Endpoint Welcomes Ken Kearney, Advancing Cardiovascular Safety and Toxicology Strategy

November 11, 2026

With more than 20 years of experience spanning contract research and pharmaceutical development, Ken Kearney brings expertise in nonclinical program strategy, cardiovascular assessment, and scientific leadership to Endpoint’s Expert Network.

Endpoint Preclinical is pleased to welcome Ken Kearney, BS, DSP, to our Expert Network. A Diplomate in Safety Pharmacology, Ken has built a career spanning GLP study direction, multidisciplinary team leadership, and sponsor-side drug development. He brings a practical understanding of what it takes to design, execute, and interpret studies that inform development decisions. View Ken’s Profile.

Ken has directed and overseen more than 600 preclinical studies, including IND-enabling programs and early-stage investigations supporting lead optimization. His experience encompasses cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous system assessments, as well as the development of integrated nonclinical plans, candidate selection, and regulatory submissions. More recently, his work in pharmaceutical development has included guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex toxicology evaluations and helping advance multiple drug candidates toward IND-enabling studies.

“Ken brings a rare combination of experience from both sides of preclinical development,” says Cole McLarty, CEO of Endpoint Preclinical. “Having built, led, and optimized complex programs at Charles River, and subsequently navigated drug development from the sponsor side at Blueprint Medicines, he understands both the operational realities and the bigger strategic picture. Whether helping a CRO partner establish new capabilities or guiding a biopharmaceutical sponsor through an IND-enabling program, Ken brings the kind of practical, well-rounded expertise that is difficult to find and very much aligned with Endpoint’s DNA.”

Beyond program oversight, Ken has contributed to the development and validation of physiological monitoring technologies, including telemetry and respiratory assessment methods. He has also helped establish standardized research procedures, developed technical training programs, and participated in industry working groups focused on improving data collection and interpretation. These efforts reflect a longstanding interest in strengthening the methods, personnel, and infrastructure that underpin reliable preclinical research.

An important part of Ken’s approach is finding opportunities to address potential risks before they become larger obstacles. By combining early data evaluation with careful study planning, he helps teams make informed choices about development priorities, avoid unnecessary work, and use research resources responsibly. His experience with cardiovascular data interpretation and monitoring provides additional technical depth when investigating complex physiological findings.

“One of my biggest priorities is assisting research teams to identify safety concerns as early as possible,” says Ken. “Employing the right methodologies and interpreting the data effectively, we have an opportunity to make better development decisions, reduce the risk of late-stage failures, and avoid unnecessary studies. Ultimately, that means using our resources more responsibly while giving promising therapies the best chance of success to reach patients in need.”

We are excited to welcome Ken Kearney to Endpoint Preclinical and look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring to our clients.