MITOCHONDRIAL TRANSPLANT:

FROM RESEARCH TO CLINIC TO COMMERCIALIZATION

  

JLABS @ TORONTO

661 University Ave

Toronto, ON

INDUSTRY EVENT

FRIDAY APRIL 26, 2024

8:30AM – 11:30AM EST

Image of futuristic human with highlighted organs: muscle, joint, brain, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. Mitchondria indicated to be transplanted to these organs
Ana Andreazza, Scientific Director of MITO2i
Michael May, President of CCRM
Dozie Amuzie, Head of JLabs Innovation
Tina Napso, Research Manager at Minovia Therapeutics
Alex Schueller, CEO of Cellvie
Bharat Sinivasa, Principal of Amplitude

OVERVIEW

MITO2i, in collaboration with JLabs and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), hosted an Industry-Led event on Friday, April 26.

Mitochondrial Transplant: From Research to Clinical to Commercialization brought together leaders in the industry to discuss the latest developments and challenges associated with the research, development, and commercialization of mitochondrial transplant as a therapeutic option for mitochondrial disease and dysfunction. Potential applications of mitochondrial transplantation in associated acute and chronic conditions including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and organ transplant were discussed.

SPEAKERS

MODERATORS

ANA ANDREAZZA

ANA ANDREAZZA

SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR, MITOCHONDRIAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE (MITO2i)

Dr. Ana Andreazza is a leading expert in molecular pharmacology and mitochondrial research. With over 150 research articles, she focuses on redox modulations and mitochondrial dysfunction in mood disorders, employing innovative methods like 3D brain organoids. As the visionary founder of MITO2i, she spearheads collaborative efforts to advance understanding of mitochondrial function and genetics in human diseases, aiming to enhance mitochondrial health. MITO2i is a collaborative hub that engages all stakeholders in advancing science in the field of mitochondrial medicine & research. Our goal is to transform the understanding of mitochondrial health and disease, leading to better diagnoses and treatments that enhance quality of human life; ultimately transforming healthcare by integrating mitochondrial health into routine care.

MICHAEL MAY

MICHAEL MAY

PRESIDENT & CEO, CENTRE FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE (CCRM)

Dr. Michael May serves as the President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to advancing regenerative medicine, including cell and gene therapy, through technology development, company creation, and investment catalysis. Prior to his role at CCRM, Michael co-founded and led Rimon Therapeutics Ltd., a Toronto-based tissue engineering company specializing in innovative medical polymers with therapeutic potential. By partnering with leading research institutions to launch new ventures, enabling industry by providing innovative contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services, and scaling emerging companies by catalyzing investment, CCRM is accelerating the translation of promising technologies, processes and therapies into life-changing health outcomes for patients.

PANELISTS

DOZIE AMUZIE

DOZIE AMUZIE

HEAD, JOHNSON & JOHNSON INNOVATION, JLABS CANADA

As Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS in Canada, Dozie is responsible for external engagement, innovation sourcing, company onboarding, portfolio management, operational excellence, educational programming and P&L. He catalyzes and supports the translation of science and technology into valuable solutions for patients and consumers across the pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer and healthtech sectors. JLABS provides entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and resources to accelerate the development of healthcare innovations. It serves as a hub for fostering collaboration and advancing breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer health, and healthtech.

TINA NAPSO

TINA NAPSO

RESEARCH MANAGER, MINOVIA THERAPEUTICS

Dr. Tina Napso, Ph.D., brings a wealth of experience in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Her expertise spans the intricate realms of oncology and immunology, where she has contributed significantly to advancing medical research and innovation. With a focus on addressing unmet medical needs, Dr. Napso has played pivotal roles in various projects aimed at improving patient outcomes in these critical areas of healthcare. Minovia Therapeutics is a clinical stage company, the first to use mitochondrial cell therapy approach with the hope to bring life changing therapies to people with mitochondrial dysfunction. From rare diseases to aging, Minovia is a lead center of excellence in mitochondria based therapy – a true platform for a better life.

ALEX SCHUELLER

ALEX SCHUELLER

FOUNDER & CEO, CELLVIE INC.

Dr. Alexander Schueller specializes in strategic marketing and product management within the healthcare industry. With a strong background in neuroscience and psychiatry, he has expertise in launching and managing innovative pharmaceutical products. Alex was introduced to therapeutic mitochondria transplantation (TMT) and was immediately captivated by the opportunity to bring about a novel category of cell-derived medicines. Alex is particularly keen to develop TMT as a platform, to realize its full potential. Cellvie is pioneering Therapeutic Mitochondria Transplantation, a novel treatment approach aimed at the cellular energy metabolism. They are deriving medicines from cells, leveraging one of the cornerstones of evolution: mitochondria. Cellvie is targeting ischemia-reperfusion injury as its technology’s first application.

BHARAT SRINIVASA

BHARAT SRINIVASA

CO-FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL, AMPLITUDE VENTURES

Bharat Srinivasa brings a wealth of experience from his previous role on the investment team at the BDC Healthcare Fund. Before his venture into investment, he honed his expertise in healthcare consulting, specializing in areas such as forecasting, commercial analytics, and business intelligence for pharmaceutical companies at Foster Rosenblatt. With a background in experimental medicine and a Master’s in microbiology and immunology from McGill University, Bharat possesses a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research landscape. Amplitude Ventures is a Canadian healthcare venture capital firm that invests across all segments of Precision Medicine, including therapeutics, medical technologies or other emerging areas including AI enabling Precision Medicine, Healthcare IT and Services

MITO2i: Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative
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