Global Expert in Virology and Immunology to lead Groundbreaking Genetic Drug Development
ROCKVILLE, Md. (January 11, 2016) – American Gene Technologies (AGT) today announced that Dr. David Pauza will serve as Chief Science Officer. Pauza brings a global reputation as a leading expert in virology and immunology to AGT, where he will lead AGT's groundbreaking genetic drug development.
"The gravity of our pursuit - cures to debilitating human diseases - requires a proven pioneer with the resolve to creatively design solutions that deliver," said American Gene Technologies CEO, Jeff Galvin. "Dr. Pauza brings both the pioneering spirit that has always guided us and a track record of accomplishment to our ambitious drug development efforts."
AGT currently has six preclinical drug candidates in its pipeline: HIV/AIDS, Breast Cancer, Liver Cancer, Familial Dysautonomia (FD), Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Parkinson's Disease. AGT anticipates launching a clinical study in HIV/AIDS this year to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new therapy to improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from HIV. Additional focus areas currently in the early discovery phase include prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and acute burn injuries.
"Genetic therapy is poised to revolutionize medicine and cure diseases we once thought untouchable," said Pauza. "AGT is on the verge of major breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS, deadly forms of cancer and metabolic liver disease."
Pauza has been collaborating with AGT on infectious disease for several years. AGT collaborates with leading scientists at major research institutions to accelerate research and tap into the world's foremost minds in genetic therapy.
Throughout his career Pauza has held an array of positions and received countless honors, including:
Associate Director, University of Maryland Medical School Institute of Human Virology and Co-Leader of the Viral Oncology Program at the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center
United Nations Scientific, Cultural and Educational Organization Visiting Professor in Biotechnology at the University of Rome
William J. Way Visiting Professor at the Duke University Center for AIDS research
Chernow Foundation Award winner from the American Foundation for AIDS Research
Honorary Member, Gold Key Society
Chair, National Scientific Advisory Board for the Southwest National Primate Research Center
Member, Executive Advisory Board, Chantal Biya Center for International Research in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Pauza received his PhD in 1981 from the University of California-Berkeley and completed postdoctoral training at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. In 1985 he started the HIV/AIDS research program at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA. He has received uninterrupted NIH grant funding since 1988 and has two active NIH grants at present.
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