Management
Board of Directors
Clinical Advisors
Management
Vanessa Waddell
BSc (Hons) MBA GAICD
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa Waddell
BSc (Hons) MBA GAICD
Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa is an executive manager with 20 years’ experience in commercialization of pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices. Vanessa joined PolyActiva in 2017 as Head of Commercial Operations and Business Development and was appointed CEO in August 2022. Vanessa has held executive management roles in private and publicly listed biotechnology companies across core business competencies including general management, business development, IP management, project management (preclinical and clinical), capital raising and finance. Prior to joining PolyActiva Vanessa held positions with Starpharma Pty. Ltd., Inner Maven Pty. Ltd., Prima Biomed Ltd., Velacor Therapeutics, and Pathway Therapeutics. Vanessa has a BSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney, an MBA (Brookes Scholar) from Deakin University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa is an executive manager with 20 years’ experience in commercialization of pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices. Vanessa joined PolyActiva in 2017 as Head of Commercial Operations and Business Development and was appointed CEO in August 2022. Vanessa has held executive management roles in private and publicly listed biotechnology companies across core business competencies including general management, business development, IP management, project management (preclinical and clinical), capital raising and finance. Prior to joining PolyActiva Vanessa held positions with Starpharma Pty. Ltd., Inner Maven Pty. Ltd., Prima Biomed Ltd., Velacor Therapeutics, and Pathway Therapeutics. Vanessa has a BSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney, an MBA (Brookes Scholar) from Deakin University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr David Valade
BSc MSc PhD
Head of Polymers and Medical Devices
Head of Polymers and Medical Devices
Dr David Valade
BSc MSc PhD
Head of Polymers and Medical Devices
David is a polymer chemist with over 15 years’ industry experience covering diverse areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy, paints, electronics and advanced manufacturing. David joined PolyActiva in 2014 and is the Head of Polymers and Medical Devices. David leads the research, development and production of drug-polymers conjugates and manages the development of implant administration devices. Prior to joining PolyActiva David worked as a research fellow at the University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland and worked as a research scientist at TotalEnergies and CNRS (France). David has a BSc and MSc in organic and inorganic chemistry, and completed his PhD in polymer chemistry at the University of Montpellier II (France).
Head of Polymers and Medical Devices
David is a polymer chemist with over 15 years’ industry experience covering diverse areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy, paints, electronics and advanced manufacturing. David joined PolyActiva in 2014 and is the Head of Polymers and Medical Devices. David leads the research, development and production of drug-polymers conjugates and manages the development of implant administration devices. Prior to joining PolyActiva David worked as a research fellow at the University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland and worked as a research scientist at TotalEnergies and CNRS (France). David has a BSc and MSc in organic and inorganic chemistry, and completed his PhD in polymer chemistry at the University of Montpellier II (France).
Sheena Emslie
Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory
Sheena Emslie
Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory
Sheena has more than 20 years’ experience in pharmaceutical product development, manufacturing, quality management and over 10 years in management roles. She has worked in both sterile & non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing with extensive experience in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) under the regulations of the ICH, PIC/S and audited by TGA, FDA, WHO & SAHPRA. Sheena has also held Quality Assurance roles in both a Clinical Research Organization & Bioanalytical Laboratory under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Sheena has experience working in both small and large organizations in different sectors of the industry. Her skills are Quality Assurance, Quality control, project and operational management, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), GMP, GCP and Quality Assurance.
Sheena has more than 20 years’ experience in pharmaceutical product development, manufacturing, quality management and over 10 years in management roles. She has worked in both sterile & non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing with extensive experience in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) under the regulations of the ICH, PIC/S and audited by TGA, FDA, WHO & SAHPRA. Sheena has also held Quality Assurance roles in both a Clinical Research Organization & Bioanalytical Laboratory under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Sheena has experience working in both small and large organizations in different sectors of the industry. Her skills are Quality Assurance, Quality control, project and operational management, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), GMP, GCP and Quality Assurance.
Dr Andrew Donohue
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP
Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP
Dr Andrew Donohue
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP
Andrew is a medicinal chemist with over 20 years’ experience within the drug discovery, biotechnology and pharmaceutical field with an established record as a team leader. He joined PolyActiva in 2010 and as the Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP he oversees the team responsible for the innovation, optimization, development and manufacture of the company’s proprietary drug-monomer conjugates and co-monomers. Prior to joining PolyActiva Andrew held positions at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and Cytopia working on modulators of protein-protein interactions and small molecule inhibitors of inflammation and cancer. He is an inventor on five of the PolyActiva patent families and is a co-inventor on the patent for the drug Momelotinib, for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Andrew has a BSc (Hons) and PhD in organic chemistry from Monash University, Australia and completed post-doctoral research at CSIRO Molecular Science and the Dyson-Perrins Laboratory at the University of Oxford.
Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP
Andrew is a medicinal chemist with over 20 years’ experience within the drug discovery, biotechnology and pharmaceutical field with an established record as a team leader. He joined PolyActiva in 2010 and as the Head of Chemistry, Pipeline Innovation and IP he oversees the team responsible for the innovation, optimization, development and manufacture of the company’s proprietary drug-monomer conjugates and co-monomers. Prior to joining PolyActiva Andrew held positions at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and Cytopia working on modulators of protein-protein interactions and small molecule inhibitors of inflammation and cancer. He is an inventor on five of the PolyActiva patent families and is a co-inventor on the patent for the drug Momelotinib, for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Andrew has a BSc (Hons) and PhD in organic chemistry from Monash University, Australia and completed post-doctoral research at CSIRO Molecular Science and the Dyson-Perrins Laboratory at the University of Oxford.
Dr Justine Walter
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs
Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs
Dr Justine Walter
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs
Justine joined PolyActiva as Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs in 2019 and is responsible for the management of CMC activities for PolyActiva’s drug delivery products in development. Justine has 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing. She has experience with process development, GMP manufacture, analytical chemistry and leadership of cross-functional teams to deliver product for clinical development. Prior to joining PolyActiva, Justine held positions as Operations Manager at Boron Molecular and Project Leader at IDT Australia. Justine has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Melbourne.
Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs
Justine joined PolyActiva as Head of Product Development and Technical Affairs in 2019 and is responsible for the management of CMC activities for PolyActiva’s drug delivery products in development. Justine has 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing. She has experience with process development, GMP manufacture, analytical chemistry and leadership of cross-functional teams to deliver product for clinical development. Prior to joining PolyActiva, Justine held positions as Operations Manager at Boron Molecular and Project Leader at IDT Australia. Justine has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Melbourne.
Dr Caitlin Gladman
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Commercial Operations
Head of Commercial Operations
Dr Caitlin Gladman
BSc (Hons) PhD
Head of Commercial Operations
Caitlin is a biotechnology professional with greater than 15 years’ experience leading strategic development and operational implementation in the scientific, biotech and commercial services sectors. Caitlin joined PolyActiva as Head of Commercial Operations in 2022 and is responsible for operational management, finance and HR. Caitlin has comprehensive expertise spanning operations, governance, commercialisation, business development, project management and finance from their prior senior roles at 360biolabs Pty. Ltd., Certara Inc., and Biota Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, amongst others. Caitlin has experience in the management of diverse stakeholder interests across biotechnology, commercial drug design and development, clinical trial service providers, healthcare, medical, and primary research and academic settings from preclinical discovery to Phase III clinical development. Caitlin has a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Melbourne.
Head of Commercial Operations
Caitlin is a biotechnology professional with greater than 15 years’ experience leading strategic development and operational implementation in the scientific, biotech and commercial services sectors. Caitlin joined PolyActiva as Head of Commercial Operations in 2022 and is responsible for operational management, finance and HR. Caitlin has comprehensive expertise spanning operations, governance, commercialisation, business development, project management and finance from their prior senior roles at 360biolabs Pty. Ltd., Certara Inc., and Biota Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, amongst others. Caitlin has experience in the management of diverse stakeholder interests across biotechnology, commercial drug design and development, clinical trial service providers, healthcare, medical, and primary research and academic settings from preclinical discovery to Phase III clinical development. Caitlin has a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Melbourne.
Board of Directors
Dr Chris Nave
PhD MAICD
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Dr Chris Nave
PhD MAICD
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Chris Nave has been a director since January 2011. He is a founding partner of Brandon Capital Partners and CEO of the Medical Research Commercialization Fund. Chris has experience in the management, fundraising, and successful spinouts of various companies in the life sciences industry. He previously was Director of Commercialization at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. Prior to this, Chris was Manager of the Biotechnology Team at Melbourne Ventures, the commercialization company of the University of Melbourne. Concurrently he was an Investment Manager for, and on the investment committee of, Uniseed Pty Ltd. Chris has international experience working for the Business Development group of Leiras Pharmaceuticals in Finland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Schering AG. Chris is currently a Director of Azura Ophthalmics, Certa Therapeutics, EBR Systems, Global Kinetics Corporation, OccuRx, Osprey Medical, PolyActiva and Que Oncology. Chris has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a PhD in Endocrinology and Physiology from the University of Melbourne.
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Chris Nave has been a director since January 2011. He is a founding partner of Brandon Capital Partners and CEO of the Medical Research Commercialization Fund. Chris has experience in the management, fundraising, and successful spinouts of various companies in the life sciences industry. He previously was Director of Commercialization at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. Prior to this, Chris was Manager of the Biotechnology Team at Melbourne Ventures, the commercialization company of the University of Melbourne. Concurrently he was an Investment Manager for, and on the investment committee of, Uniseed Pty Ltd. Chris has international experience working for the Business Development group of Leiras Pharmaceuticals in Finland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Schering AG. Chris is currently a Director of Azura Ophthalmics, Certa Therapeutics, EBR Systems, Global Kinetics Corporation, OccuRx, Osprey Medical, PolyActiva and Que Oncology. Chris has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a PhD in Endocrinology and Physiology from the University of Melbourne.
