Michael Kranda

Aclipse Therapeutics is a clinical stage company focused on molecular pathways that regulate cellular stress, protein misfolding and inflammation. We are currently developing two in-licensed clinical assets with 7 potential indications and existing $30 billion markets. M107 is primed to enter a Ph2 trial for the treatment of gastroparesis. M107 has the potential to modify the disease by restoring normal gastric pacemaker function. M102 is primed to enter a Ph 1 trial next year for the treatment of sporadic ALS and designed to activate both Nrf2 and HSF1 pathways. Further, we are developing biomarkers based on patient PBMCs to identify potential drug responders and exploring Parkinson’s and Friedreich’s Ataxia as potential additional indications.

LifeSprout is a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine platform company spun out of the Johns Hopkins Nanobiology Institute. Led efforts to turn around operations including delivery of a stalled pivotal clinical program that met the primary endpoint, delivery of company's first ISO 13485 certificate, and successful implementation of multiple manufacturing scale up and process improvement initiatives. Worked closely with the board to raise $3MM in Q1 and establish a robust strategic alternative and licensing process.

Ask Bio, now Bayer, is a pioneering AAV gene therapy company dedicated to developing life-saving medicines to cure genetic diseases. Recruited to lead their CNS gene therapy business and support a dual track IPO/M&A process that resulted in Bayer's $4B acquisition. Managed clinical trials in Parkinson's, MSA, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease. Integrated two CNS acquisitions and led efforts to improve/standardize MRI guided brain injection protocols, devices and software. Also served as corporate head of Alliance Management where I was able to cut over $25MM of non-priority programs and established Joint Steering Committees and other initiative's to improve the performance of core programs and strategic alliances.

The Allen Institute's are non-profit research organizations founded by Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen. I served as a founding board member of the Allen Institute for Brain Science and was recruited back in 2017 to the parent Institute to implement an intellectual property management system and an industrial collaboration platform to further drive the impact of AI's research efforts via IP strategies, translational programs and industrial partnerships. Implemented a robust IP program, dramatically increased disclosures and led efforts to establish two patent families; modified AAV enhancers for brain cell type specific gene therapy applications and AI applications of machine learning algorithms and neural networks for 3D intracellular visualization. Sourced and negotiated two multi-indication CNS gene therapy collaborations based on the enhancers. Negotiated a license of the AI technology to a leading live cell imaging company. Am a co-inventor on an international stage patent filing covering use of the AI technology for cell therapy manufacturing and quality applications.

University of Washington spin out developing an AAV6 gene therapy for the treatment of chronic heart failure. Developed and manufactured a humanized gene construct.. Delivered a successful POC with the new construct and held a pre-IND meeting with the FDA.

Served as a Board Member and Audit Committee Chair managing multiple strategic and financial transactions, including their IPO. Helped ramp up of global sales and marketing operations for transLarna, approved outside the US for DMD. Participated in the development and out-licensing of Evrysdi to Roche for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Cardero, now Epirium Bio, is a clinical stage biotech focused on the biology of mitochondrial biogenesis and tissue regeneration in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases including Frederic's Ataxia and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Cancer Vaccine and monoclonal antibody company

Therapeutic cancer stem cell platform company.

Sourced and led a Series A in BiPar which was acquired by Sanofi generating a near 10x return. Represented Vulcan on the PTC Therapeutics Board and managed another significant exit. Achieved overall fund performance in the top decile of comparable US venture funds over the period.