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.

lab bottles

Embark on this journey with us and be part of shaping the future of neuro-regeneration. Our founders, Paul Tesar and Drew Adams, bring:

10+

Patents related to
treatment of MS

100+

Authorship of research publications

Guiding our mission is a top-tier biotech leadership team, led by Derrick Rossi. Together, they bring:

Management walking pose

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.

Founders
Team outside the building

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

Convelo Therapeutics:

Unleashing the Central Nervous System’s
Natural Healing Potential