Meet the Team Driving Biotech Innovation at PROTEIX
- Kourosh Ebrahimi
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Biotechnology is transforming healthcare, agriculture, and environmental solutions. At the heart of this transformation are the people who bring ideas to life through research, development, and collaboration. PROTEIX stands out as a university-based startup venture where a dedicated team works tirelessly to push the boundaries of science and technology. This post introduces you to the key members of the PROTEIX's team and highlights how their expertise and passion fuel the company’s progress.
The Team
Dr. Kourosh Ebrahimi, Scientific leader
Dr. Ebrahimi is a distinguished scientific leader with over 15 years of experience, underpinned by a robust foundation in chemical engineering, biotechnology, immunology, and virology. He leverages this multidisciplinary background to advance the field of therapeutic protein design and development. As the head of the research division, his work in molecular biology and protein engineering has yielded two patents, publications in leading scientific journals, and fostered key collaborations with leading academic institutions.
Thao Nghi Hoang,
Nghi is the architect and steward of the company's narrative, reputation, and brand. She translates complex business strategies into compelling stories for all audiences, from investors and media to employees and customers. By managing corporate messaging and media relations, she protects and elevates the company's public image, ensuring it is trusted, understood, and valued.
Yujie Sheng (Project: Creating antiviral preventives)
Yujie Sheng is specializing in the integration of nanocage engineering, advanced assay development, and cellular biology. He demonstrates strong capabilities in designing and characterizing novel nanocage constructs, followed by comprehensive validation through customized assay systems and cellular models. His expertise enables effective translation of fundamental research into therapeutic applications, consistently bridging complex nanocage designs with functional biological responses and demonstrated efficacy in relevant biological systems.
Key Expertise:
Nanocage engineering and characterization
Assay development and mechanistic studies
Cell biology and translational research
Mengdi Wu (Project: Developing building blocks for a synthetic antiviral innate immune system)
Mengdi Wu's work bridges protein engineering, cell biology, and animal studies, with a focus on translating innovative research into therapeutic applications. She brings experience in designing and optimizing novel protein constructs, validated through advanced cellular assays and in vivo models. Her interdisciplinary approach enables her to effectively connect molecular design with functional outcomes, establishing a clear pathway from discovery to preclinical development.
Key Expertise:
Protein engineering and characterization
Cellular assay development and mechanistic studies
In vivo model validation and translational research
Shujie Li (Project: Creating novel cancer chemo-immunotherapeutic agents)
Shujie Li's work focuses on the design and characterization of novel chemoimmunotherapeutic agents. She has experience working with cancer cells and animal models. This unique background positions her to effectively bridge fundamental research and clinical translation, consistently connecting molecular insights to functional tumor responses and demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in complex biological contexts.
Key Expertise:
Nanocage engineering and characterization
Tumor model development and mechanistic studies
In vivo validation and translational research
Advisory board
For a biotech startup, the Advisory Board is far from a ceremonial appointment. It is a strategic engine and a risk-mitigation tool. By providing expert guidance, external validation, and access to unparalleled networks, a well-chosen and actively engaged Advisory Board dramatically increases the probability of technical, regulatory, and commercial success. It is the partnership that transforms groundbreaking science into life-changing medicine.
Professor William James, University of Oxford
Professor William James is a world-leading virologist and immunologist. He provides an unparalleled scientific compass for R&D strategy and clinical development. His expertise de-risks our pipeline by validating mechanisms of action and designing robust experiments.
Prof Mark Sutton, UK Health Security Agency
Professor Sutton provides an expert lens on translating biological targets into viable drug candidates, de-risking the critical early stages of development. He guides lead optimization, candidate selection, and preclinical strategy to avoid costly dead ends. His experience in navigating the complexities of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology is invaluable for building a robust pipeline.
Dr Jack Tan, University of Oxford
Dr Tan provides expert strategic guidance on modern vaccine design, from antigen selection to platform optimization. His advice is instrumental in de-risking clinical development by shaping robust immunogenicity and efficacy trial endpoints. His credibility and deep regulatory insight are invaluable for accelerating the path from the lab to global health impact.
Dr Igor Vivanco, King's College London
Dr Vivanco provides critical strategic guidance on target selection and validation, ensuring our programs address key drivers of tumor growth and resistance. He helps design robust preclinical studies and clinical trials, focusing on patient selection, biomarker development, and combination therapy strategies to maximize therapeutic impact.
Dr Richard Amison, King's College London
Dr Amison provides indispensable guidance on selecting and validating the most predictive in vivo models for our therapeutic candidates. He ensures that preclinical studies are rigorously designed to generate robust data on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy, accurately forecasting potential human responses. This expertise is crucial for de-risking clinical translation, optimizing dosing strategies, and strengthening regulatory submissions.
How the Team Works Together
PROTEIX success comes from a culture of open communication and shared goals. Regular meetings and cross-department projects encourage knowledge exchange and problem-solving.
For example, when developing a new protein drug, the R&D team collaborates to design testing protocols early in the process. Meanwhile, advisors provide guidance on meeting therapeutic effect and regulatory requirements to avoid delays during approval.
This integrated approach reduces risks and accelerates development timelines.
Real-World Impact of PROTEIX Work
The team’s efforts have led to the development of two patented technologies:
A "plug and play" nanocage assembly platform for fast and cost-effective development of efficacious multifunctional treatments and preventives for autoimmune diseases, viral and bacterial infections, and cancer. Their work also extends to sustainable agriculture, developing enzymes that improve crop resilience without harmful chemicals.
Enzymes and biocatalysts for a synthetic innate immune system. Using gene delivery technologies (e.g., mRNA or AAV), the gene encoding these enzymes can be delivered to the site of infection. The enzymes are then expressed in the infected cell and produce broad-spectrum antiviral agents that prevent viral infection. By synthesizing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs within the body, the technology not only provides new hope for treating and preventing viral infections, but will also be a radical change in the way pharmaceuticals are made. It offers a green, low-CO2-emission technology to build a better future.
One notable project involved creating a protein-based therapy that acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral neutralizing device to address the global challenge in pandemic response. The team’s combined expertise—from molecular design to regulatory approval—is bringing this therapy closer to pre-clinical and clinical trials for vulnerable patients, who have limited options.
Another notable project is the creation of novel classes of chemoimmunotherapeutic agents by leveraging a modular "plug-and-play" nanocage assembly platform. The technology enables the precise co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and immune-stimulating molecules directly to tumor cells. This synergistic approach is designed to simultaneously kill cancer cells while activating a potent, targeted anti-tumor immune response, overcoming key limitations of conventional therapies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PROTEIX
PROTEIX continues to invest in talent and technology. The team is exploring new areas, including synthetic biology, personalized medicine, and vaccines for public health and veterinary use. They are also expanding partnerships with universities, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers to stay at the forefront of biotech advances.
The company’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment ensures that the team remains motivated and focused on delivering solutions that improve lives.
The PROTIEX team is more than a group of scientists and professionals. They are a community united by curiosity, dedication, and a shared mission to advance biotechnology. Their combined skills and teamwork turn complex challenges into real-world solutions, making a tangible difference in healthcare and beyond.
If you want to learn more about the people behind biotech innovation, contact us by email. The future of biotech depends on teams like this, and their story is just beginning.