David J. Bearss, Ph.D.

Co-Founder
Chairman of the Board

Dr. David J. Bearss is a trendsetting entrepreneur of drug development with over 20 years’ of experience. Not only is David an industry-leading expert in small molecule drug development and genetic model systems for drug discovery, but he also has unique experience in translational research focused on the use of genetic markers to predict drug sensitivity. Over the course of his career, Dr. Bearss has discovered 16 compounds that have had INDs accepted and have moved forward in clinical development. Additionally, David is a founder of eight biotech companies.

Dr. Bearss has made a profound impact on the industry and also in academia. He co-founded Biolexis Therapeutics in November 2021. He has also served as the CSO of Halia Therapeutics since January 2021 and as its CEO since March 2022. Previously, Dr. Bearss served as CEO of Tolero Pharmaceuticals and as CSO of Montigen Pharmaceuticals and SuperGen Inc., where he oversaw early drug discovery and development.

Dr. Bearss was the Founding Co-Director of the Center for Investigational Therapeutics at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He has held the role of Associate Professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah as well as Associate Professor of Physiology and Developmental Biology at Brigham Young University. Dave earned a Ph.D. in cellular biology from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Hariprasad Vankayalapati, M.Pharm, PhD

 Co-Founder
Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Hariprasad Vankayalapati is a leading industry force in the discovery of targeted therapeutics for oncological, immunological, and CSN/neurodegenerative applications. Along with his colleague Dr. David Bearss, Hari founded Biolexis Therapeutics in 2021 and developed the groundbreaking MolecuLernTM, a technology that enables rapid discovery and development of novel clinical candidate agents for a variety of therapeutic applications.

Dr. Vankayalapati has a storied career in the industry and in academia. In addition to being a founder of Biolexis Therapeutics, Hari was a founder of Oncolexis Therapeutics and Arrien Pharmaceuticals, and served as CSO for both companies. In the role of Associate Professor at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, Hari supported drug discovery programs for cancer immunotherapeutics. He also served as Chief Scientist at the Center for Investigational Therapeutics at Huntsman as well as for the School of Medicine at the University of Utah. While at Huntsman, Hari was instrumental in the discovery of two agents, which are currently in clinical trials. Additionally, while acting as Chief Scientist at Supergen, Inc. (now Astex/Otsuka Pharmaceuticals), he was key in the development of three clinical agents and several preclinical candidates. While there, Hari also developed CLIMB technology and co-founded Montigen Pharmaceuticals with Dr. Bearss, which was acquired by SuperGen in 2006 for $40 million.

Hari is the author of more than 70 publications and is an inventor with several US/WO patents. He earned PhD and MPharm degrees in Medicinal Chemistry from the Institute of Chemical Technology at the University of Mumbai and the University of Karnataka, respectively. He completed postdoctoral training in Organic Chemistry at the University of Sunderland in England and in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Arizona Cancer Center under Professor Laurence H. Hurley.

KYLE MEDLEY, MS, MBA

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Kyle Medley joined Biolexis Therapeutics as Director of Business Development in November 2021. Prior to working with Biolexis, Kyle acted as a senior research scientist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where he focused on the discovery and development of three small molecule oral anti-cancer therapies for solid tumors, hematological malignancies, and immune-mediated targets. While at Huntsman, he worked under the direction of Dr. Vankayalapati.

Kyle’s experience in both the industry and academia—including work in chemical biology, early drug discovery, and corporate development—has made him uniquely qualified to lead Biolexis’ efforts in numerous areas, including business development, corporate strategy, investor relations, collaborations, and external communications.

Kyle earned a BS in Biology/Chemistry from Utah Valley University, followed by a Master of Science in Chemical Biology from the University of Michigan. He also earned an MBA from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.

MICAH HARMAN

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Micah Harman has spent 20 years honing his expertise in marketing in the world of startups and small businesses, working in a variety of industries such as health care, medical devices, automotive, entertainment, real estate, and construction. As Director of Marketing for Biolexis Therapeutics, Micah utilizes his wealth of marketing knowledge to support the image of the rapidly growing company and brand. His work includes illustration and design, along with photo, video, print, and web content.

Prior to joining Biolexis in 2022, Micah held the role of Director of Marketing at DONE, where he designed and implemented marketing plans and strategies for startups and established businesses. He has also had illustrious clients such as Toyota, GM, Ford, 3M, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, Disney, MLB, NCAA, Tony Hawk Inc., and Intermountain Healthcare. He earned a BFA from Brigham Young University.