We target Panx1 to develop innovative and highly effective treatments for cancer and neurological disorders with focus on oncology.

This novel class of drugs is founded on the groundbreaking discovery that Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of various cancers as well as neurological disorders.

At Pannex Therapeutics, we are driven by the immense therapeutic potential of blocking the Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channel. This groundbreaking science has reached a pivotal stage, opening now exciting opportunities for therapeutic translation. Today, we are fully dedicated to unlocking its vast therapeutic and commercial potential by developing a novel drug class called Pannexin 1 channel blockers. As the first company dedicated to unlocking the therapeutic potential of Panx1 inhibition, we are tackling urgent and unmet medical needs in oncology and neurology.

With a proprietary platform of Panx1 blockers, we are advancing transformative therapies for diseases like triple-negative breast cancer and other cancers with Panx1 overexpression as well as neurological diseases like chronic pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Our multidisciplinary team, with expertise in Panx1 biology, medicinal chemistry, drug development, and commercialization, is committed to deliver therapies that offer significant medical breakthroughs and commercial success.

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.

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Advisors

Prof Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD

Director of the Cancer Center University of Hawaiʻi
Breast medical oncologist specialized in breast cancer with strong background in translational research in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and molecular therapeutics. One of the leaders in early-phase clinical trials related to aggressive breast cancer (more than 50 clinical trials). Successfully managed projects in breast cancer biology related to TNBC, IBC, and the tumor microenvironment. Passionate about developing innovative therapies for advanced breast cancer.

Prof Jangsoon Lee, PhD

Director of Pre-clinical Core, Cancer Center University of Hawaiʻi
Specialized in pioneering innovative breast cancer therapies, ensuring they progress smoothly from preclinical phases to clinical trials. His expertise lies in early-phase drug development, with focus on drug resistance, predictive biomarkers, metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. Through collaborative efforts, he has significantly advanced translational research, leveraging preclinical findings to successfully initiate multiple clinical trials.

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.

Prof. Luis Constandil

Laboratory of neurobiology of pain
University of Santiago, Chile
Neurobiologist and Chronic Pain Expert with research focus on the mechanisms underlying the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain, with a particular emphasis on Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels. His work has illuminated the critical role of Panx1 channels in spinal cord circuitry and central sensitization. Through his contributions, he has advanced the understanding of pain neurobiology and played a pivotal role in developing innovative therapeutic strategies for chronic pain management.

Uwe Meya MD

Experienced CNS Development Leader with 37 years of expertise and spanning roles in both large pharmaceutical companies and innovative start-ups. Key positions held at Schering AG (now Bayer), Knoll AG (now AbbVie), Novartis, Roche, as Head of Research Portfolio Management, Synosia Therapeutics, as Vice President of Clinical Development, Minoryx Therapeutics, as Chief Medical Officer.