| Name | Title | Contact Details |
|---|
Bamboo was formed to advance the work of Dr. Richard Jude Samulski, the Director of the Gene Therapy Center at the University of North Carolina (UNC), from the laboratory into human clinical trials where it could meet the requirements for drug approval. Dr. Samulski is a pioneer in the field of gene therapy. Over thirty (30) years ago, Dr. Samulski was the first person to realize the potential to use the adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vehicle to replace a defective gene with a healthy gene. Since that time, he has re-engineered the naturally occurring virus to target delivery to certain tissues, de-target other tissues, and improve its safety. This has resulted in over twenty (20) patents related to the use of AAV for therapeutic uses. Dr. Samulski continues to lead innovation in the field of vector optimization and AAV re-engineering.
Kezar co-founder Christopher Kirk, Ph.D. began his work on the unique function of the immunoproteasome at Proteolix in 2005, while working on the compound that would become the successful multiple myeloma drug KYPROLIS™ (carfilzomib). As VP of Research at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, which acquired Proteolix in 2009, Christopher led the efforts to develop the first selective inhibitors of the immunoproteasome and designed multiple studies demonstrating their profound immunomodulatory effects. In parallel with this work, Christopher and Kezar co-founder Jack Taunton, Ph.D. collaborated on several research projects involving protein secretion. This collaboration inspired a belief in the strong synergies between protein degradation and protein secretion, two fertile areas for drug discovery with platform potential. In 2014, Christopher and Kezar co-founder John Fowler began developing the business plan for Kezar, acting on a longstanding desire to work together and build a world-class company. In 2015, John and Christopher raised $23M and negotiated a worldwide, exclusive license agreement with Amgen for the Onyx immunoproteasome inhibitor patent estate. Now underway, John and Christopher are excited to leverage their complementary skill sets to build Kezar into a leader in small molecule drug development.
Brammer Bio is focused on providing clinical and commercial supply of autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, and viral vector products for in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications. Along with process and analytical development and regulatory support we enable large pharma and biotech clients to accelerate the delivery of novel medicines and improve patient health. Brammer Bio occupies 45,000 ft2 of process development and phase I/II clinical manufacturing space in Alachua, FL, and is developing a 50,000 ft2 facility in Lexington, MA, with plans to build-out large-scale, phase III/commercial ready viral vector manufacturing suites, segregated cell and gene therapy suites, and QC and analytical laboratories for clinical and commercial launch services.
Ceregene is a San Diego, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
BioMedica, Inc. is a San Diego, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.