Our Team

Biotechnology is transforming healthcare. At the heart of this transformation are the people who bring ideas to life through research, development, and collaboration. PROTEIX Biotech stands out as a university-based startup venture, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to push the boundaries of science and technology. This post introduces you to the key members of PROTEIX's team and highlights how their expertise and passion fuel the company’s progress.

True innovation begins in the scientific lab, where fundamental discoveries are transformed into groundbreaking solutions for the world. Our lab is located in the Franklin-Wilkins Building, King's College London.

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 timeli