Introducing the Type 1 Diabetes Moonshot Community

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Meet the T1D Moonshot Community working to speed up progress on the prevention, management, and cure of Type 1 diabetes.

The T1D Moonshot will continue to accept applications from founders and researchers, adding qualified teams to the community on a rolling basis.


We will keep this article updated as the community grows.

Funders: Learn how you can become a Health Moonshot Champion and support Health Transformers.

In March 2023, StartUp Health announced a program-related investment (PRI) by The Helmsley Charitable Trust to provide education, support, and investment to scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are working on the prevention, management, and cure of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). With Helmsley’s philanthropic support, 25 to 30 early-stage T1D startups may be selected by StartUp Health to participate for three years in the T1D track of Health Transformer University, StartUp Health’s education program for healthcare innovators. This entrepreneurial mastery program and lifelong learning community is for ambitious founders and funders who are working together to solve the biggest health challenges of our time.

We are pleased to introduce the innovators selected into the program below, with links to longer stories and contact information. Subscribe to our Sunday “Meet the Health Transformers” newsletter to be the first to read deep dives about each company.

StartUp Health’s call for innovation remains open as we seek additional founders working to improve the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes.

Announced in August 2024

SymbioCellTech, founded by Christof Westenfelder, MD, and Axel Zander, MD, is on a mission to create and deliver a functional cure for T1D. They are a late preclinical-stage company that has developed a novel stem cell-enabled biotherapy that durably cures Type 1 diabetes without the need for immunosuppression drugs. With extensive experience in cell therapy and regenerative medicine and affiliations at the University of Utah and the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Christof (CEO) has led SymbioCellTech through 10+ years of research and animal trials. Chief Scientific Officer, Anna Gooch, PhD, has fifteen years experience in cell therapy and regenerative medicine research and commercialization. The company has raised $15M raised to date and is now focused on finalizing preclinical trials and working towards FDA IND approvals.The StartUp Health team connected with SymbioCellTech at the 2024 ADA conference.

Announced in April 2024

Pocket Clinic, founded by Amir Omidvar, PhD, and Atena Amanati, PhD, is on a mission to redefine diabetes care globally by providing smart, accessible, and eco-friendly insulin delivery. Amir brings his experience with diabetes and expertise in microelectronics, while Atena leverages in-depth knowledge from her research and consulting background. The company is reshaping diabetes care with their seven-day wearable smart injector, designed to replace frequent injections for people living with Type 1 diabetes, utilizing MEMS technology to ensure the device's ease of use and comfort. After completing initial studies, they're advancing towards a clinical trial with LMC Health, Canada's leading diabetes clinic, and are preparing for FDA submissions. Pocket Clinic’s approach aims to simplify diabetes management for patients and caregivers while also streamlining processes for insurers. Pocket Clinic applied directly to StartUp Health.

InsulinSaver, co-founded by Hanna Dahl and Oskar Dahl, is on a mission to protect insulin quality and minimize waste through smart sensor technology for insulin storage. Diagnosed with T1D in 2004, Hanna leverages her personal experience and entrepreneurial skills to address a need in diabetes care while Oskar’s expertise in electrical engineering and product development contributes to InsulinSaver's technology. This affordable and user-friendly sensor continuously monitors insulin, providing alerts when temperature changes threaten its efficacy. Having distributed 1,400 units to date, InsulinSaver is gaining momentum, inspired by Hanna's encounter with insulin spoilage, highlighting the need for such a solution. InsulinSaver applied directly to StartUp Health.

Announced in February 2024

Your Diabetes Insider, founded by Ben Tzeel, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at seven years old, is improving diabetes management through its virtual dietitian practice. Holding credentials as a certified diabetes educator, registered dietitian, and strength coach, Ben leverages his personal and professional experience to guide patients on nutrition and physical activity. The platform is committed to helping individuals with diabetes maintain optimal blood sugar levels, enjoy their preferred foods, and achieve their best physical condition. To date, Your Diabetes Insider has successfully guided 3,000 patients through its comprehensive program, aiming to enhance the lives of over a million people with diabetes. Your Diabetes Insider was referred to StartUp Health by a member of our T1D Moonshot Impact Board.

