About Us
Inmaculada (Ada) Silos-Santiago is the CEO of Zero-to-One. She is an MD, PhD from University of Cantabria, Spain, and was Research Associate Professor at the Dept. of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Medical School, Washington University; Visiting Professor, Dept. of Medicine Harvard University, Medical School and Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute. Ada led gene discovery and preclinical pharmacology teams at Millennium, Vertex and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals as well as at Decibel Therapeutics. Working cross-functionally with Discovery and Development organizations she has delivered multiple drug candidates to clinical development in different disease indications and obtained FDA approval for Linzess, an oral peptide, for the treatment of IBS. Ada and her team identified the MOA of Linzess as a visceral analgesic unveiling a new endogenous pathway involved in the modulation of visceral pain.During her career, both in academia and industry, Ada has co-authored more than 100 scientific publications and more than 70 patents.
Raymond Oomen has been actively working to address unmet medical needs in the field of vaccines and biotherapeutics for over 30 years. Trained in protein chemistry and molecular immunology at the University of Ottawa, he moved from the National Research Council of Canada to develop vaccines for Connaught Laboratories, and later over a 28 year period with Sanofi Pasteur, as Global Platform Head and Director of Bioinformatics he was responsible for building and leading a global bioinformatics and genomics team, implementing new enabling technologies and contributing to R&D on infectious disease vaccines (bacterial and viral) as well as malaria and oncology. He invented several vaccine candidates that went to clinical trials, including vaccines for the prevention of otitis media, RSV infection and pneumococcal disease. After Sanofi Pasteur, he also briefly held the post of Vice President of Infectious Disease Therapeutics at Emergent BioSolutions. He has co-authored 30 publications and is a prolific inventor with over 20 patents.
Dr. William Chin is a co-founder of Zero-to-One. Dr Chin is the Bertarelli Professor of Translational Medical Science and Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Dr. Chin is formerly Executive Vice President for Science and Regulatory Advocacy and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) where he led PhRMA’s continuing efforts in science and regulatory advocacy in the drug discovery and development ecosystem working closely with the leadership of FDA & NIH. Prior to PhRMA, he was the Executive Dean for Research at HMS. Before that, he was at Eli Lilly and Company last as Senior Vice President for Discovery Research and Clinical Investigation where he oversaw the development of >100 drug candidates. Currently, he is a scientific advisor and board director for a number of biotech companies. Dr. Chin is a Harvard-trained endocrinologist and longstanding faculty member. His career is highlighted by leadership in molecular endocrinology and translational science and medicine during his 25 years on the Harvard Medical School faculty. During this time, Dr Chin was Chief of the Genetics Division in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor of Medicine, and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at HMS. He has been honored with numerous awards for research, mentorship and leadership. Over 40 years, Dr Chin has had roles to advise and otherwise help Singapore in developing its current innovation ecosystem with a focus on biotechnology. He is an active Board Member of Agency of Science Technology and Research (A-STAR) in Singapore. In 2023, Dr Chin was awarded an honorary citizenship in recognition of his contributions to developing the Singapore innovation ecosystem. Dr Chin received his A.B. in Chemistry from Columbia University and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
Suman is the Founder and Head of Innovation at Zero-to-One. He is also a Partner at CIC Captains of Innovation, the consulting division of Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) which builds innovation campuses around the world. His previous experience includes founding tech companies in the area of cosmetics, drug development and digital health, and company creation through Venture Studio models. Suman has an MD in clinical medicine, MSc in human genetics, and did his PhD on personalizing chemotherapy regimens in breast cancer patients based on their genetic constitution. He attended MIT as a Sloan Fellow, receiving his MBA with a focus on innovation and global leadership.
