Dr. Sandeep Kunwar, MD, is a highly respected neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive brain and spinal surgery, with a particular focus on the treatment of pituitary tumors and advanced drug delivery for the treatment of malignant gliomas. As a Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of several leading biotech ventures, Dr. Kunwar has played a pivotal role in advancing neurosurgical innovations, improving patient care, and promoting cutting-edge therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders. He has published 88 peer-reviewed articles and several patents. His contributions to neurosurgical advancements include collaborating on the development of new medical devices and therapies aimed at enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of surgical interventions.

Dr. Kunwar earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he also completed his residency in neurosurgery. He was a Howard Hughes Research Fellow at the NIH where he worked with Ira Pastan in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology developing targeted recombinant cytotoxins for malignant gliomas. He is a Professor at UCSF, and serves as the Medical Director of the Bell Neuroscience Institute in Fremont, CA. His dedication to education, research, and clinical excellence has earned him numerous awards and recognition within the medical community including the Edwin Boldrey Basic Science Research Award from the San Francisco Neurological Society, the Preuss resident Research Award from the American association of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Tumors and the Ronald L Bittner Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for targeted therapeutics for glioblastoma. He was the Principal Investigator for the Phase III study of IL13-PE38 (PRECISE Trial) for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, the largest surgical based Phase III study completed.

Russell Lonser, MD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Ohio State University since 2012. He holds the Dardinger Family Chair in Neurosurgical Oncology. Prior to arrival at OSU he was Chief of the Surgical Neurology Branch at NIH. Dr. Lonser’s research interests include development of drug delivery paradigms for the central nervous system pathology, as well as investigation of tumor pathogenesis and biology. Specifically, his scientific efforts are directed toward studying convective delivery and neoplasia pathogenesis/ propagation in familial tumor suppressor syndromes, including von Hippel-Lindau disease.

He is an author on over 300 scientific and clinical publications. He received the Tumor Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors in 2001 and Mahaley Clinical Research Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors in 2013. He was the 2017 American Association of NeurologicalSurgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors Bittner Lecturer and the 2018 American Academy of Neurological Surgery Edward H. Oldfield Lecturer. He is a co-inventor on a patent for methods for convection-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. His contributions to organized neurosurgery includes membership on the Executive Committee of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He was the Treasurer of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and is past President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is a Director on the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz, MD, PhD, is a pioneering neurosurgeon and scientist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of gene therapy and the treatment of neurological disorders. As the head of several labs, Dr. Bankiewicz has led efforts in the development of novel therapeutic approaches to combat Parkinson’s disease, brain cancer, and other debilitating neurological conditions. His innovative research focuses on the delivery of gene therapy directly to the brain, enabling more precise and effective treatments.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bankiewicz has authored over 230 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple patents for advanced neurosurgical techniques. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and application of gene therapy in clinical settings, leading to the development of several therapeutic candidates currently in clinical trials.

Dr. Bankiewicz received his MD from Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland and his PhD from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He has held prestigious academic and leadership positions, including Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he continues to collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians to push the boundaries of neurological treatments.

He currently serves as a tenured professor at The Ohio State University and holds the Gilbert and Kathryn Mitchell Endowed Chair at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. His visionary leadership and dedication to improving patient outcomes have earned him international recognition as a leader in the field of neurotherapeutics. He has been the co-founder of multiple biotechnology companies including Voyager Therapeutics (IPO), and Brain-Neurotherapeutics (acquired Ask-Bio/Bayer).

Stephan Mittermeyer, PhD, has over 20 years’ experience advancing neurosurgical technologies and business strategy. As CTO & Head of Business Development at Precision NeuroMed, he draws on engineering, clinical, and commercial expertise. Stephan earned his PhD from Cranfield University, focusing on health care product service systems alongside his industry work.

His career began at Brainlab, where he served as a hardware engineer and continued his pioneering work on convection enhanced delivery (CED) catheter technology initiated during his diploma thesis. His early innovations included material testing and the co-development of catheters for indications such as Glioblastoma and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as contributing to Brainlab’s intellectual property portfolio in CED hardware and surgical planning software. Progressing through roles in business development, Stephan led co-development initiatives between Brainlab and global partners. Transitioning into the startup sector, Stephan was VP of R&D at Jan Medical Inc. There, he established R&D strategy, oversaw multidisciplinary teams in device and software development, and played a central role in achieving de-novo and 510(k) FDA clearances and ISO 13485 certification for Jan Medical’s first-generation brain monitoring device.