Sensulin, led by CEO & Co-founder Mike Moradi, along with co-founders Chris Rhodes, PhD (CTO), Ananth Annapragada, PhD (Chief Scientist), and Dan Bradbury (Chairman), is pioneering glucose-responsive insulin through a novel platform that combines “stealth” liposomes with boronate “glue.” The team, bringing a wealth of experience in drug development and delivery, aims to transform insulin therapy, making it safer and more accessible. This innovative approach allows for precise insulin release in response to blood sugar levels. With a proof of concept at the University of Texas/Baylor College of Medicine and ongoing animal trials, the company is navigating toward regulatory milestones with their lead candidate. Sensulin was referred to StartUp Health by a current Health Transformer.

InsuLearn is co-founded by Arielle Messer and Dorian Goldman, who bring a blend of personal experience and technical expertise to the field of diabetes management. Arielle, a person with Type 1 diabetes, has a strong background in data science and computational biology, with significant involvement in the diabetes community. Dorian, with a PhD in Applied Mathematics, has an extensive history in mathematical modeling and data science. InsuLearn’s mission is to revolutionize diabetes care by automating insulin delivery with a machine learning-powered system that personalizes treatment, reduces manual interventions, and adapts to individual health changes. The technology offers precise insulin dosage predictions, adaptive learning to personal health changes, and a reduction in manual corrections, setting a new standard in personalized diabetes management. InsuLearn applied directly to StartUp Health.

Announced in December 2023

HEAL.med, a nonprofit specializing in diabetes education, has developed Deapp to support children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. This app, a collaborative effort between the NHS, Sanofi, and the University of Leicester, merges interactive tools, animated videos, and games to enhance diabetes education. The platform is utilized by more than 70 hospitals in the UK with 25k+ downloads to date. HEAL.med is led by founder Lee Paxman-Clarke, a product design expert; co-founder Sarah Lockwood-Lee, a seasoned diabetes educator; and James Greening, MBBS, an expert in both clinical and academic aspects of diabetes. HEAL.med’s mission extends beyond its app, focusing on innovative educational methods and forming collaborations with organizations such as Dexcom and Children With Diabetes (CWD). HEAL.med applied directly to StartUp Health.

Diabetes Driving Pal, developed under Viral Shah, MD,at the University of Colorado, is a mobile app designed to ensure the safety of drivers with diabetes. The platform integrates with the user’s continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and car dashboard to provide vital alerts and suggestions for corrective actions when blood glucose levels are unsafe for driving. With an MVP developed with feedback from 400 people living with diabetes, the team is preparing for its first clinical trial in early 2024. Dr. Shah, a noted researcher and Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & metabolism at Indiana University, brings over a decade of experience in diabetes technology research. Dr. Shah was introduced to StartUp Health by Claudia Graham, a member of our T1D Moonshot Impact Board.

Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare (NICH), co-founded by Michael A. Harris, PhD, and Kim Spiro, PhD, at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), is a transformative program providing specialized care for youth with chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Targeting those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, NICH offers a unique approach that includes tailored interventions, 24/7 family access, and year-long support, while also addressing social determinants of health. NICH’s mission is to empower vulnerable youth, ensuring they thrive irrespective of their residence or insurance status. Dr. Harris, an expert in pediatric psychology, alongside Dr. Spiro, focuses on reducing healthcare costs, improving health and care, reducing provider burnout, and tackling health inequities. Their efforts have been recognized and funded by notable organizations including OHSU, The Helmsley Charitable Trust, NIH, ADA, JDRF, and have received accolades such as the Richard R. Rubin Award from the American Diabetes Association. NICH was referred to StartUp Health by Helmsley.

