This new class of drugs is based on the discovery that Pannexin 1 channels (Panx1) play a critically important role in the pathophysiology of many types of cancer.
Pannex Therapeutics Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company founded to discover and develop novel therapies to transform cancer therapy based on blocking Pannexin1 channels (Panx1).
This new class of drugs is based on the discovery that Pannexin 1 channels play a critically important role in the pathophysiology of many types of cancer.
We are the first to translate this new pharmacological target into a new therapeutic approach for many types of cancer with high unmet medical need. We have developed a discovery platform to create unique, first-in-class Panx1 blockers. Our patent-protected, small molecule Panx1 blockers demonstrate high specificity for cancer cells and good safety profiles in preclinical models.
Our team
David Bravo PhD
Chief Executive Officer &
Co-founder
David is the founder of PANNEX Therapeutics and is a leader in Pannexin 1 research. He is a successful serial entrepreneur, expert in industrial development and has led his companies in the translation of scientific research into viable products. He has consistently raised public funds and private investment to enable those successes. With 10 years of experience in R&D, science and management of innovative projects in Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, David has acquired the experience and demonstrated the drive required to build a successful company and transform his Pannexin 1 research into commercially successful products. David holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Santiago, Chile. He was awarded with the National Prize of Innovation in Chile in 2015.
Thomas Gerlach PhD
Chief Strategic Officer &
Co-founder
Thomas brings to PANNEX more than 30 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals and venture capital. He has worked in large multinational companies, such as Knoll and Novartis in Germany and Switzerland, successful startups, such as Actelion (Switzerland and Brazil), early startups, such as Biozeus (Brazil) and venture capital focused on biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical equipment. Thomas’ deep experience in drug development includes leading global teams and commercial and operational roles, including General Manager of Actelion Brazil. During his 9 years in venture capital, he identified investment opportunities and supported portfolio companies on operational and board levels. Thomas holds a PhD in Biology and BA in Chemistry from the University of Mainz (Germany); he conducted research at Michigan State University for three years.
Gerhard Gross PhD
Chief Scientific Officer &
Co-founder
Gerhard brings to PANNEX more than 30 years of experience in drug development, having held senior positions in global pharmaceutical companies in several countries. His specific focus is drug discovery (ADME/PK), screening and profiling lead candidates and general drug development. At Aventis, Novartis and Lundbeck he played key roles in the development and registration of many drugs, such as Leflunomide, Gliveec, Myfortic, Zoledronate, Zelmac, Everolimus, Pimecrolimus, ERL080, Exjade, Aliskirenn. He holds many patents. At Janssen, Gerhard created a new strategy for the department of drug developability, introduced the concept of receptor binding kinetics for PK/PD and established global in silico ADMET approaches for discovery. Gerhard holds a MSc in Physics and Chemistry, a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Marburg, Germany, and a postdoc at the University of Utah.