WHO WE ARE?

Blue Gen Therapeutics Foundation is a 501c3 California non-profit clinical-stage biotech dedicated to advancing gene therapy treatments for rare inherited retinal diseases. Our focus is on utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) based intravitreal gene therapies for the treatment of Blue Cone Monochromacy and Achromatopsia, providing crucial solutions to these rare inherited retinal diseases that severely impact vision.
 
Inspired by the pioneering spirit of our founders, John Cavitt and Dr. Szilárd Kiss, our mission is deeply personal. John Cavitt, our CEO, is the father of three children affected by Blue Cone Monochromacy, giving him a unique perspective and driving passion to find a cure. Dr. Kiss, our Chief Medical Officer, is a renowned expert in the field of gene therapy and has dedicated his career to advancing treatments for rare diseases.
 
At Blue Gen Therapeutics Foundation, we are committed to restoring hope and healing to individuals and families affected by these rare inherited retinal diseases. Leveraging the latest research and our global exclusive license of a proprietary intravitreal (IVT) platform, we are developing single-administration therapies to address the clear unmet need and restore vision for those in need.
 
Join us in our journey to accelerate the development and accessibility of innovative gene therapies for rare inherited retinal diseases.

Core Values

Patient Empowerment

Compassionately prioritizing the safety, needs and perspectives of patients to be central to our therapeutic development process.

Integrity in Innovation

Upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all scientific and clinical endeavors, valuing each team member’s contribution.

Collaborative Harmony

Working together to achieve our common goal of a safe and efficacious treatment of Inherited Retinal Disease.

Leadership with Heart

Embracing selflessness in leadership to guide our mission toward commercialization of globally accessible and affordable treatments.

Pioneering Research

Committing to exceptional scientific and clinical expertise to pave the way for first in disease breakthroughs.

Our Team

Szilárd Kiss, MD, FASRS.

Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer

Associate Dean, Clinical Compliance; Bob and Dolores Hope – Robert M. Ellsworth, M.D. Distinguished Professor in Ophthalmology; Professor of Ophthalmology in Genetic Medicine; Senior Councilor, ...

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Diana Cepeda

Ph.D. Scientific Co-Founder and Scientific Advisor

Diana Cepeda, PhD, serves as Scientific Co-founder and Advisor at Bluegene Therapeutics Foundation. With an impressive background spanning over 15 years in the field of research, Dr. Cepeda has establ...

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Sharmila Vijay

M.S. Program Manager

Sharmila has 27 years of full time experience and 4 years of consulting in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) space supporting discovery and drug development. She consults predominantly for early start-u...

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Hermine Mante Pharm.D

Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs

Dr. Hermine Mante is a regulatory affairs consultant with 30+ years experience in the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and most recently in the cell and gene therapy industry....

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Melody Dao, Ph.D.

Vice President US Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Development

Dr. Dai brings a wealth of expertise in navigating global regulations and advancing drug development, with a specialized focus on gene therapy, rare diseases, oncology, and hematology....

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Carrie McAllister

Ph.D. – Grants Writer

Rich Schickler

CPA Chief Financial Officer

Leah Cavitt

Co-Founder and Community Outreach Coordinator

Leah has been engaged directly with families impacted by Blue Cone Monochromacy for 10 years following the diagnosis of her three sons and multiple family members....

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John Cavitt

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

John has over 30 years experience as an entrepreneur and senior executive.  John has been engaged in the field of gene therapy for 10 years following the diagnosis of his children with Blue Cone Mono...

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SCIENTIFIC CO-FOUNDERS, ADVISORS & DIRECTORS

Scientific Co-Founders:

• Diana Cepeda, Ph.D.
• Pallavi Sharma, M.S.
• Ruslan Grishanin, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisors:

• Michel Michaelides, M.D.
• Joe Carroll, Ph.D.
• Wen Tao Deng, Ph.D.
• Berndt Wissinger, Ph.D.
• Alessandro Iannacone, M.D. Aaron Nagiel, M.D., Ph.D