DiabetesWise, under the leadership of CEO & Co-founder Korey Hood, PhD, is aimed at enhancing access to diabetes devices and streamlining the prescription process. DiabetesWise provides a comprehensive library of diabetes devices, intuitive comparison tools, and prescription support. Serving both patients and healthcare providers, the platform facilitates efficient device matching and prescription, alongside providing crucial insurance coverage information. Operating through Stanford with approximately 5K monthly users, this free public platform is fully funded by grants from The Helmsley Charitable Trust. Dr. Hood, a T1D patient and a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, is an active member of ADA and JDRF with over 200 published articles. DiabetesWise was referred by Helmsley.

LAKKA Health, led by Sami Lakka, PhD, with a background in industrial sensor technology, is innovating in the Type 1 diabetes space with their flagship product “SOKRU.” This wearable, non-invasive device aims to revolutionize diabetes management by detecting sudden changes in blood sugar levels. It works by identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted through the skin, a sign of hypo- or hyperglycemia. Utilizing their patented Temperature Cycle Operation (TCO) technology, SOKRU enhances the sensitivity and selectivity of its sensor, capable of detecting low concentrations of VOCs such as diluted acetone. The effectiveness of SOKRU’s technology has been validated in a clinical trial conducted by the Diabetes Center Bern and Bern University Hospital, involving controlled hypoglycemia situations. Bootstrapped by its founders and supported by angel investors and the Finnish government, LAKKA Health’s mission is to inspire healthier lives through innovative devices. LAKKA Health was referred by the Diabetes Center Bern.

Announced in October 2023

Bogdan Oancea, MD, CEO & Co-founder of InsulLoc, is a Professor of Preventive Medicine at Ovidius University with 25+ years of experience in diabetology and nutrition. Co-founder Emilia Breban specializes in product development and marketing. InsulLoc, powered by AI, aids in precise insulin injection site location and technique, aiming to simplify and make insulin injections painless. It offers real-time abdominal evaluations, guides injections with AR, logs past injection sites, and helps avoid painful areas, increasing adherence. The tool aids in avoiding lipodystrophy and other diabetes complications while potentially reducing insulin doses. Doctors receive notifications and detailed reports. InsulLoc, having validated its concept through market research, is now launching clinical trials. InsulLoc applied directly to StartUp Health.

ImmunoBiota is addressing life-altering diseases by targeting dysfunctional microbiome metabolites. Their technology, based on scientific research from Monash University, has shown promising results in Type 1 diabetes and hypertension. HAMSAB+, their unique immunomodulator, has proven effective in decreasing autoimmune responses, halting insulin-producing beta-cell death, and significantly reducing blood pressure. ImmunoBiota’s mission is to pioneer the first microbiome metabolite-based therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with the vision of halting chronic inflammation and preventing life-threatening diseases for countless individuals. The company has achieved success in several animal disease models and phase 2 hypertension trials, with a phase 3 trial underway. At its helm, Eliana Mariño, PhD, with 12+ years of experience, is renowned for her research in immunology, microbiome science, and multi-omics. Dr. Marino transitioned from a Senior Researcher at Monash University to establish ImmunoBiota Therapeutics. ImmunoBiota applied directly to StartUp Health.

Ambrosia Systems has revolutionized the use of Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre sensors by transforming them into a real-time continuous glucose monitor (CGM) ecosystem. Led by Piyush Gupta, bringing his two decades of experience with Kaiser Permanente and Abbott, Ambrosia Systems’ overarching mission is to provide an affordable, real-time CGM to all. Having already achieved significant milestones including launching a direct-to-Apple Watch feature and successfully selling 85k+ devices across 100+ countries, the company is expanding its horizons. Their state-of-the-art AI platform enhances glucose sensor capabilities, offering real-time updates, remote monitoring, and tailored food recommendations. Piyushapplied directly to StartUp Health.

Idan Tamir, PhD, CEO & Founder of QuLab Medical is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. Idan leads QuLab Medical on its mission to introduce a minimally invasive patch capable of simultaneous, continuous monitoring of key metabolites, providing personalized metabolic profiling for Type 1 diabetes patients. The device not only concurrently monitors an array of key metabolites, it is also several times smaller than current CGMs. The company has a completed prototype with four patents and is launching a IRB-approved clinical study with the Ministry of Health in Israel. QuLab Medical was referred to StartUp Health by JDRF.

