Founder, CEO, Bioniz Therapeutics
WHY: Emigrated from Iran in 1990s to become scientist. Began company in 2010 to investigate autoimmune diseases, cancers. Has raised $28M to date. Attracted medical heavyweights including former Allergan boss David Pyott, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani and Robert Gallo, co-discoverer of HIV as the cause of AIDS.
RECENT: Business Journal Women in Business Award winner in 2019.
QUOTABLE: “Drug development is capital intensive and lengthy. I had no way of showing that my drug would work. I decided to financially back it myself [get] initial data … then raise money.”
FUN FACTS: Favorite film, “Shawshank Redemption”; TV show, “Breaking Bad.”