Returning to Brainlab as Director for Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Stephan directed teams developing advanced software for treatments including deep brain stimulation, CED, laser ablation, and sEEG. Most recently, as VP of CNS Gene Delivery at AskBio, Stephan has led integrated product teams at the intersection of R&D, clinical operations, and commercial strategy, with a focus on developing and launching next-generation gene therapy delivery solutions for Parkinson’s Disease. With his depth of technical knowledge, regulatory expertise, and global commercialization experience, Stephan is recognized as a leader in bringing innovative neuroscience solutions from concept to clinical impact.

Anthony Hawrylechko brings over 30 years of experience in the development, manufacturing, and global CMC strategy of more than 70 protein therapeutics. As VP of Manufacturing Strategy and Process Development at Precision NeuroMed, he leads process and analytical development, scale-up, technology transfer, and GMP manufacturing across the company’s biologics and device-enabled neurotherapeutic programs. His expertise spans microbial and mammalian expression systems, end-to-end CMC execution, and the integration of quality, regulatory, and operational strategies to accelerate clinical development.

Anthony has held senior roles at Codexis, Halozyme Therapeutics, Cytovance Biologics, NeoPharm, GlaxoSmithKline, and Biomira, and has consulted on CMC strategy, manufacturing, and regulatory documentation. He has authored CMC sections for multiple INDs, BLAs, and PMAs. He holds an MS in Biochemistry from Queen’s University and a BS in Microbiology from the University of Alberta.

Early in his career at NeoPharm, Anthony served as Manager of Process Development & Manufacturing, where he led the development, scale-up, GMP production, and regulatory documentation for IL13-PE38. His work supported the program from Phase 1 through Phase 3 clinical supply for the PRECISE trial evaluating treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this patient-focused role, Anthony oversaw analytical and purification development, formulation strategies, manufacturing execution, stability programs, and the authoring of CMC submissions. This experience helped shape his career-long commitment to delivering well-designed, manufacturable, and clinically impactful biologics to patients in need.

John Geschke is a seasoned legal and business leader with a wealth of experience in the biotech, healthcare, and technology sectors. He has held key leadership roles, including as Chief Legal Officer and Chief of Staff at Zendesk and as a partner at Cooley LLP, where he specialized in corporate law, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. With expertise in overseeing legal, compliance, and governance functions, John has played a pivotal role in supporting organizations through critical phases of growth.

John earned his AB from Princeton University and his JD from Stanford Law School. He is known for his strategic leadership, combining legal acumen with a business-focused approach to help companies achieve their objectives. His deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and intellectual property matters makes him a trusted advisor in navigating complexity across a broad range of industries.

Maileen Flores is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience supporting high-growth companies in the life sciences and technology sectors. A CPA licensed in California and Colorado, Maileen partners with founders to navigate the funding landscape, ensuring capital readiness and building the financial infrastructure needed for sustainable growth.

With a strong track record in financial management, venture financing, non-dilutive funding and operational efficiency, Maileen works closely with companies to develop investor-ready financials, optimize cash flow, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and private requirements. Her strategic insights and hands-on approach empower businesses to scale effectively, secure critical funding, and achieve long-term success.

Maileen’s leadership has been instrumental in driving financial strategy and positioning companies for investor capital, non-dilutive funding opportunities, and long-term financial stability.

Purvi Kunwar, MPH, serves as the Vice President of Operations at Precision NeuroMed, where she oversees strategic planning, operational efficiency, and cross-functional initiatives that drive the company’s mission to advance its cutting-edge platform. With a background in public health and extensive experience in healthcare operations, Purvi is responsible for optimizing business processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing key operational functions that support the development and commercialization of PNM’s innovative therapies.

Purvi holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from UCLA, which has equipped her with a strong foundation in health policy, management, and program evaluation. She is known for her leadership in fostering collaboration across teams, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that the organization operates efficiently to meet its goals in a highly regulated and fast-paced environment.

Martin Brady, PhD, is an experienced leader in the biotech industry, known for his contributions to the development of advanced therapeutic strategies. He earned his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and Urbana-Champaign in the area of CAD algorithms for VLSI design. With a background in drug delivery systems and neurotherapeutics, Martin has played a pivotal role in advancing innovative solutions aimed at improving treatments for neurological disorders. He has held positions as a research scientist and project manager in Microcomputer Research Labs at Intel Corporation. He also spent five years as an assistant professor of computer engineering at Pennsylvania State University and three years as a research scientist at Lockheed’s Palo Alto Research Lab.

