Dr. Quyen T. Nguyen is a Professor of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and Pharmacology at UC San Diego, and an internationally recognized surgeon-scientist in fluorescence-guided surgery. She co-invented bevonescein, an injectable fluorescent agent designed to highlight nerves in real time during surgery. Under her leadership, Alume Biosciences’s lead compound, bevonescein, received Fast Track Designation from the FDA and has completed three Phase 3 clinical trials at top academic medical centers across the United States. A New Drug Application (NDA) is planned for 2026 with commercialization anticipated in 2028. A pioneer in surgical molecular imaging, Dr. Nguyen began this line of research in collaboration with the late Nobel Laureate Dr. Roger Tsien (Chemistry 2008). Her translational work continues to shape the future of precision surgery, aiming to reduce complications and improve outcomes through enhanced intraoperative visualization of critical structures with fluorescence.
Dr. Nguyen is board-certified Otolaryngologist who specializes in Neurotology, or the management of diseases of the inner ear, temporal bone, and skull base, including tumors and other conditions. As a tenured Professor in the Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Pharmacology, she serves as Neurotology Program Director for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Neurotology Fellowship to train surgeons during their subspecialty training at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
Dr. Nguyen completed a fellowship in neurotology and a residency in head and neck surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine. She earned her medical and doctorate degrees from Washington University School of Medicine.