MANAGEMENT TEAM
CEO Philip Band, PhD
Dr. Band is a co-inventor of the CytoDel technology and a co-founder of CytoDel. Dr. Band has extensive bench-to-bedside experience in biotechnology startups as former Vice President Research of Biomatrix, an NYSE company acquired by Genzyme in 2000. The products developed by Dr. Band are now marketed by Sanofi, and are among the best selling products in the US for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Dr. Band has published more than 80 peer-reviewed research studies in both basic and clinical sciences, and has been issued 15 US patents to date. Dr. Band is a Senior Advisor to the Center for Clinical Research, NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases, and is on the faculty of the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU School of Medicine.
Founding Scientist Konstantin Ichtchenko, PhD
Dr. Ichtchenko a co-inventor of the CytoDel technology and a co-founder of CytoDel. He is the Principal Investigator on the funded $7 million NIH multi-center grant supporting development of the CytoDel technology. Dr. Ichtchenko is a widely acknowledged expert on protein engineering, and the molecular mechanisms of inter-neuronal and neuromuscular communication. He was responsible for the first successful expression and crystallographic characterization of the LDL receptor extracellular domain, done in collaboration with three Nobel laureates. Dr. Ichtchenko has also made major contributions to the discovery of neuroligins, molecules that are involved in synaptogenesis, and with yet another Nobel laureate, to the pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms of action of alpha-latrotoxin (black widow spider toxin). He is currently on the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU School of Medicine.
Operations Director Gordon Beck, PhD
Dr. Beck has more than 20 years experience of Business Development, Project Leadership and Drug Product R&D from both small Biotech and large Pharma. Major projects include leading the divestment of Roche's RNA therapeutics business and leading the Tamiflu® licensing team in support of the Pandemic Preparedness Taskforce. Dr. Beck serves on the New York University Venture Fund Biotech Review Board, is a Pharmacist by training and has a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, both from Aston University, U.K.
Commercial Advisor Steven Pal
Mr. Pal is a general partner at PDC Transaction Partners, a general life science strategy and private placement investment firm. Previously, Mr. Pal was Corporate Vice President for Allergan, Inc., in Irvine, Calif., where he was responsible for strategic planning and management of Allergan’s pharmaceutical businesses including Ophthalmology, Neurosciences, Dermatology and Urologics as well as new technologies in Allergan’s research pipeline. Steven also served as Senior Vice President of Specialty Pharmaceuticals for Allergen where he handled sales and marketing management for the Botox and Dermatology businesses in the U.S., including the launch of Botox Cosmetic and as well as the initial neurological Botox indications. Prior to joining Allergan, Mr. Pal had a successful 20-year career at Warner-Lambert Company where he held various key U.S. and international positions. He started his career with Warner-Lambert in 1981, after graduating from McGill University in Montreal, Canada with an M.B.A. as well as a BSc in Physiology. Mr. Pal serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Mission Hospital in Orange County, CA and is on the Board of Directors for Spineovations, Inc.
R & D / Medical Consultant Philippe Picaut
Dr. Picaut has over 30 years of experience as a global biopharmaceutical executive and industry leader. Over his career at Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, Aventis, Pierre Fabre, Ipsen and AlgoTherapeutix. He has made important contributions to research, development and registration of drugs in the US/EU and Asia.Dr. Picaut has played leadership roles across multiple functions, including Preclinical Safety, Portfolio & Project Management, Business Development, Clinical Research and as Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Head. Dr. Picaut’s experience spans all research and drug developmental stages in multiple therapeutic areas, such as Anti-infectives, Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Neurology and Pain. Dr. Picaut has worked with various treatment modalities, including both small molecules and biologics. Most recently, Dr. Picaut served as Senior Vice President of R&D Neuroscience for Ipsen to drive the early stage discovery to clinical activities for submission with Dysport worldwide and bringing new botulinum toxins having novel pharmacological profile from Discovery to clinical development stage. He is the co-author of more than 30 research and clinical publications in the field of botulinum toxins in Therapeutic and Esthetic.