Dr. Sridaran Natesan is currently the Founder and CEO of Comorin Therapeutics, a neurosciences focused biotechnology company. Prior to forming Comorin, Dr. Natesan worked at Sanofi for 27 years in the Boston area in several senior management and scientific roles. In the last 20 years, he played a key role in the growth and the visibility of Sanofi in the Boston area and across the US. During this time, he served in many senior roles in Sanofi including Head of R&D Strategic Initiatives & Science Relations (2014-2022); VP and Head of External Innovation (2010 – 2014); Scientific Site Head in Cambridge, Massachusetts (2008-2010) and Senior Distinguished Scientist (2004 – 2008). Between 1998- 2008, he led many groups focused on genomics, drug discovery, stem cell research, ageing and oncology. At Sanofi, Dr. Natesan played a key role in creating new models for engaging and investing in early-stage pipeline opportunities in academia, medical institutions, biotechnology companies and disease foundations across North America. These efforts have brought in more than two dozen pipeline opportunities to Sanofi and resulted in the creation of nine successful biotech companies. Dr. Natesan was also involved in several major business deals during his tenure at Sanofi. Prior to joining Sanofi, he worked at Ariad Pharmaceuticals (1994-1998) as a senior/Principal scientist in the gene therapy division. Dr. Natesan received his Ph.D degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Calgary and pursued his post-doctoral work at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories in New York. Dr. Natesan serves on several committees and boards including the Industry Committee of International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), Mass BioEd and U Mass Center for Clinical & Translational Science.
Dr Philip Tan is an expert in antibody engineering and therapeutics, having work on multiple early and mid-stage mono-specific and bi-specific antibody drugs for immuno-oncology and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. He has over 20 years of antibody drug development experience, worked over 30 targets and is the co-author of over 2 dozen patent filings covering different areas of antibody therapeutics. He was the head of protein engineering group in 4 clinical-stage biotechnology companies, three of which were publicly traded. He is currently an independent consultant advising several early-stage and seed biotech companies developing antibody drugs. Previously, Phil was the Executive Director of Protein Engineering at Silverback Therapeutics for 6 years where he led the protein engineering group to develop 3 clinical antibody drugs. Prior to that, he was the head of protein engineering at SystImmune, Emergent Biosolutions and Trubion Pharmaceuticals. Phil received his Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle and his B. Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry at the University of Singapore. He did his postdoctoral training at Genentech and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Michael (Mike) Jirousek has worked in pharmaceutical R&D for more than 30 years, co-inventing and/or having responsibility for bringing 16 INDs (biologics and small molecules) from inception into clinical trials as potential new therapeutics. Mike is founding COO at Frequency Therapeutics (2019 IPO) focused on reversing hearing loss and multiple sclerosis resulting in 2 clinical candidates, and previously founder and CSO at Catabasis Pharmaceuticals (2014 IPO) producing 3 clinical candidates for use in diabetes, Duchene muscular dystrophy and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Mike was a Corporate Officer and Senior Vice President of Research at Sirtris Pharmaceuticals (2007 IPO acquired by GSK) several clinical candidates. Mike joined Sirtris from Pfizer La Jolla where he was Senior Director and Head of the Metabolic Therapeutic Area. Mike founded the La Jolla group growing the effort over 5 years into a highly productive team that produced 6 clinical candidates. Prior to joining Pfizer he was at Abbott Laboratories as a Department Head and Eli Lilly for 5 years in Indianapolis Indiana and Hamburg Germany. Mike has a PhD in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. Mike has co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed papers, abstracts and patents and is an Adjunct Faculty at Case Western Reserve University teaching “Basic Principles in Drug Discovery and Development”.
Dr. Scott Eliasof is an expert in early-stage drug development, having worked on multiple early and mid-stage drug candidates. Previously, Scott was Senior Vice President of Research at Frequency Therapeutics, a clinical stage regenerative medicine company focused on hearing loss and multiple sclerosis. Before that, Scott was Chief Scientific Officer of Cerulean Pharma, a clinical stage oncology-focused nanomedicine company, where he led all stages of research from discovery through clinical development, including platform development, discovery chemistry, analytical chemistry, DMPK, pharmacology, non-clinical toxicology and translational research. Prior to joining Cerulean, Scott was the director of the Chemical Biology Platform at the Broad Institute, directing a multi-disciplinary team of professional scientists and technicians in the fields of synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, high-throughput screening, computational science, and software engineering. Scott also worked as a senior scientist at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Neurocrine Biosciences. Scott received his Ph.D. in neuroscience at UC Berkeley, and his B.S in electrical engineering at MIT.
