In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, we’re joined by three guests from Solaxa: CEO & Founder Christian Walker, Chief Operating Officer Luis T. Gutierrez, Jr., and Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Butler. Solaxa is a pioneering biotech company with a mission to revolutionize the treatment of cerebellar ataxias and acute nerve injuries caused by trauma and chemotherapy.

Discover the compelling story behind Solaxa’s choice to establish its roots in Montgomery County and how the BioHealth Capital Region has played a crucial role in its growth. Learn how Solaxa’s team was assembled, including the inspiring success stories of Luis and Jennifer, both part of the BioHealth Innovation and Montgomery County Maryland’s Executive in Residence program.

Hear how Solaxa is making a difference in the world of neurology with SLX-001, a drug showing immense promise in treating cerebellar ataxias. Dive into their innovative approach, including the development of their treatment for cerebellar ataxias.

Additionally, discover how Solaxa’s pioneering efforts in this field provide hope for healing. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of neurology, innovative treatments, and the remarkable journey of Solaxa.

CEO & Founder Christian Walker has focused his last twenty years pursuing the commercialization of nerve injury solutions. Christian’s fundraising experience spans raising money for start-ups, being a start-up venture capitalist, and securing significant non-dilutive financing through grants. At Christian’s prior start-ups, Christian was directly responsible for securing $11M in venture financing.   While at Toucan Capital, he served as Principal of a $140 million venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in stem cells and regenerative medicine. At Johns Hopkins and Walter Reed, he helped secure $22.5M in non-dilutive grants.

Luis T. Gutierrez, Jr. serves as Chief Operating Officer of Solaxa while also serving as an Executive in Residence with BioHealth Innovation.   In both roles, he leverages his 25+ years of expertise in helping novel medical technologies with scientific and clinical promise transition to becoming successful commercial enterprises.    He previously served in executive roles with Veranex, Theralink Technologies, Aptiv Solutions, and Covance.

Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Butler has 25 years of broad biotechnology industry experience. Her commercial roles at MedImmune, AstraZeneca, and Innate have equipped her with a deep understanding of commercial execution at large and emerging biopharma. Notably, Jen launched Innate’s first commercial product in a rare oncology population. Jennifer also is also serving as an Executive in Residence with BioHealth Innovation.