At Therataxis, a company specializing in precision drug delivery for the brain, Martin was instrumental in driving operational efficiency, overseeing research collaborations, and ensuring the successful translation of scientific innovations into clinical applications. During his tenure, he helped lead the FDA clearance of their drug delivery software. His expertise spans drug delivery, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience, making him a key player in pushing the boundaries of therapeutic interventions for brain diseases.

Dr. Susan Chang, MD, is a highly respected neuro-oncologist and professor of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). As Director of the UCSF Division of Neuro-Oncology, Dr. Chang is internationally recognized for her expertise in treating brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas and other primary central nervous system tumors. Her work is at the forefront of advancing personalized therapies for brain cancer patients, integrating cutting-edge clinical research with compassionate patient care. Dr. Chang’s research centers on developing innovative treatment strategies that improve survival and quality of life for brain tumor patients. She leads several clinical trials aimed at understanding the molecular and genetic underpinnings of brain tumors, helping to develop targeted therapies and immunotherapies that provide more effective and less invasive treatment options. She has published extensively in leading medical journals and is a sought-after speaker at international conferences on neuro-oncology.

After earning her medical degree from McGill University in Canada, Dr. Chang completed her residency in internal medicine at Toronto General Hospital and a fellowship in neuro-oncology at UCSF. She is a key leader in numerous professional organizations, including the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), where she has served in various leadership roles, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where she contributes to shaping future research in neuro-oncology. In addition to her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Chang is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of neuro-oncologists and researchers. Her dedication to improving patient outcomes, coupled with her leadership in advancing the field of brain cancer treatment, has earned her widespread recognition as a leader in neuro-oncology and a champion for innovation in cancer care.

Dr. Raj K. Puri, MD, PhD, is a renowned expert in advanced therapies and regulatory affairs with over three decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. His distinguished career includes 33 years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where he served as the Director of the Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) for more than 19 years. In this role, Dr. Puri was instrumental in shaping the regulatory landscape for cell and gene therapies, cancer vaccines, and cellular immunotherapies.

As a Senior Investigator at CBER, Dr. Puri led pioneering research in cancer therapies. His work resulted in the discovery of several receptor-targeted agents for cancer treatment, including IL13-PE38, many of which have advanced to clinical trials. Dr. Puri’s innovative research has led to numerous patents in cancer targeting, with several licensed to biotechnology companies.

In 2022, Dr. Puri joined Iovance Biotherapeutics as Executive Vice President of Regulatory Strategy and Translational Medicine, where he applies his extensive regulatory and research expertise to the development of novel T cell-based cancer immunotherapies. With over 300 published research articles and multiple patents to his name, Dr. Puri brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our advisory board. His unique blend of regulatory insight, scientific acumen, and industry experience makes him an invaluable asset in guiding our company’s strategic direction and advancing our mission.

Dr. Mitchel Berger, MD, is a world-renowned neurosurgeon and scientist specializing in the treatment of brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas. As a leader in neuro-oncology, Dr. Berger is known for his pioneering work in brain mapping and intraoperative techniques that have significantly advanced the precision and safety of brain tumor surgeries. His innovations have helped improve patient outcomes by preserving critical neurological functions during surgery.

Dr. Berger is the Founder and Director of the Brain Tumor Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he has served as Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery. His distinguished career spans over three decades, during which he has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and contributed extensively to the advancement of neurosurgical techniques and brain tumor research.

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Berger completed his residency at UCSF, followed by a fellowship in neuro-oncology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His contributions to the field include the development of advanced brain-mapping technologies and the promotion of multidisciplinary approaches to neuro-oncology, combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to provide comprehensive care for brain tumor patients. Dr. Berger’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including leadership roles in national and international neurosurgical organizations, such as the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Society of Neuro-Oncology (SNO). He is appointed to the President’s Cancer panel as part of the Cancer Moonshot Program.

Dr. Sherman brings more than 25 years of pharmaceutical experience to our advisory board, specializing in regulatory and clinical strategy, and therapeutic development for rare diseases. He received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and completed an internal medicine internship, residency, and chief medical residency at Northwestern University. Dr. Sherman’s fellowship training was at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was also a research associate at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He is a board member of a number of professional societies, university programs, and biopharma companies.

Dr. Sherman was Vice President of Clinical Science at Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc., and was also Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Executive Vice President at NeoPharm, Inc. At IDM Pharma, Dr. Sherman was the Senior Vice President of Research and Development and CMO. He served as CMO at Horizon Therapeutics, a global biotechnology company focused on medicines for rare, autoimmune, and severe inflammatory diseases which is now part of Amgen, from 2009 to 2023.