Founders
Making antibiotics safe again
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Dr. Porter W. Anderson, Jr., Ph.D., is a distinguished scientific luminary recognized for his monumental contributions to immunology and vaccine development. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, Dr. Anderson's expertise has significantly advanced the field of medical research. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award, the Pasteur Award, and the Prince Mahidol Award, all acknowledging his development of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine. This vaccine became a cornerstone of standard childhood immunization regimens worldwide, drastically reducing the incidence of pediatric bacterial meningitis.
Dr. Anderson's academic credentials are equally impressive. He earned his PhD from Harvard University and has served on the faculties of Harvard Medical School and the University of Rochester. His academic and professional journey is marked by his role as a founder of Praxis Biologics, which successfully developed the Hib vaccine and was later acquired by American Cyanamid, showcasing the commercial and medical impact of his research.
In addition to his research and academic roles, Dr. Anderson is an accomplished inventor holding nine patents related to vaccine technologies. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated through his co-founding roles at Sopharmia, Inc., which, under his guidance, developed innovative anti-infective solutions and was later acquired by venture-backed Gladius Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and LPOXY Therapeutics, Inc., alongside Dr. Larry D. Sutton. These companies have furthered innovations in anti-infective treatments and continue to impact the biopharmaceutical landscape. At LPOXY Therapeutics, Dr. Anderson continues to leverage his vast experience to develop new therapies that aim to improve health outcomes for patients globally. His work not only epitomizes scientific excellence but also reflects a deep commitment to solving some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
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Dr. Larry D. Sutton, M.D., Ph.D., is a respected physician-scientist and a prolific entrepreneur whose career spans the realms of medicine, academia, and biopharmaceutical innovation. Dr. Sutton earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Iowa, where he also served on the faculty. His academic roles extended to Miami University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he notably served as Director of Clinical Microbiology at the McClellan Memorial Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Dr. Sutton's extensive medical training includes completing residencies in pathology at the University of Iowa and in family medicine at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. These specialized residencies equipped him to practice in various medical fields, including pathology, primary care, and emergency medicine, where he has applied his extensive clinical expertise.
As a serial entrepreneur, Dr. Sutton has a remarkable track record of founding and advancing companies through to acquisition. He founded Joel Health Industries, which was successfully exited to a Fortune 100 company, and Sopharmia, Inc., alongside Dr. Porter W. Anderson, Jr., which was acquired by venture-backed Gladius Pharmaceuticals. Continuing this successful partnership, he co-founded LPOXY Therapeutics with Dr. Anderson, focusing on innovative therapeutic solutions.
Dr. Sutton's inventive spirit is evidenced by his holding of 19 patents, showcasing his contributions to medical and chemical research. His scholarly output is impressive, with over 100 publications to his credit, underscoring his commitment to advancing medical science and healthcare. Through his entrepreneurial ventures and scientific achievements, Dr. Sutton has significantly impacted the fields of medicine and biotechnology, demonstrating leadership and innovation that continue to influence these industries profoundly.