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The Nalu Bio Team
Our world-class team of innovators, drug developers, and chemists across pharmaceuticals and CPG is harnessing the power of the endocannabinoid system for a healthier future.
Caitlyn Krebs
Co-founder + CEO
Caitlyn is a commercial entrepreneur with 20+ years of healthcare management and a passion for building companies at the intersection of science and technology—from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer to machine learning and AI. At the forefront of 50+ B2B deals, she is focused on commercializing new products and technologies. Raised in Hawaii, she is the mom to two boys and avid Cross-fitter. BS in biology from Brown University.
"I am passionate about leading a world-class team to address critical health and wellbeing challenges through innovative science and technology. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of over 50 successful B2B deals, my focus remains on commercializing cutting-edge solutions that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives."
Grazia Piizzi, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Grazia is a scientific leader and innovator with 20+ years of experience driving R&D in global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Merck, Novartis, and Juvenescence. ​Grazia has led teams to discover clinical drug candidates across multiple therapeutic areas and pioneered disruptive technologies to unravel new, actionable disease biology. Grazia received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at UCLA and completed her postdoctoral work at MIT on the synthesis and biological properties of natural products.
“I am driven to discover transformative medicines that yield real impact on patients’ lives.
Building and mentoring high-performing teams has been a constant source of personal growth and inspiration.”
Glenn Sammis, PhD
Chief Chemist
With over 20 years of experience in organic synthesis, Glenn is a distinguished professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He holds a PhD from Stanford University and has completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University, the National Institutes of Health, and Princeton University. Glenn has authored 100 peer-reviewed publications, contributing significantly to the field of chemistry.
"I am excited to continue contributing to a healthier future for all, creating non-addictive pain relief and comprehensive wellness solutions that enhance quality of life while minimizing side effects."
Bill Kehoe
Chief Financial Officer
Bill Kehoe brings over 20 years of financial and operational experience across diverse industries, including media, entertainment, sports, advertising and marketing services, private equity, and not-for-profits. His extensive background equips him with a broad perspective and deep expertise in financial management.
“My background in private equity has equipped me with the expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive strategic growth.”
Tim Lefever
Director of Discovery
With over 20 years of expertise of preclinical in vivo research, Tim has a proven track record of leading high-impact teams and managing complex research projects. At Research Triangle Institute (RTI), he spearheaded research focused on structure-activity relationships, abuse liability, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids, overseeing studies funded by the NIH, FDA, DEA, and various pharmaceutical and biotech contracts, many conducted under GLP conditions. At Canopy Growth, Tim collaborated closely with the Chief Medical Officer to develop and implement a robust product safety program, assessing potential products for safety and efficacy through meticulous preclinical in vivo studies. An active member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) for over a decade, Tim continues to contribute to the advancement of cannabinoid science.
“I am dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of our products by leveraging comprehensive research and innovative methodologies."
Mehdi Haghdoost, PhD
Director of Medicinal Chemistry
Medhi Haghdoost, PhD, has spent his postdoctoral career focused on medicinal chemistry, and is currently driving drug discovery and development efforts for Nalu Bio. With a background in cancer therapeutics and extensive cannabinoid experience, Mehdi has led groundbreaking research in extracting and synthesizing unique minor cannabinoids. As the former leader of the Organic Chemistry Team at Canopy Growth and later at PDC/Organigram, Mehdi spearheaded efforts to produce high-purity cannabinoid products while leading analytical and extraction teams. His research, which has resulted in 20+ peer-reviewed articles and 10+ patents, showcases his commitment to advancing the field. Recognized as one of the top mentors in the Canadian cannabinoid sector by the Chemical Institute of Canada, Mehdi is dedicated to driving innovation.
"I guide molecules through the intricate dance of chemistry, aiming to transform patient care one reaction at a time. At Nalu Bio, we don’t just follow molecules—we create them, aiming to script the next chapter in medical advancement."
Drug Discovery Advisors
Alex Dorenbaum, MD
Chief Medical Advisor
A world class physician with more than 25+ years of experience in healthcare as a physician and drug development expert. He has served as the Chief Medical Officer and held leading roles at Genentech, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Chiron, Reneo Pharmaceuticals, Allakos, and Lumena Pharmaceuticals. Developed 30+ drugs in allergy, HIV/AIDS, pulmonary, immunological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and pediatric diseases. Currently a Clinical Professor at Stanford School of Medicine where he sees patients weekly. Received his MD from The National Autonomous University in Mexico City, Residency at University of Texas Health Science Center, and Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
"“As a physician who began prescribing cannabinoids in the 90s and has 25+ years of experience in drug development, I am enthusiastic about utilizing cannabinoid scaffolds to develop non-addictive painkillers with fewer side effects than opioids.”
Hunter Land, PhD
Drug Development
With over 20 years of drug development experience, Hunter has held key positions including VP of R&D at BRC, Associate Director of Cannabinoid Research at Canopy Growth Corporation, and Global Project Manager at GW Pharmaceuticals. At GW Pharmaceuticals, Hunter managed the clinical development of Epidiolex. He holds a PhD in Neurobiochemistry and an MS in Human Nutrition from North Carolina State University.
“After two decades in drug development, I am thrilled to be at the forefront of creating non-addictive treatments that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”
Ken Mackie, MD
Endocannabinoid Advisor
Chair and Distinguished Professor in Psychological and Brain Sciences at the Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University. Research in neuroscience, regulation of CB1 receptors, regulation of endocannabinoid production, and role of novel cannabinoid receptors. 400 publications with 100+ publications on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, ScB in Engineering, Brown University, MD from Yale University.