Announced in September 2023

Driven by a personal health battle with prediabetes and a family history of Type 1 diabetes, Kavi Misri founded Hibiscus Health with a vision to redefine metabolic health management. Bringing a decade-long background in healthcare and startups, Kavi designed a platform that combines deep tech and clinical human connection for early T1D detection and intervention. Hibiscus allows for integrated holistic care, using a diabetic-specific risk score and face scan technology detecting glucose fluctuations to provide personalized treatment plans, education, and clinical support. Having demonstrated product-market fit with reimbursements secured from top insurance providers, including Medicare & Medicaid, Hibiscus Health’s mission is empowering patients, providers, and systems to foster enhanced metabolic health for T1D patients. Kavi is a returning Health Transformer after exiting his previous company, Rose Health.

Levicure was co-founded by Shmuel Levit, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist with over 35 years of clinical practice at Israel’s Assuta Medical Centers, Daniil Koshelev, an experienced CEO with a 12-year track record in the biotech startup space, and Lucy Kosheleva, who brings 12 years of legal and investor relations experience. Central to Levicure’s innovation is their signature product: a daily oral pill offering a fixed-dose triple combination treatment for Type 1 diabetes tailored to promote sustainable remission for T1D patients. To date, they’ve conducted and published an exhaustive three-component NOD mouse study and, importantly, a proof-of-concept study on 19 T1D patients. Their pre-IND meeting yielded encouraging feedback from FDA, setting the stage for their Phase 2a trial, clinical approach, and the 505(b)2 pathway. Today, Levicure is proud to have on board a team of experienced industry experts specialized in clinical and pharmaceutical development with a comprehensive plan to launch a product into the market by 2030. Levicure was referred to StartUp Health by a fellow Health Transformer.

Announced in August 2023

Bulsai, founded by Bill Ervin, a Type 1 diabetic with 30 years experience in sales and business development at Citibank and Keller Williams International, utilizes ultrasound and AI to accurately ascertain the ideal placement and depth for insulin injections — akin to a body stud finder. The Bulsai technology guarantees precise insulin delivery, heightened absorption, and improved glycemic control, resulting in decreased risks of complications such as cysts, scar tissue, lipohypertrophy (LH), and hospitalizations. The device will offer a cost-effective solution for insulin-dependent individuals, thereby minimizing expenditures on insulin and supplies. Following a comprehensive market analysis, Bulsai is actively advancing toward the development of its inaugural prototype. Bill applied directly to StartUp Health.

In-Range Animation simplifies diabetes education with captivating microlearning animations, empowering patients to effectively manage their health. The platform provides instant access to both foundational and advanced diabetes concepts, allowing providers to prioritize personalized care. Through animation, In-Range transforms the diabetes journey, driving patient engagement, fortifying provider connections, and enhancing health outcomes. Co-founder Neil Israel, a Type 1 diabetic since 1980, leads project management and storytelling, complemented by his wife Suzie Israel’s expertise in website development and design. Neil and Suzie applied directly to StartUp Health.

SmartStart Health introduces an innovative patient education app tailored for individuals with diabetes using CGMs. CEO & Founder, Melissa Holloway, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1994 and has two decades of healthcare industry expertise at Abbott and Datamonitor. The platform personalizes content for patients based on specific CGM-related factors such as age, duration of diagnosis, and treatment approach, offering a convenient source of guidance accessible through handheld devices. Currently conducting a proof-of-concept study at an Ohio clinic, the company’s go-to-market strategy is to significantly reduce the time commitment required from healthcare providers, enabling more effective and meaningful patient engagement. Melissa was referred to StartUp Health by a fellow Health Transformer.

