We target Panx1 to develop new,
effective cancer drugs

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 is at the forefront of developing a novel class of cancer treatments called Pannexin1 channel (Panx1) blockers, targeting aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is characterized by its high recurrence rate, significant metastatic potential, and scant treatment alternatives, underscoring the critical need for innovative, targeted therapies. The overexpression of Panx1 in TNBC, which is associated with reduced patient survival, indicates a promising avenue for a targeted and personalized therapy by blocking Panx1.

We are the first to translate this new pharmacological target into a new therapeutic approach and have developed a discovery platform to create unique, patent-protected, first-in-class Panx1 blockers.

This first-in-class innovation in targeted therapy not only addresses a critical need in treating triple-negative breast cancer but also holds potential for wider applications across various cancer types and diseases. This expansion broadens the therapeutic possibilities for Pannexin1 blockers, showcasing their versatility in addressing diverse medical needs.

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.

Advisors

Prof. Raymond Birge

Professor and vice chair, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and MolecularGenetics at Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Science.

Leading cancer biologist with focus on cell death and cancer biology, emphasizing genesand signaling pathways that promote tumor progression, metastasis, and immune escape.With special interest for Phosphatidylserine an immunosuppressive signal in the tumor microenvironment and the role of Crk roteins in cell invasion and metastasis. He has also founded two start-ups based on his research.

Prof. Olivier Elemento

Director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine (EIPM), Professor in theDepartment of Physiology and Biophysics, at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.

World-renowned computational biologist with focus on developing new ways to prevent,diagnose, treat and ultimately cure cancer. He developed new methods for assessingtumor-driving pathways, the immune landscape of tumors and predicting immunotherapyresponders. His mission is to uncover the molecular roots of disease, systems biology ofregulatory networks in normal and malignant cells, cancer genomics and precisionmedicine.

Prof. Robert Naviaux, MD

Department of Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, UC San Diego.

Global expert in mitochondrial mutations, ATP production, and their implications for chronic diseases. His research delves into ATP metabolism, particularly its dynamics upon exiting cells through Panx1 channels and its involvement in the healing process. His main interest is the role of mitochondria and metabolism in monogenic and complex disorders in children and adults.