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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.
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
Keith Marmer, Chief Business Officer brings 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor and executive. Over the course of his career, he has led, advised and supported start-up and growth stage companies to raise more than $2.5B in capital and led or oversaw more than 400 license, M&A, and related agreements.
Keith serves as Managing Partner of UVB Capital, a venture fund focused on early-stage life science companies. Prior to co-founding UVB Capital, Keith was Chief Innovation & Economic Engagement Officer at University of Utah. Under Keith’s leadership, University of Utah attained international recognition as one of the top universities for commercialization, start-up formation and creating equity portfolio value. An accomplished entrepreneur, Keith has frequently been recognized for his work, including being named by Philadelphia Business Magazine’s 100 People to Watch.