Clinical Trials / Current Efforts
Dr. Natarajan Ranganathan (Dr. Rangan) is Managing Director (R&D) and key founder of Kibow Biotech Inc., a 21-year-old biotechnology company specializing in the clinical utility of probiotics/prebiotics towards Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and related applications. Dr. Ranganathan has significant professional expertise and knowledge related to the fields of Gut Microbiome, Dysbiosis, and its stabilization with Probiotics and Prebiotics. Under his scientific leadership, Kibow was awarded, two consecutive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) fast-track grants from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney (NIDDK) Diseases – NIH and additional funding from the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) totaling $3.0 million. Additionally, the company received a grant of quarter million dollars under the US Government’s Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project, or QTDP, program. Dr. Emmanuel Anteyi is the Clinical/Medical Director of Kibow Biotech Inc responsible for planning, monitoring, coordinating, and project management of all clinical trials sponsored by or in collaboration with Kibow. Dr. Anteyi is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the clinical development program, regulatory, and pharmacovigilance of Kibow Biotech pipeline products. Dr. Anteyi has been an Internal Medicine Physician and Nephrologist for over 29 years with vast experience in clinical research, clinical Medical practice, coordinated training/teaching of undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr. Anteyi has over a decade of academic, administrative, and professional experience as an Adjunct Professor, Institutional Chair, and Director of Graduate Medical Education for West African College of Physicians and Royal College of Physicians of London (UK) for Board certification in Internal Medicine /Nephrology. Dr. Anteyi was a Principal Investigator of the Pilot study on Probiotic dietary supplementation for promoting healthy kidney function in patients with CKD 3-4 sponsored by Kibow Biotech. Dr. Anteyi earned his MD in Nigeria and board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology by the West African College of Physicians. Subsequently awarded the prestigious Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of London in the UK. Dr. Anteyi later obtained the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Healthcare Management from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Frankfurt, Germany. Dr. Anteyi earned another Master of Science (MSHS) in Clinical Research Administration from George Washington University, Washington DC in 2020. Dr. Anteyi is a member of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), American Society of Nephrology (ASN), International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), and Renal Physicians Association. Dr. Anteyi has over 26 published articles in biomedical journals and has presented papers, given talks at various scientific meetings, and volunteered in many community health promotion programs. Dr. Abraham is a cardiac surgeon primarily affiliated with the II Department of Surgery since 1994 and with the Centre for Advancement of Clinical Research since 2014 of Yamanashi University. He is associated with Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine, in India (www.ncrm.org) & GN Corporation, in Japan (www.gncorporation.com) since 2002 working on Stem cell research and with JBM Inc, Japan (www.jbmed.net) working on biomaterials. He is a founding member of the Journal of Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine (www.pubstemcell.com) and a collaborator to the Training Program in Regenerative Medicine of the University of Toronto (www.regenmedcanada.com). Dr. Vanholder has published more than 900 papers, including reviews and book chapters, on the adequacy of dialysis, uremic toxicity, and various topics related to clinical nephrology. He serves as a member of the editorial review board of several journals and is subject editor of Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation and Toxins. Up until autumn 2010, he was chairman of the European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox) and member of the Executive Board, and treasurer of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Up till summer 2011, he was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplantation Association (ERA-EDTA) and chairman of the European Renal Best Practice (ERBP), the guidance body of ERA-EDTA. Before that, he coordinated the European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG) on hemodialysis. He has chaired the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDRTF) of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) till the end of 2014 and in this function participated as a member or coordinator in several international relief operations. Dr. Vanholder was the founding president of the Belgian Society of Nephrology (BVN-SBN), is past president of the European Society of Artificial Organs (ESAO), and of ERA-EDTA. He is currently the chairman of the European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) and from January 1 2017 also of European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA). His main interest has been Identification, Dr. Utpal Tatu obtained his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science and did his post-doctoral research at Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science. His research aims to develop cheaper and more effective medicines for neglected diseases such as malaria, giardiasis, amoebiasis, trypanosomoses, and candidiasis. Prof. Tatu has made extensive use of bio-analytical tools including mass spectrometry in his research for both proteomic and metabolomic applications. He serves as an expert panel member on the United States Pharmacopeia Therapeutic Protein Panel. In addition to carrying out educational workshops for various institutions he has offered thematic workshops together with United States Pharmacopeia on bio-analytical methods for various biopharma companies. Prof. Tatu’s lab has established a successful academia-industry interaction. In addition to analyzing over two thousand challenging samples for various biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries his lab has collaborated with various national and international organizations for drug development projects and biosimilar characterization. Prof. Tatu holds international patents and is a recipient of several national and international awards including the Birla science prize, Bioscience