Luigi Aurisicchio, PhD, Master in "Regulatory Affairs".
Luigi Aurisicchio is a Molecular Biologist by training and currently Founder, Chief Executive and Scientific Officer at Takis srl, Evvivax srl and NeoMatrix srl, three Biotech companies operating in the Castel Romano Scientific Park, Rome. In addition, he is Founder and President at Vitares, a no profit organization.
As a fellow at Stazione Zoologica "Anton Dohrn" in Naples he characterized molecular events in thyroid development and tumorigenesis. In 1997, he joined IRBM/Merck focusing on the development of gene therapy approaches for the cure of viral hepatitis. Such activities will lead to the characterization of a variety of gene delivery methods that include recombinant Adenovirus vectors (Ad) and DNA electroporation (DNA-EP). These efforts will serve as basis for the Cancer vaccine project leveraging on the experience gained in gene delivery systems for Cancer Immunotherapy applications. Subsequently, he contributed to the approval and development of Cancer Vaccine program in Merck, being Research Group Leader from 2004 to 2009 and leading from conception to the bedside 5 candidates for clinical development.
At the end of 2009 he founded Takis Biotech. He currently leads a group of 30 scientists/technicians and coordinates research and regulatory activities aiming to the generation of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Generation of Therapeutic Antibodies, identification of novel Tumor Associated Antigens and early biomarkers, Immunomonitoring and novel vaccine and antibody delivery systems. More recently in collaboration with Rottapharm Biotech, Takis has developed COVID-eVax currently in Phase I clinical trial. In June 2016, he founded Evvivax (Engineered Veterinary Vectored Immunotherapy and Vaccines), a company spin off from Takis, dedicated to Veterinary Immunotherapy. He is also President of Vitares (Veterinary Immunotherapy and Translational Research), a no-profit organization aiming at bringing together Veterinary and Human Immune-Oncology and providing education on novel Advanced therapies.
Dr. Aurisicchio has trained several PhD students from Italian Universities (Rome, Perugia, Pisa, Catanzaro) as well as Students from other Institutions (Univ. Sheffield - UK, San Diego, Georgia, New York - USA). His research interests include the discovery, characterization and engineering of novel tumor associated and viral antigens, but also new delivery methods and development of pre-clinical models. He has published >90 papers in peer reviewed International Journals, three book chapter and is author of 10 patent families.
Giuseppe Roscilli, PhD.
He obtained his degree in Biology from the University of Rome "La Sapienza". He joined Merck Research Laboratories in 1990 and as Research Biologist he participated to several Small Molecule Drug Discovery projects in the area of Oncology. He has also contributed to the development of Gene Therapy and Monoclonal Antibody Discovery programs. He is co-author of 20 publications in peer-review journals and one patent.
In Takis, he currently leads a group of 10 scientists/technicians and coordinates research and regulatory activities aiming at the Evaluation of Drug (small molecule and biologics) Activity and the Generation of Therapeutic Antibodies.
His research interest include the development of new antibody formats (multispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers) and the study o B cell response aimed at the identification of high affinity and specific therapeutic antibodies.
Emanuele Marra, Chief Operating Officer (COO).
He joined Merck Research Laboratories in 2003 as Biologist. He contributed to the preclinical and clinical development of a number of small molecules and monoclonal antibodies against Cancer targets. He has also contributed to the development of several projects in Monoclonal Antibody Discovery and RNAi delivery program. Has published >20 papers in peer reviewed International Journals and is author of 4 patents.
who in close collaboration with the CEO/CSO and with the Administration will deal with the following aspects:
• Optimization of the organizational structure, in terms of management effectiveness and efficiency, in order to guarantee the achievement of corporate objectives;
• Strategic guidance and definition of investment, development and management plans;
• Preparation of the annual and multi-year plan of company activities;
• Continuous improvement of internal operating processes;
• Enhancement of all the professionals present;
• Coordination of corporate functions;
• Improvement of the economic-financial aspects, with particular attention to the optimization of internal resources.
Emanuele will also be directly responsible for the BSL-3 laboratory under construction and for the development and application of the in vivo models.
... and a very experienced, complementary TEAM (like DNA)
