First-in-Class, Targeted Nucleic Acid Therapeutics
Gennao Bio is developing first-in-class, targeted nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing its proprietary, non-viral GMAB platform technology. GMAB is an adaptive technology that uses a cell-penetrating antibody to non-covalently bind to and deliver therapeutic levels of a wide variety of nucleic acid payloads to select cells. We are developing this delivery system with an initial focus in oncology and rare monogenic skeletal muscle diseases.
Technology
Our gene monoclonal antibody (GMAB) technology has several unique attributes that enable it to systemically deliver multiple types of nucleic acids, directly into the cell, while preserving therapeutic function.
1
Adaptive and flexible
Our cell-penetrating antibody non-covalently binds to a broad range of nucleic acid payloads including single-stranded/double-stranded RNA, mRNA, synthetic RNA, DNA, RNAi and ASOs. Additionally, GMAB complexes have demonstrated the ability to be delivered into both the cytoplasm and the nucleus.
2
Targeted delivery
GMAB complexes target the nucleoside transporter ENT2, which is highly expressed on tumors cells and skeletal muscle. Specificity for ENT2 allows for better targeting toward relevant cell types while minimizing off-target effects.
3
Preserves therapeutic function
In preclinical studies, GMAB complexes have demonstrated the ability to protect a wide range of nucleic acid payloads including mRNA after systemic delivery thereby preserving structural integrity and biological function of the payload.
GMAB Technology Advantages
Our GMAB technology has the potential to transform genetic medicine by offering meaningful advantages over viral & other antibody-targeted nucleic acid delivery systems.
Broad-based, Systemic Delivery
Non-covalently binds to multiple types of nucleic acid payloads
Delivery of gene-editing molecules
Targeted Cell Transduction
Selective targeting of ENT2
Cell penetration into cytoplasm and nucleus
Dosing Flexibility
Repeat dosing with ability to escalate and titrate dose
Dosing possible regardless of age, weight and medical condition
Improved Safety Profile
Devoid of complement-mediated immune response
Clinical data suggest GMAB is safe and well tolerated
Utilizes mAb Manufacturing Process
Established, cost efficient, scalable and reproducible
No linkers needed
Team
Executive team
Chris Duke
Mr. Duke is an accomplished biotech executive with more than 20 years of global commercial, operational and clinical development experience at several leading rare disease and immuno-oncology companies. Mr. Duke previously served as chief operating officer of Gennao since its inception in 2020 and helped establish and led key corporate functions, including program management, manufacturing, legal, business operations, human resources, and information technology. Before Gennao, Mr. Duke led operations and the commercial team in Japan for Amicus Therapeutics, after previously serving as the company’s vice president of global commercial operations. He also was chief operating officer for Advaxis, Inc., and executive director of international commercial operations for NPS Pharma. Earlier in his career, Mr. Duke held clinical and scientific positions at Merck & Co. and The Schering-Plough Corporation. He received an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an M.P.H. and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University.
Mr. Duke is an accomplished biotech executive with more than...
Chris Duke
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Anuj Goswami, J.D., MBA
Mr. Goswami joins the Gennao team with over 20 years of experience in private practice at Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia. As a partner in Ballard’s Business & Finance practice, he has served numerous clients through various stages of the growth cycle, leading multi-disciplinary teams to support early stage to public companies. Mr. Goswami brings a breadth of expertise advising clients in the banking, life sciences, technology, and retail sectors on a variety of matters, including equity and debt financing transactions, corporate governance, M&A transactions and employment law. He received his BA in Economics from Haverford College and his JD and MBA from The Ohio State University.
Mr. Goswami joins the Gennao team with over 20 years...
Anuj Goswami, J.D., MBA
General Counsel
Dale L. Ludwig, Ph.D.
Dr. Ludwig is a recognized leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, having supported the development and successful launch of several biologic oncology products including Erbitux®, Cyramza™, Portrazza®, and Lartruvo™, as well as the clinical advancement of a number of other therapeutic antibodies over the course of his career. Most recently, he served as the chief science and technology officer for Actinium Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Actinium, Dr. Ludwig served as the chief scientific officer, vice president, of oncology discovery research – biologics technology and a member of the oncology research senior leadership team at Eli Lilly and Company. Prior to the acquisition of ImClone by Eli Lilly, he held the position of head of molecular & cellular engineering at ImClone Systems Incorporated. Dr. Ludwig trained as a postdoctoral associate in the DNA Damage and Repair Group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He holds a B.S. in biology with a concentration in microbiology from James Madison University and received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from East Carolina University.
Dr. Ludwig is a recognized leader in the biopharmaceutical industry,...
Dale L. Ludwig, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Joe McIntosh, M.D.