career development award from DBT, and Ranbaxy Research Award to mention a few. He is an elected fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and serves on the research advisory boards of several biotech companies in India and abroad. He is closely involved in advising Biopharma companies about Bio-therapeutic protein characterization. Prof. Tatu is an editorial board member of the Parasitology Journal published by the Cambridge Press. He serves as the Vice President of Proteomics Society of India and was formerly Vice President of the Indian Society for Mass Spectrometry. Dr. Georgi Abraham is Consultant – Nephrologist at Madras Medical Mission Hospital, Mogappair East, Chennai, India, and also occupy various other positions such as being the Chairman – Commission for Global Advancement in Nephrology (COMGAN) South Asia for International Society of Nephrology, Founder President of the Peritoneal Dialysis Society of India (1997-99), International Society of Nephrology – Governing Council Member, Representing South Asia, International Advisor to Royal College of Physicians of London, Executive Member – Steering Committee, World Kidney Day by ISN & IFKF and an Advisory Committee Member – International Society of Nephrology for Access to Dialysis in Developing Countries. He is also the Editor in Chief – Indian Journal of Peritoneal Dialysis. Other than this, he is also the Founder, Trustee – Tamilnadu Kidney Research Foundation (TANKER) and Kerala Kidney Research Foundation (KKRF) and Chairman Commission for Global Advancement in Nephrology, South Asia Region Governing Council Member of the Internal Society of Nephrology (www.ISN.org) Member Executive committee Global Indian Network for Knowledge by the ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs. In his illustrious professional and academic career, he has been the Recipient – International Distinguished Medal in Nephrology 2003, American Kidney Foundation, USA. In his research areas, he has 150 publications in national and International journals; and has also written 11 textbook chapters. Dr. Eli Friedman is a Distinguished Teaching Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and is a native of Brooklyn whose career-long contributions to the field of nephrology have advanced the quality of renal medicine within our city as well as throughout the nation. Dr. Friedman established the first hemodialysis facility in New York City here at Downstate in 1963 and his work in the field of kidney disease is internationally recognized. Dr. Mark Donowitz, M.D. has had a distinguished career of scientific discovery, mentorship of young researchers, and advocacy for the gastroenterology specialty. Dr. Donowitz is a LeBoff Professor of Medicine and Professor of Physiology, Director of the Hopkins Center for Epithelial Disorders at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is Founding Director of the NIH/NIDDK Hopkins Conte Digestive Diseases Center for Basic and Translational Research. He was President of the American Gastroenterological Association 2006-2007. He also served as President of the Gastroenterology-Research Group. He has received the Distinguished Achievement Award and as well as the Davenport Memorial Prize from the American Physiology Society and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His scientific focus has been to understand the regulation of intestinal Na absorption in normal digestive physiology and abnormalities that contribute to diarrheal diseases. His group was the first to recognize the mammalian Na/H exchanger gene family, to clone the epithelial isoforms, and to trace the evolutionary development of the gene family. He has examined structure/function aspects of the exchangers and identified the large, multi-protein complexes in which the epithelial NHEs function. In addition, his group identified a gene family of PDZ containing brush border proteins called the NHERF family which are scaffolding proteins that interact with NHE3 and are involved in forming the multi-protein complexes, are critical for its regulation, and take part in its association with the cytoskeleton. He has pioneered the use of human mini-intestines made from normal human subjects to advance understanding of human digestive physiology and pathophysiology especially related to host-pathogen interactions. His clinical interests are in the diagnosis and management of chronic diarrheal diseases, including short gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and celiac disease. Dr. Tamara Kear is the Executive Director for the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) and an Associate Adjunct Professor at Villanova University. In 2019, she held the elected position as the National President for the American Nephrology Nurses Association during which time she directed ANNA’s response and actions related to the Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative. She received the American Association of Kidney Patient’s Medal of Excellence in the nursing category in 2020 for leading ANNA’s response to the Advancing American Kidney Initiative. Dr. Kear received her undergraduate nursing degree from Gwynedd-Mercy University, a Master’s in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, and a Ph.D. from Villanova University. Dr. Kear has 30 years of clinical experience in the care of patients with kidney disease and is considered a nurse expert in the field. Dr. Kear has received extensive grant funding for her research on nurse and patient safety in nephrology/dialysis settings, hypertension self-management, and infection prevention. Dr. Kear has received grants and recognition for her research and leadership from Villanova University, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the American Nephrology Nurses Association. Dr. Kear was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2019. Overseeing the Company’s Medical Affairs and Compliance is Robert K. Cato, MD. Dr. Cato is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He holds the following titles: Chief, Division of General Medicine at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; Medical Director, Penn Center for Primary Care; and Professor of Clinical Medicine at Penn. Dr. Cato has been recognized in Philadelphia magazine’s annual “Top Docs” issue in 2002, and 2011 through 2017. He holds a BS honors in Behavioral Neuroscience, followed by an M.D. from Cornell University, Medical College in 1993. He holds clinical expertise in Internal medicine including hypertension, diabetes, complex care management, primary care, and has been certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2016.