Michael Coghlan has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, holding influential management and leadership roles within senior scientific community. Dr. Coghlan received his BS in chemistry from Loyola University of Chicago followed by MS and PhD degrees from Northwestern University. After postdoctoral studies at the Ohio State University, he joined Eli Lilly as a Senior Chemist in 1986, and he was promoted to Research Scientist in 1990. After spending 9 years at Abbott Laboratories in scientific and management roles in drug discovery, he rejoined Eli Lilly as a Research Fellow. Dr. Coghlan’s sustained efforts enabled the selective nuclear hormone receptor program to provide a first in class clinical candidate. He also directed the rapid progression of an internal protease target for endocrine disease to clinical readiness. He was promoted to Sr Research Fellow in 2005, and since then he focused on discovery efforts within the endocrine and anti-inflammatory portfolio emphasizing novel treatments for type 2 DM and autoimmune diseases using resources found throughout the global Lilly R&D organization. His additional research interests involve nuclear hormone, ion channel, and protein based therapeutic targets. Dr. Coghlan’s efforts have resulted in a marketed product, numerous clinical candidates, publication of over 60 peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and co-inventorship on multiple US patents. His most recent efforts on small and large molecule discovery projects led to selection of a clinical candidate and independent validation of a new therapeutic target.
Dr. Mark L. Hayman is a Partner in Morgan Lewis’ Life Sciences practice group. Mark assists ZTO portfolio companies in identifying important IP generating opportunities, designing and implementing effective patent strategies taking into account the competitive landscape and business environment, and optimizing product exclusivity positions for protecting both foundational technologies and pipeline programs. Mark obtained his PhD in microbiology from University at Buffalo and JD from University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and was recently recognized in IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals (2020-2022).
Dr. Shifali Chatrath specializes in patent prosecution, IP management encompassing due diligence, strategy as well as landscape analysis, FTO searches and filing strategies. She obtained her PhD in life sciences from National University of Singapore (NUS) and has research experience working at institutions such as Indian Institute of Science, Nanyang Technological University and Mechanobiology Institute of Singapore. Subsequently, she worked with law firm, investment firm and university technology transfer office and most recently managed the IP portfolio of Patents and Trademarks for Hummingbird Bioscience, a biotech company developing immunotherapy treatments for hard to drug targets
Michael is passionate about working with innovators and entrepreneurs in advancing missions that improve human health and well-being, and has spent the last two decades facilitating projects and developments in the area of global public health. As the Assistant Dean for Alumni and Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, he oversees an international portfolio with an emphasis on Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East and the Mediterranean. Before assuming this position, Michael was the Vice Dean for special projects and development strategy at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. He also served as Vice Dean for the Office of External Relations, Associate Vice Dean for advancement and director for international giving focused on building relationships both domestically and internationally and helping to advance the mission of the School of Public Health. At Harvard since 1989, Michael also worked for the University Development Office where he was assistant director of East Asia operations and at the Graduate School of Design where he oversaw fundraising activities. Mr. Voligny is a graduate of Washington University (St. Louis, Missouri) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture and archaeology, and his master’s degree in architectural history.
Dr. Duane Hassane, a former professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and Tempus alum, brings a unique blend of academic and industry insight to Zero-to-One.
During his tenure at Weill Cornell, Dr. Hassane's work was marked by innovative research and the development of genomics testing programs. His academic experience laid a strong foundation for his transition into industry, where he continued to drive innovation and collaboration. At Tempus, Dr. Hassane played a key role in devising scientific strategy and developing corporate R&D roadmaps.
His experience in buy-side due diligence and technology transfer reflects a nuanced understanding of what industry values and how to bridge the gap between research and practical application. With a career that seamlessly integrates academia and industry, Dr. Hassane's contributions to medical science are characterized by a thoughtful approach to innovation, a deep appreciation for industry needs, and a lasting impact on patient care and clinical outcomes.
Lisha Chandran is an MD with clinical experience in internal medicine and nephrology. Prior to joining Zero-to-One where she assists the leadership team with due diligence on early-stage therapeutic assets, Lisha did operations for portfolio companies at Scientific Innovations, a New York and Singapore based venture studio engaged in technology and business model innovations. Lisha also served for 5 years as the Medical Advisor to the UAE Embassy in Singapore.
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E: suman (at) zero-to-one.co
Cambridge, MA