Chance collisions

Our journey began in 2011 with a conversation.

Dr. Raphael Guzman (“Rapha”), is head of neurosurgery at the University of Basel. "I like the biology of this molecule. Try the molecule and see if you can reduce fibrosis following back surgeries. If it works, you may have a shot at other joints. By the way, you have a 2% chance of success, and I’m being generous,” Rapha said. Within weeks I was in Boston at a biotech conference, and a jovial fellow Dave Maske approached me after my presentation. "Have you ever considered using this molecule in spine surgeries?" he asked. “I work at DSM Biomedical in The Netherlands and we could help." No sooner, I am in Maastricht., NL speaking to Jens Thies, Global Scientific Director of DSM Biomedical. "No damn way, this can do that, mate, but we can give it a go!"   A year later in 2012 in Boston, I met Sam Ogunsalu , and when I shared the anti-scarring technology, his eyes lit up, “Look, there are a host of indications this could be applied to, and when you decide to spin a new company out to explore, I have some ideas.” Jens and Sam are now co-founders.

Fast forward 13 years, a Phase 2 trial, and numerous publications later, the data and unmet need in orthopedics sports medicine became hard to ignore. 

The data has attracted top orthopedic surgeons: Dr. Vinod Dasa, Dr. Shaun Patel and Dr. Pieter Emans. Our banker and friend Steven Spence introduced us to Dr. Riley J Williams III at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, the world’s #1 ranked orthopedic hospital. After evaluating the science and biology, he remarked, “This is a game changer!” He became a co-founder.

Our team benefits two highly accomplished World Cup and Olympian (3 times) athletes, Emily Renna and Neville Wright. The combination of elite athletes and sports science gives us unique insights. Who would have imagined that a chance encounter at an Air Canada Lounge in 2015 could lead to this? He is a highly regarded performance coach for elite athletes and a Canadian World Cup Men’s Soccer Team trainer. A couple of years ago I asked him “What impact does scar tissue have in the recovery and return process and what would it mean if we could prevent or reduce it?” He answered, “It means everything. Whether you are on or off the podium. The margin at the elite level is so small.”

Google Search “elite female athlete, biotech, sport science” and a Sports Business Journal article on Emily popped up written by Joe Lemire (who I coincidentally spoke to and met in NYC). Emily remarked during our first call, “At first, I was skeptical when I saw your LinkedIn message, and then I read about the technology and the team, I was excited about it. I have seen many athletes suffer and never be the same again.”  We are thrilled to have her on our team. As she heads into the Winter 2026 Olympic trials, our team will be among her biggest supporters. Emily, a former hurdler, is a two-time World Cup medalist and a member of the USA Bobsleigh World Cup team. She works in biotech and has an MSc in Exercise Clinical Science.

Rounding out the collisions thus far is Jen Raoul, an internationally recognized patent agent and entrepreneur whom I met 16 years ago. Her PhD was in fibrosis and inflammation pathways. It is well aligned with Temple ORTHOBiologics work. Her expertise, energy, creativity, and brilliance help us capture value and build a robust IP portfolio.

No matter what sport or activity you’re passionate about, we’re here to help you keep doing what you love for as long as possible!