Riptide Antimicrobial Peptide Effective Against WHO Priority Pathogens

Prior to his untimely passing, Dr. Kennedy was a founding advisor and shareholder in Riptide Bioscience, and we strive to maintain the scientific rigor and higher objectives he inspired.  Dr. Kennedy was a noted neurobiology research scientist prior to chairing Stanford University’s Department of Biology and founding its Program in Human Biology.  He went on to serve as the US FDA Commissioner, later returning to Stanford as provost and ultimately University President.  Subsequently he served as editor-in-chief of Science.

Dame Carol Black is a world-renowned expert in rheumatology, who served as Medical Director of the Royal Free Hospital at University College London, where she established Europe’s largest center for both scleroderma research and treatment.  Later she served as President of the Royal College of Physicians, and served as the UK government’s National Director for Health and Work.  She is co-president of the UK government organization focusing on the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders, and led the government’s Independent Review of Drugs.

Dr. Frank McCormick is among the world’s top cancer researchers, and received the first Stephenson Global Prize for his groundbreaking cancer discoveries.  Dr. McCormick’s pioneering work uncovered how mutations in the KRAS gene, present in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate cell growth. His discoveries have been foundational to the development of therapies targeting KRAS, a goal once thought unattainable.

Dr. Leonard Post has more than 30 years of experience with all stages of drug development, from early discovery through FDA approval.  Previously he served as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Onyx Pharmaceuticals from 2000 to 2006. In this role, he was responsible for the co-development of Nexavar through to FDA approval for renal cancer. Onyx was sold to Amgen for $10 billion. Subsequently he served as Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of LEAD Therapeutics (sold to BioMarin for $100M), and remained at BioMarin as Chief Scientific Officer.

Dr. Yates, Professor of Oncology, Pathology and Urology at Johns Hopkins University, has administered numerous grant awards from the National Cancer Institute and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense, and is a frequent invited speaker at national and international conferences focusing on prostate and breast cancer. Dr. Yates’ research focuses on how the tumor microenvironment influences epigenetic regulators, which can cause tumor cells to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promote metastasis.

Dr. Clemens is a biologist and pharmacologist with 35 years’ experience in drug development, including the first identification of antagonists useful for controlling estrogen-dependent cancers. Dr. Clemens has led research teams at companies including Parke-Davis, Scios, and Metabolex, including the team that prepared data for the IND and ultimate approval of a recombinant form of human natriuretic peptide for congestive heart failure.

Dr. Jaynes is a leading biochemist specializing in peptide design, and has served as Chief Scientific Officer at two previous companies. As documented in >120 peer-reviewed publications and >60 patents, the Jaynes Lab was first in the world to demonstrate antiprotozoal, plant disease resistance, and anticancer activity for designed lytic peptides both in vitro and in vivo. In agriculture, Dr. Jaynes’ antimicrobial peptides have been licensed by US Sugar / Tropicana for use in citrus crop protection.

Translational development executive with 25+ years driving programs from discovery through IND, clinical development, and regulatory approval. Known for shaping development strategy, integrating cross‑functional scientific disciplines, and delivering registration‑ready data packages. Career includes leadership roles at Life Edit Therapeutics (ElevateBio), Avalanche/Adverum (acquired by Eli Lilly), Affymax, and Pharmacyclics (AbbVie), complemented by a consulting practice supporting translational drug development, and regulatory strategy across gene therapy, gene editing, regenerative medicine, ophthalmology, pain, oncology, hematology, arthritis, inflammation, infection and drug delivery. Author of 70+ peer‑reviewed publications and inventor on 10 patents.

Dr. Lopez is an executive with both hands-on and management expertise in preclinical development, focusing particularly on execution of a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo assays.  Dr. Lopez managed laboratories at Xoma, Glycomed, and ultimately Parke-Davis/Pfizer as Director of its Phenotyping Core.  He went on to found MuriGenics, a large Contract Research Organization, servicing publicly-held and privately-held pharmaceutical companies worldwide.  Dr. Lopez is also an Associate Professor at the Division of Medicine, University College London.

Mr. Garvin, a seasoned CEO and technology investor, has a BA and JD from Harvard University, and did PhD study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He has been Chairman, CEO, or controlling shareholder at a number of tech and biotech companies during a 40-year career. Mr. Garvin served as an officer and member of the Board of Directors at the Boston Consulting Group, a leading strategy consulting organization, and was one of the original principals of the Beta Group, a seed capital firm which has incubated several successful medical technology companies. Subsequently Mr. Garvin has served as Chairman or represented controlling interests in companies of up to $350 million in revenues, including TVC Communications, Riviera Trading, EK Holdings and Basic Industries. He is currently a Director of Tosk, Inc. (cancer chemotherapies) and Senior Advisor to SanBio (stem cell therapies).