TRIBETIC, founded by Suzanne Stites and Daniel Donlevie, is a platform focused on enhancing the metabolic health of Type 1 diabetics. Leveraging Daniel’s background as a serial entrepreneur and a T1D patient himself, and Suzanne’s experience as a CPG marketer and consultant, Tribetic employs scientific principles to drive behavioral change in patients through personalized coaching. Their approach integrates live coaching, data-driven insights, and AI automation, supported by medical and metabolic experts, to holistically improve nutrition, sleep, exercise, and insulin control. By merging human coaching with AI, TRIBETIC aims to scale health outcomes and provide tailored guidance. Currently undergoing feasibility trials, TRIBETIC is refining its app and plans a direct-to-consumer launch to validate its innovative approach in the market. The TRIBETIC team was referred to StartUp Health by JDRF and David Dadick of Propeller.

Announced in July 2023

Katy Digovich, CEO & Co-founder of Minutia, brings a personal connection to Type 1 diabetes (T1D), having lived with the condition for over 25 years. Minutia’s mission is to develop a next-generation cell therapy as a widely applicable cure for T1D. Minutia focuses on creating intracellular nucleic acid biosensors and regulators in stem cell-derived transplants, starting with insulin-producing cells, to pursue a cure. Before founding Minutia, Katy played a pivotal role in launching the Global Diabetes Program at the Clinton Health Access Initiative. With extensive experience in creating diagnostic tools across 40+ countries at the intersection of technology, health, and underserved communities, Katy and the Minutia team have demonstrated the efficacy of their robust insulin-producing cells and successfully de-risked their platform. Notably, they achieved a successful proof-of-concept in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, led by renowned researchers at UCSF. The company has raised $4M+ in funding and received $3M in grant awards from esteemed organizations such as JDRF, CIRM, and NIH. Katy was referred to StartUp Health by JDRF.

Sam Royston and Brad Jacobson are the co-founders of Replica Health, a search and recommendation engine for metabolism, designed to address critical issues faced by Type 1 diabetics. Replica Health integrates previously unused data from CGMs, insulin pumps, Apple Health, and location data to develop a machine learning-driven model for understanding and analyzing metabolic history, with tools for providers to enhance treatment. Currently in prototype mode with ongoing beta testing, Replica Health will be launching to the public soon. Sam is a Type 1 diabetic, who deeply understands the disease, and a machine learning engineer with training from the Courant Institute at NYU, specializing in blood glucose prediction algorithms and data visualization. Brad studied Human Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington and has extensive experience leading product management, design, and research work streams for Fortune 500 companies. Sam and Brad applied directly to StartUp Health.

Announced in June 2023

Abvance Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with metabolic disease through innovative treatments. The company was founded in 2016 around breakthrough research exclusively licensed from Vanderbilt University and is led by CEO & Co-founder David Maggs, MD, an endocrinologist with 30+ years of experience in multiple pharmacological platforms and device programs targeting rare and common diseases. Co-founder & Scientific Advisor Alan Cherrington, PhD, a professor of diabetes research at Vanderbilt is a worldwide authority on liver glucose metabolism, and Steve Daly, COO, brings 30 years of experience in commercialization and product development, including 18 years in diabetes and metabolism. Their flagship product, ABV100, is a short-acting insulin and glucagon, which offers multiple product forms for both T1D and T2D. Notably, Abvance has completed a human study that validates the core concept, showing that co-administering insulin and glucagon provides protection against hypoglycemia without worsening hyperglycemia. The Abvance team was referred to StartUp Health by The Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Diatech Diabetes, co-founded by John Wilcox and Luis Blanco during their senior year at Florida State University, is an AI-powered infusion monitoring company. Their flagship product, SmartFusion, is revolutionizing infusion set failure detection through an app and algorithm. John, the CEO and a Type 1 diabetes patient since his ninth birthday, conducted clinical research in pediatric endocrinology at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and contributed to diabetes technology research at FSU’s College of Medicine during his undergraduate studies. Luis Blanco, the CTO, has experience at Biosense Webster (a J&J Medtech company) on the clinical accounts team and conducted research at the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Supported by advisors (currently or previously) affiliated with Stanford Medicine, Joslin Diabetes Center, Insulet, University of Houston, and T1D Exchange, Diatech Diabetes has achieved milestones including a preclinical animal study with 97% accuracy, a NIH/SBIR Phase 1 grant, and the granting of a US patent for their sensor system. The team was referred to StartUp Health by Craig Cooper of the Swiss Diabetes Fund.