“I’m excited to evaluate how the potency and efficacy of synthetic cannabinoids may enable the development of effective non-opioid pain management."
Christopher Dino Beckett, DO
Clinical Advisor and Research Partner
A rural family medicine physician and entrepreneur, Dr. Beckett is known for his innovation and leadership in treating the opioid crisis in West Virginia. He has been named the “National Rural Health Center’s Rural Practitioner of the Year” after being nominated by his peers. He has been instrumental in the treatment of patients suffering addiction in central Appalachia by creating Medically Assisted Treatment Centers. He has led the charge to open a recently closed acute care facility to create a detoxification unit and outpatient treatment facility while creating internships and workforce development for individuals successfully participating in recovery. BA in biology from West Virginia University and DO from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
“The challenge of treating intractable pain for the vast number of people who suffer from it remains a significant challenge for clinicians. I've experienced first hand how the limitations of pain meds can contribute to opioid abuse and addiction. I've had a lot of success with CBD as an opioid-sparing alternative; and Nalu Bio's chemistry-derived cannabinoids are an important advance because they assure the consistency and predictable dose-to-dose performance we need for further research.”
Brian Thomas, PhD
Chemistry Advisor
Brian brings over 25 years of expertise in cannabinoid preclinical safety, toxicology, and efficacy. His distinguished career includes serving as Principal Investigator at RTI, where he led groundbreaking research on NIDA-funded projects. As Senior Director of Pharmaceutics at Canopy Growth and Director of Analytical Sciences at The Cronos Group, Dr. Thomas has significantly advanced cannabinoid science and product development. He has co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed papers and holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Medical College of Virginia. His extensive experience and deep knowledge contribute invaluable insights to the field of cannabinoid research and development.
“I’m committed to driving progress in accelerating drug discovery built from cannabinoid scaffolds for safer and more effective solutions."
Sam Banister, PhD
Scientific Advisor
A Team Leader in Medicinal Chemistry at the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney. Research on new cannabinoid drugs for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. Authored two book chapters on the chemistry of synthetic cannabinoids, 70+ peer-reviewed publications, postdoc at Stanford University, BSc and PhD in Chemistry, University of Sydney.
"Innovative chemistry and rigorous data are crucial for manufacturing complex products at scale. I am very excited that Nalu Bio is raising the standard and working to bring opioid alternatives to the market."
Our Board of Directors
Caitlyn is joined by the following esteemed venture capitalists, drug developers, and CPG innovators:
Howard Goodwin, MD
Board Member
Howard brings over 20 years of experience in private and public equities to his role as a board member. He has held key positions at Intrinsic Capital, Maverick Capital, Citadel Investments, and Millennium Partners, and has contributed significantly to the success of Graham Partners, a middle-market private equity firm. Dr. Goodwin earned his MD from Thomas Jefferson University and holds a BS from Princeton University. His extensive financial and medical background provides a unique perspective, driving strategic growth and innovation.
“As a physician with over two decades of experience in both private and public equities, I am committed to ensuring we navigate the complexities of the market while focusing on impactful, long-term success.”
Randall Ussery
Co-founder + Board Member
Entrepreneur and investor with 15+ years sitting at the intersection of design and business, bringing new products and companies to life for startups and F1000 companies. Expert at incubating, investing, and advising on design and Go-to-Market for early stage startups. Sits on multiple Boards in healthcare, education, and fintech. BA from James Madison University and MBA from Babson College.
“Let's clinically validate what we know about cannabinoids, and then make those benefits available at a global scale, so we can solve a ton of problems and improve people’s lives."
Phyllis Whiteley
Co-founder + Board Member
Serial entrepreneur with 25+ years of healthcare experience. Builds, invests and creates companies within therapeutics, diagnostics, life science tools, digital health, and personalized medicine. Sits on multiple boards and is dedicated to helping social entrepreneurs address the problems of poverty, empower women, and build resilience to climate change. Passion for transformative life science innovations, healthcare solutions, global health, mentorship, and locavore cooking. BA in Chemistry and Ph.D in Pharmacology from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
“Engineering new cannabinoid-inspired chemical entities for optimal impact has very exciting potential for the world of health and wellness.”
Dondeena Bradley, PhD
Board Member
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With a distinguished career guiding the top global CPG companies, Dondeena Bradley, PhD, brings invaluable expertise to drive an industry shift comparable to the introduction of vitamins 70 years ago. As a seasoned executive recognized for bridging the worlds of public health, nutrition policy, and food systems for Fortune 500 brands including Mars Wrigley, Barilla, Pepsico, and Weight Watchers, Dondeena will contribute to Nalu Bio's go-to-market strategy and growth trajectory. With a doctorate in Food Science and international experience customizing competitively advantaged wellness strategies that focus on physical, emotional, and social adaptations, her drive for change comes from investing thousands of hours immersed in the emerging science of wellbeing, stress, and life coaching.
"Women are the caregivers for so many but often need to be reminded to prioritize their own wellbeing. I am honored to join a team that values the unique perspectives of women to help solve pressing wellness challenges through expertise and empathy. Together, we will advance a new category of cannabinoids solutions that promote health equity and empower individuals worldwide."
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