Earlier in her career, she held commercial and marketing roles at Pfizer, DuPont Pharma, and Allergan.

Passionate about bridging science and access, Mercedes is an advocate for reducing health inequalities and fostering innovation that translates into meaningful impact for patients.