Announced in May 2023

Pete Lomas, CEO & Founder of Balance Health, is a Sydney-based serial entrepreneur. Living with Type 1 diabetes himself, Pete is driven to make a difference in the lives of people with diabetes through design-driven products and solutions. Balance Health is dedicated to unlocking expert diabetes clinical wisdom and making it easily accessible whenever and wherever it’s needed. Prior to launching Balance Health, Pete founded Not Just a Patch, a CGM patch business that now sells in 65 countries. Notably, it has become the sole CGM patch brand available in Walgreens and CVS pharmacies across the US. Pete’s commercial experience at Novartis, Janssen, and Abbott, spanning over a dozen years, further enriches his expertise. Craig Cooper of the Swiss Diabetes Fund referred Pete to StartUp Health.

Eran Atlas, Moshe Phillip, MD, and Revital Nimri, MD, the co-founders of DreaMed, based in Israel, are revolutionizing diabetes care with their groundbreaking AI Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). Their clinically-proven and FDA-cleared technology enables a significant increase in the availability of personalized advice from expert endocrinologists for diabetes patients. DreaMed has received multiple grant awards from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, which referred the company to StartUp Health. Eran, the CEO, brings over 13 years of leadership experience in diabetes-related technology, having served as the R&D Director for the MD-Logic Artificial Pancreas Project at Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Phillip, Chairman & CSO, has over 25 years of expertise in endocrinology and pediatrics, currently leading the Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Additionally, Moshe is the Vice Dean of R&D and Endocrinology Lecturer at Tel Aviv University and co-chairs the Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes Conference. Dr. Nimri, CMO of R&D, is a highly regarded pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes expert who has contributed to the development of automated insulin delivery systems, including the MD-Logic closed-loop system and other decision support systems.

Farhaneh Ahmadi, PhD, co-founded eddii, a personal health companion aimed at making diabetes management more engaging in 2019. Drawing from her personal experience living with Type 1 diabetes, she teamed up with Alonso Lucero, who brings over a decade of healthcare operations expertise from Strategy& PwC and Monitor Deloitte. Eddii’s innovative approach combines gamified real-time glucose monitoring, software-driven conversations, and clinical interventions to deliver a highly personalized diabetes management solution. The results so far have demonstrated a 5% improvement in children’s time-in-range, along with enhancements in the emotional well-being of families. Eddii recently announced a strategic partnership with Dexcom, enabling real-time CGM readings to seamlessly integrate into their app.

Enhance-d co-founders Federico Fontana, PhD, Felipe Maturana, PhD, Fabio Saviozzi, and Sam Scott, PhD, are developing the ultimate digital hub for diabetes self-management. With a shared background at Supersapiens, a biowearable technology company offering real-time glucose insights, Federico, Felipe, and Fabio joined forces with Sam to launch Enhance-d in 2022. The company’s Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of top experts from academia, research, pharma, and former professional athletes with T1D. In recent years, Federico and Sam served as Head of Performance and Head of Research, respectively, for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team. Deniz Dalton, T1D Program Officer at the Helmsley Charitable Trust, referred Switzerland-based Enhance-d to StartUp Health.

GO-Pen co-founders Ole Nielsen, PhD, and Michael Hansen aim to enhance the lives of people with diabetes through an affordable and convenient insulin pen. Ole brings valuable expertise from Novo Nordisk and Coloplast, while Michael holds 18 patents related to insulin pen development along with an 18-year tenure at Novo Nordisk. GO-Pen has secured a patent in Denmark with patents submitted in 15 other markets and has raised over $6M from investors and grants, including funding from the European Innovation Council. The GO-Pen team was introduced to StartUp Health by the Diabetes Center Berne at the 2022 DiabetesMine Innovation Summit.