Prof. Barrie Finnin
BPharm PhD PhC
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Prof. Barrie Finnin
BPharm PhD PhC
Non-Executive Director
Barrie Finnin has been a director since 2011. He was previously a founder and Director of the listed drug delivery company Acrux. He held the personal Chair in Formulation Science in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia. Barrie has more than 15 years’ experience in the management of commercially funded research in an academic setting. He has conducted projects at various phases of drug development and manufacture for major pharmaceutical companies, and was responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of a GMP manufacturing facility. Barrie was responsible for the preparation of successful applications for the approval of over 20 pharmaceutical products by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). He also served as an external evaluator of new drug applications for the TGA.
Non-Executive Director
Barrie Finnin has been a director since 2011. He was previously a founder and Director of the listed drug delivery company Acrux. He held the personal Chair in Formulation Science in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia. Barrie has more than 15 years’ experience in the management of commercially funded research in an academic setting. He has conducted projects at various phases of drug development and manufacture for major pharmaceutical companies, and was responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of a GMP manufacturing facility. Barrie was responsible for the preparation of successful applications for the approval of over 20 pharmaceutical products by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). He also served as an external evaluator of new drug applications for the TGA.
Tracy Valorie
BSc MBA
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Tracy Valorie
BSc MBA
Non-Executive Director
Tracy Valorie is a strategic business consultant and the owner of TMV Associates LLC since July 2019. Tracy has 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Tracy served as the senior vice president, general manager of the U.S. pharmaceutical and surgical businesses at Bausch + Lomb (July 2012 to May 2019). Prior to joining B+L in 2012, Ms Valorie served as commercial lead of ophthalmology at Pfizer Inc. where she had global responsibility for the ophthalmology brands as well as responsibility for long-range strategic planning of the portfolio. In addition to PolyActiva, Ms Valorie currently is a strategic advisor to Myra Vision and Atia Vision and she sits on the boards of Samsara Vision and Visus Therapeutics. She previously sat on the board of Layer Bio. She currently sits on the board of the Glaucoma Research Foundation and from the Fall of 2014 to Fall of 2018 she served as a member of the board of Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL). Ms Valorie holds a Masters in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, CT.
Non-Executive Director
Tracy Valorie is a strategic business consultant and the owner of TMV Associates LLC since July 2019. Tracy has 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Tracy served as the senior vice president, general manager of the U.S. pharmaceutical and surgical businesses at Bausch + Lomb (July 2012 to May 2019). Prior to joining B+L in 2012, Ms Valorie served as commercial lead of ophthalmology at Pfizer Inc. where she had global responsibility for the ophthalmology brands as well as responsibility for long-range strategic planning of the portfolio. In addition to PolyActiva, Ms Valorie currently is a strategic advisor to Myra Vision and Atia Vision and she sits on the boards of Samsara Vision and Visus Therapeutics. She previously sat on the board of Layer Bio. She currently sits on the board of the Glaucoma Research Foundation and from the Fall of 2014 to Fall of 2018 she served as a member of the board of Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL). Ms Valorie holds a Masters in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, CT.
Clinton Snow
BEng (Hons) BCom
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Clinton Snow
BEng (Hons) BCom
Non-Executive Director
Clinton Snow has nearly 20 years experience as a technology leader with a focus in engineering management, project delivery, risk management, and assurance. Clinton is currently a non-executive director for Icetana Ltd and Dimerix Ltd, and provides advisory services to a family office with multiple Australian biotech investments. Clinton holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Melbourne.
Non-Executive Director
Clinton Snow has nearly 20 years experience as a technology leader with a focus in engineering management, project delivery, risk management, and assurance. Clinton is currently a non-executive director for Icetana Ltd and Dimerix Ltd, and provides advisory services to a family office with multiple Australian biotech investments. Clinton holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Melbourne.
Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist
MBBS MBA GAICD
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Ingmar Wahlqvist
MBBS MBA GAICD
Non-Executive Director
Ingmar Wahlqvist is a Senior Investment Manager at Brandon Capital Partners and has been an Alternate Director (since 2011) and Director of PolyActiva since March 2021. Prior to Brandon Capital Partners, Ingmar was at Melbourne Ventures, commercializing technologies from The University of Melbourne. Before this he worked for Sanofi, in France, in the Cardiovascular Franchise of Global Marketing on Plavix, which during this time grew to be the 2nd-biggest selling drug in the world. Earlier he worked with Boston Consulting Group and several health-related start-up companies. He began his professional career as a medical doctor, spending several years in clinical medicine. Ingmar is currently a director of George Medicines and Denteric. Ingmar has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Monash University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. Ingmar is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Non-Executive Director
Ingmar Wahlqvist is a Senior Investment Manager at Brandon Capital Partners and has been an Alternate Director (since 2011) and Director of PolyActiva since March 2021. Prior to Brandon Capital Partners, Ingmar was at Melbourne Ventures, commercializing technologies from The University of Melbourne. Before this he worked for Sanofi, in France, in the Cardiovascular Franchise of Global Marketing on Plavix, which during this time grew to be the 2nd-biggest selling drug in the world. Earlier he worked with Boston Consulting Group and several health-related start-up companies. He began his professional career as a medical doctor, spending several years in clinical medicine. Ingmar is currently a director of George Medicines and Denteric. Ingmar has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Monash University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. Ingmar is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Clinical Advisors