Dr. McIntosh joins Gennao with more than 16 years of drug development experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on gene therapies and rare genetic disease. Previously, he served as chief medical officer for Jaguar Gene Therapy, responsible for the development of the company’s AAV9-based gene therapies. Prior to Jaguar, he served as chief medical officer at Aruvant Sciences, overseeing the clinical development of the company’s investigational gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Earlier in his career, he held positions of increasing leadership at PTC Therapeutics, NPS Pharmaceuticals, Eisai and Pfizer. Before joining the biopharma industry, he trained in emergency medicine at Kent and Canterbury Hospital in the UK. Dr. McIntosh earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biochemistry and a medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.
Dr. McIntosh joins Gennao with more than 16 years of...
Joe McIntosh, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Claudine Prowse, Ph.D.
Dr. Prowse is an accomplished leader in the healthcare industry with more than 20 years of experience at small, mid and large cap biotechnology companies and investment banks. Most recently, Dr. Prowse served as senior vice president of strategy and corporate development for Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where she provided leadership and execution across financing transactions and other strategic initiatives contributing to the company’s successful growth. Prior to this role, she was vice president of strategy, corporate development and investor relations officer at Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corporation, where she was instrumental in driving the strategy and leading the merger transaction with Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Prowse served in similar strategy and investor relations roles at Biogen, Inc., Human Genome Sciences and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as well as vice president at Leerink Swann. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the UCSD School of Engineering.
Dr. Prowse is an accomplished leader in the healthcare industry...
Claudine Prowse, Ph.D.
Chief Financial Officer
Board of Directors
Stephen Squinto, Ph.D.
Dr. Stephen Squinto is an entrepreneur and biotechnology industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in drug development. He currently serves as chief investment officer and managing partner of J.P Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital. He previously was an executive partner at OrbiMed Advisors, and served as interim chief executive officer at Passage Bio, Inc. Prior to that, he co-founded Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and served as its executive vice president and chief global operations officer. Earlier in his career, Dr. Squinto held various positions at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and joint academic positions at the Tulane University and LSU Medical Schools. He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards from academic and professional organizations for his scientific work. Dr. Squinto received his B.A. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Loyola University of Chicago.
Stephen Squinto, Ph.D.
Executive Chairman
Dr. Stephen Squinto is an entrepreneur and biotechnology industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in drug development. He currently serves as chief investment officer and managing partner...
Bradley Campbell
Bradley Campbell is president and chief executive officer of Amicus Therapeutics and is also a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Campbell joined Amicus in 2006 and led the global organization responsible for the commercialization of Galafold®. He also oversaw the corporate development, technical operations, market access, program management, clinical operations, and regulatory affairs functions. Mr. Campbell currently serves on the Board of the Association for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) and the Corporate Advisory Board for the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association. Prior to Amicus, Mr. Campbell held various commercial and business development roles at Genzyme and Bristol-Myers Squibb and as a strategy consultant for Marakon Associates. He received a B.A. in public policy from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Bradley Campbell
Bradley Campbell is president and chief executive officer of Amicus Therapeutics and is also a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Campbell joined Amicus in 2006 and led the...
Julie Hambleton, M.D.
Dr. Julie Hambleton is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience leading oncology companies. Most recently she served as interim chief executive officer at Arch Oncology. Previously, she served as senior vice president, chief medical officer and head of development at IDEAYA Biosciences. Prior to her role at IDEAYA, she held the positions of vice president and head of U.S. Medical at Bristol-Myers Squibb, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Five Prime Therapeutics and vice president of clinical development at Clovis Oncology. Dr. Hambleton began her industry career at Genentech, most recently as group medical director of global clinical development. She completed her medical and hematology-oncology training at the University California, San Francisco, where she then served on faculty from 1993 to 2003. She received a B.S. from Duke University, and M.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and was Board-certified in Hematology and Internal Medicine.
Julie Hambleton, M.D.
Dr. Julie Hambleton is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience leading oncology companies. Most recently she served as interim chief executive officer at Arch Oncology....
Gary Sender
Gary Sender is a seasoned executive and board member with more than 25 years of financial leadership experience in organizations ranging from large, multi-national pharmaceutical firms to early-stage biotechnology companies. He was chief financial officer of Nabriva Therapeutics plc, a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, from 2016 until March 2021 when he retired. Prior to Nabriva, Mr. Sender served as chief financial officer and executive vice president at Synergy Pharmaceuticals from 2015 to 2016, and as senior vice president, finance at Shire plc from 2009 until 2015, supporting its specialty pharmaceuticals business and subsequently its global commercial businesses. He was also the founding chief financial officer of Tengion, Inc., and spent 15 years in several leadership roles within Merck. Mr. Sender received a B.S. in finance from Boston University and an MBA in finance from Carnegie‑Mellon University.