Adam Graybill and Paul Beisswenger, MD, co-founders of Journey Biosciences, have pioneered a groundbreaking predictive test, the NaviDKD, which assesses the risk of developing kidney complications associated with diabetes. This first-in-class test has been granted patents in both the US and Europe and has proven its efficacy in accurately predicting diabetes-related kidney disease through four landmark longitudinal outcome studies. Adam has extensive experience at Cardinal Health in sales and go-to-market roles across the diabetes and medical device sector, and is a former board member of the Northeast Ohio chapter of JDRF. Dr. Paul is a retired endocrinologist and professor with four decades of dedication to researching the causes and genetic basis of diabetic complications at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. Adam and Dr. Paul were introduced to us by Robert Oringer, a member of our T1D Moonshot Impact Board.

Pramana Pharmaceuticals brings together a scientific team with a wealth of experience in leadership roles at global pharma companies such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Janssen, Merck, and Shire and academic training and research experience at Health Canada, Mayo Clinic, Royal College of Physicians of Canada, University of British Columbia, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. With over 25 years of senior investment advisory and capital markets experience, CEO Diane Alexander leads Pramana in their development of a groundbreaking proprietary class of small molecules targeting diabetes and metabolic disorders. Tracy Sims, Executive Director at Eli Lilly, referred Diane to StartUp Health.

The founding team of Rezq Bio is on a mission to cure localized autoimmunity, beginning with Type 1 diabetes. CEO Arjun Hattiangadi brings 13 years of experience in investing, operating, and business development from UPMC’s commercialization and venture capital arm. David Finegold, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh, has overseen more than 20 clinical trials including a Phase 1a trial of Rezq’s cell therapy. Nick Giannoukakis, PhD, Acting Chief Scientific Officer and Lead Researcher at the Institute of Cellular Therapeutics at Allegheny General Hospital, is an expert in tolerogenic dendritic cell therapy for T1D. Scientific Advisor Massimo Trucco, MD, Head of the Institute of Cellular Therapeutics at Allegheny General Hospital, has received international recognition for his work on understanding and curing diabetes. Arjun was connected to StartUp Health during his time at UPMC.

With a combined 30+ years of experience, Mike Ushakov and Eugene Molodkin are seasoned entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Their professional collaboration has spanned over a decade, and in 2018 they co-founded Undermyfork, a food diary mobile app catered to individuals with diabetes, using data from CGM sensors. Undermyfork is a Dexcom data partner and has received their CE mark, demonstrating its adherence to European standards of safety, health, and environmental protection. Rachel Stahl, a dietician at NYP/Weill Cornell Medicine and one of the company’s clinical advisors, referred Mike and Eugene to StartUp Health.

Founded by two PhDs, WiNK Therapeutics is developing a curative treatment for Type 1 diabetes by harnessing the body’s natural glucose control system. The founders bring decades of biotech experience, professorship, research, and scientific publication. They benefit from the guidance of esteemed advisors and were referred to StartUp Health by Dr. Norma S. Kenyon, a member of our T1D Moonshot Impact Board.

Xplosion Tech co-founders Isis Ashford and Kehlin Swain, engineers with user design experience from NASA and Intel, are on a mission to empower children with diabetes. Their flagship product, Greens, is a mobile app that uses photovision analysis to help kids manage their glucose level. Supported by advisory board members from Children’s of Alabama and UTHealth Houston, the company has launched a paid pilot with Children’s of Alabama and secured a funding award from the Air Force SBIR program. Xplosion Tech’s long-term vision is to impact the highly underserved market of Medicaid patients who struggle with chronic disease(s). Isis and Kehlin applied directly to StartUp Health — a referral isn’t required to be considered!

Call for T1D Innovation

Are you a scientist or innovator focused on T1D innovation who would benefit from education about how to navigate and build a company that will be successful in attracting mission-aligned capital, customers, and collaborators to pursue scientific discoveries in the field of Type 1 Diabetes? Learn more and apply for a T1D Fellowship.

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Last Updated: Sep 20, 2024

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