Mahesh holds a BS in Marketing and an MBA in International Marketing from Philadelphia University and Saint Joseph’s University respectively. After an 8-year career as a global project consultant with American Express and KPMG, he joined his father’s family business in 2008. He brings his global expertise serving in the capacity of International Marketing Director for Kibow Biotech Inc. He is responsible for international market development and client relations, global regulatory claims, and product registry overseas. He is proficient in Spanish, French, and Japanese with a working knowledge of Portuguese and Italian.
A leader in the Greater Philadelphia Life Science Community, promoting industry & academic collaborations, to drive innovative science towards commercialization for the benefit of patients. Retired in 2015 after 35 years with ICI/ AstraZeneca: Jan 2017, appointed Head of Business Development for NIIMBL (National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals), based at The Biotech Institute at University of Delaware 2009 – present: Chairman of Delaware Bioscience Association (DE Bio). While at AstraZeneca Chris held global responsibility for External Relations to drive awareness of
AstraZeneca’s areas of partnering interest. Succeeded in establishing AZ as a Preferred Partner within the biotechnology sector, venture capital & academic community. An expert in technology transfer with over 24 years of experience negotiating strategic alliances, licenses, and academic/industry partnerships at the North America Headquarters of AstraZeneca, in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1980 recruited to the Cardio-Renal Pharmacology group of ICI/Zeneca. During 15 years in discovery research, he contributed to the development of numerous marketed therapeutic products, including blockbuster treatments for high blood pressure (Tenormin®), asthma (Accolate®), and schizophrenia (Seroquel®).
Founding member and Chairman of the Board of the Delaware Bioscience Association. Former Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), and served as Vice President for Eastern US Region (2006-2007).
Greg Bosch is CEO of Geistlich Pharma NA, the global leader in regenerative medicine in dental and oral-maxillofacial surgery. Greg was previously President and CEO of PuriCore, which he joined as CEO in 2004. Prior to joining PuriCore, he held a variety of management and leadership positions with Baxter International. Under his leadership, as Vice President and General Manager of Baxter’s Bio Surgery division, the division experienced growth from $40 million in 1998 to more than $220 million in 2000. During his 19-year tenure, Greg had international assignments in Austria and Switzerland and was a board member of Baxter AG. He received the 2006 Life Sciences CEO of the Year award from the Eastern Technology Council. Greg earned his BA from Duke University and his MBA from DePaul University.
Steve Kirton, is President, is the founder and CEO of Circa Healthcare, LLC. He gained his insights through many years of hard work in the industry, beginning with hands-on bench work as a clinical microbiologist. During his 11-year tenure with an international medical diagnostics company based in the UK, Steve rose from Sales Representative to Director of International Sales and Marketing. He then moved to the USA and held a role as Business Unit Manager for Centocor, a leading biopharmaceutical company. His corporate experience was followed by several years as an ad agency executive, not only at his own company but also at New York-based Euro RSCG Life. Steve provides marketing knowledge and business wisdom distilled from over 25 years of healthcare experience.
Dr. Rangan has been a medical researcher and entrepreneur for over thirty-plus years. He earned two master’s degrees (organic chemistry and biochemistry) from the University of Poona, India, and obtained a Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry from Temple University, Philadelphia. He received further academic training at the University of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore. His postdoctoral work and subsequent academic efforts were focused on the disciplines of reproductive, radiation, and nuclear medicine. Dr. Rangan was a former member of the Board of Directors of the International Probiotics Association (IPA) and the Scientific Visitors Board of the School of Science and Technology at Temple University, Philadelphia.