Gary Sender
Gary Sender is a seasoned executive and board member with more than 25 years of financial leadership experience in organizations ranging from large, multi-national pharmaceutical firms to early-stage biotechnology companies....
Peter Thompson, M.D.
Dr. Peter Thompson is a member at OrbiMed Advisors LLC, an investment firm. Dr. Thompson currently serves on the boards of directors of Alpine Immune Sciences Inc., Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Decibel Therapeutics, Inc., Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc., Janux Therapeutics, Inc., and Silverback Therapeutics, Inc., as well as several private companies. Previously, Dr. Thompson served on the boards of Synthorx Inc. until its acquisition by Sanofi, Adaptimmune Therapeutics PLC, PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Prevail Therapeutics Inc., and Principia Biopharma Inc. Dr. Thompson also previously served in executive leadership roles at Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chiron Corporation, and Becton, Dickinson and Company. Dr. Thompson is an Affiliate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Washington. In addition, Dr. Thompson holds numerous patents and is a board-certified internist and oncologist. Dr. Thompson holds a Sc. B. in molecular biology and mathematics from Brown University and an M.D. from Brown University Medical School.
Peter Thompson, M.D.
Dr. Peter Thompson is a member at OrbiMed Advisors LLC, an investment firm. Dr. Thompson currently serves on the boards of directors of Alpine Immune Sciences Inc., Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,...
FOUNDERS
Peter Glazer, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Peter Glazer is chair of the department of therapeutic radiology, professor of genetics, and the Robert E. Hunter professor of therapeutic radiology at the Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on elucidating pathways of DNA repair in cancer and developing novel agents for cancer therapy and for gene therapy. In addition to Gennao Bio, Dr. Glazer is a co-founder of Cybrexa Therapeutics. He earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Harvard, M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, and M.D. and Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale.
Peter Glazer, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Peter Glazer is chair of the department of therapeutic radiology, professor of genetics, and the Robert E. Hunter professor of therapeutic radiology at the Yale School of Medicine. His...
Elias Quijano, M. Phil.
Elias Quijano is an M.D. and Ph.D. student at the Yale School of Medicine, working with Dr. Glazer in the department of therapeutic radiology and genetics. He has over 10 years of experience in non-viral drug and gene delivery using polymer nanoparticles, drug eluting stents, biodegradable implants, and monoclonal antibodies. In addition to co-founding Gennao Bio and helping to develop its platform, Elias is a Blavatnik Associate at Yale where he works to commercialize other academic inventions.
Elias Quijano, M. Phil.
Elias Quijano is an M.D. and Ph.D. student at the Yale School of Medicine, working with Dr. Glazer in the department of therapeutic radiology and genetics. He has over 10...
Stephen Squinto, Ph.D.
Dr. Stephen Squinto is an entrepreneur and biotechnology industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in drug development. He currently serves as chief investment officer and managing partner of J.P Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital. He previously was an executive partner at OrbiMed Advisors, and served as interim chief executive officer at Passage Bio, Inc. Prior to that, he co-founded Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and served as its executive vice president and chief global operations officer. Earlier in his career, Dr. Squinto held various positions at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and joint academic positions at the Tulane University and LSU Medical Schools. He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards from academic and professional organizations for his scientific work. Dr. Squinto received his B.A. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Loyola University of Chicago.
Stephen Squinto, Ph.D.
Dr. Stephen Squinto is an entrepreneur and biotechnology industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in drug development. He currently serves as chief investment officer and managing partner...
Bruce Turner, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Bruce Turner is a medically trained radiation oncologist with deep experience transcending genetic research, drug development and healthcare portfolio management. Since 2017, Dr. Turner has served as Managing Director at Boxer Capital of Tavistock Group. He also spent five years at Hoffman-La Roche in various positions and helped lead the re-organization of the cardiovascular franchise among other responsibilities. Prior to joining Roche, Dr. Turner was vice president of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. working in cardiovascular drug development and business development. Earlier in his career, he served as a healthcare equities portfolio manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Diker Management. Dr. Turner received a M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and B.A. degree in biology from the University of Chicago. He completed his postgraduate medical training at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Radiation Oncology and performed postdoctoral research at Yale University School of Medicine in the Department of Genetics.
Bruce Turner, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Bruce Turner is a medically trained radiation oncologist with deep experience transcending genetic research, drug development and healthcare portfolio management. Since 2017, Dr. Turner has served as Managing Director...
Latest News
- January 6, 2022
Careers at Gennao
At Gennao Bio, we are driven by a passion to transform genetic medicine and believe we have the technology to accomplish this. We are a dedicated team of innovators working with a sense of urgency to bring first-in-class treatments to patients. If you share our passion and enjoy a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, we encourage you to review our open positions below.
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