Convelo:
Who We Are
ABOUT US
A Name Rooted in a Powerful Vision
Convelo, derived from the Latin words for ‘enveloping’ and ‘encircling’, symbolizes our mission more than just a name. At Convelo Therapeutics, we’re pioneering a groundbreaking class of medicines aimed at harnessing the central nervous system’s latent regenerative power.
Guiding our mission is a top-tier biotech leadership team, led by Derrick Rossi. Together, they bring:

OUR ETHOS
Excellence, Innovation, Community
Our ethos mirrors our name – encompassing and impactful. We embody these principles in each project, medicine, and partnership, driven by a relentless pursuit of scientific distinction. Our journey in developing innovative medicines, particularly for Multiple Sclerosis, is a testament to this dedication.
But our vision transcends medicine. We’re deeply invested in Cleveland’s future, cultivating talent from its academic and healthcare landscapes. For us, excellence is not a goal but a tradition, shaping a healthier future for all.
OUR JOURNEY
From Lab Neighbors to Biotech Success
In the corridors of Case Western Reserve University, Paul Tesar, PhD, and Drew Adams, PhD, bonded over a shared, insatiable curiosity. This curiosity-driven partnership led to a significant discovery in oligodendrocyte differentiation, which eventually laid the groundwork for the formation of Convelo Therapeutics in 2016.
Our story took a dynamic turn in 2016 when Derrick Rossi, PhD, recognized the potential of this collaboration and Convelo Therapeutics was formally founded. It was a natural progression of this partnership, with an aim to turn innovative research into real-world solutions for neurodegenerative diseases.


Quickly, Convelo garnered a significant $7.8M Series A funding in 2018. The momentum continued with a strategic alliance with Genentech in 2019 and a $12.2M Series B funding in 2022, further cementing our standing in the field.
Today, from our Cleveland-based R&D lab, we continue to innovate and collaborate, driven by a serendipitous partnership and a relentless commitment to health.
Welcome to Convelo. Join us in redefining neurodegeneration treatment.
ABOUT
Leadership

Derrick Rossi, PhD
President and CEO

Drew Adams, PhD
Co-Founder & VP of Discovery

Paul Tesar, PhD
Co-Founder & VP of Biology

Samantha Stubblefield, PhD
VP of Business Development & Program Management

Brad Lang, PhD
VP of Research, Biology Team Lead

Ed Mok
VP of Finance

Dan Factor, PhD
Director of Discovery, Pharmacology Team Lead
ABOUT
Research and Development

Julie Savage
Associate Director of Biology

Manoj Gottipatti
Senior Scientist, In Life Team Lead

Danielle Janota
Senior Scientist, Assay Development Team Lead

Diara Santiago-Gonzalez
Senior Scientist, Biology Team

Hannah Baumann, PHD
Senior Scientist

Robert Meklemburg
Senior Scientist, Analytical Team

Halie Harper
RA3, Analytical Team

Nicole Datko
Senior Research Associate, Biology Team

Matt Arnold
Senior Research Associate, In Life Team
ABOUT
Board of Directors

Bill Sanford
Chairman

Derrick Rossi, PhD
President and CEO

Drew Adams, PhD
Co-Founder & VP of Discovery

Paul Tesar, PhD
Co-Founder & VP of Biology

Ronn Richard
Board Member
ABOUT
Advisors

Blane Walter
Advisor & Board Observer

Robert Miller, PhD
Chair of Scientific Advisory Board

Jeffery Cohen, MD
Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board

Nick Carruthers, PhD
Principal, NDC MedChem Consulting LLC

Andrew Caprariello, PhD
Principal, Cap Consulting LLC