Dustin Wakeman
Vice President, Head of Development at Papillon Therapeutics Inc- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Jason Stein
This letter is to recommend Dr. Dustin Wakeman for whatever role he chooses to pursue. I had the pleasure of working for Dustin as Senior Research Associate at Aspen Neuroscience and during that time he demonstrated many examples of great leadership. One of Dustin’s best characteristics is giving unwavering support for his team and providing opportunities for growth and more importantly showcasing that growth to upper management to foster promotions. Dustin was tasked with building the Translational Science Department at Aspen. Prior to his assignment, the company had little experience in managing animal studies independently and would have to outsource large experiments to commercial research organizations which is costly, timeline inefficient, and lacking in control of complex operations. After Dustin joined Aspen, he quickly brought together a series of collaborators who were able to perform short and long-term studies that provided critical data to characterize patient derived cell line therapy candidates. He also brought to Aspen its first commercial vivarium occupancy and surgery suite, enabling the company to own timelines and have total control of in-vivo work. The data generated from these studies and developments were paramount for Aspen’s success in achieving difficult milestones toward IND approval under strict deadlines. In addition to Dr. Wakeman’s dedication to performance and leadership, his vast knowledge in neuroscience and ability to conduct in vivo studies was a major asset to the company. With his insight and contributions to optimizing experimental design Dr. Wakeman was able to identify key areas of problematic subject matter which led to the company being able to resolve failure outcomes from studies performed prior to Dustin’s time at Aspen. This correction allowed the company to pass through a critical
Chandnee Chandrasekaran
Dustin is a great motivator, experienced and highly skilled manager. He is a hard-working professional and has profound technical knowledge. He tackles any scientific problem with ease. He is meticulous and proactive in planning and executing studies/projects. It is rare that you come across a talent like Dustin. We have worked together on several studies, and I have found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. He is goal-oriented and ambitious. His expertise in the field of neuroscience and in vivo studies is to be well noted. During his time at Aspen as the director of translational sciences, he served as a study director for multiple in vivo studies, and he also planned and established a new in vivo surgery space. What makes him stand out is his willingness to help the team with wet lab benchwork. Thank you Dustin for the opportunity to work and learn with you.
Jason Stein
This letter is to recommend Dr. Dustin Wakeman for whatever role he chooses to pursue. I had the pleasure of working for Dustin as Senior Research Associate at Aspen Neuroscience and during that time he demonstrated many examples of great leadership. One of Dustin’s best characteristics is giving unwavering support for his team and providing opportunities for growth and more importantly showcasing that growth to upper management to foster promotions. Dustin was tasked with building the Translational Science Department at Aspen. Prior to his assignment, the company had little experience in managing animal studies independently and would have to outsource large experiments to commercial research organizations which is costly, timeline inefficient, and lacking in control of complex operations. After Dustin joined Aspen, he quickly brought together a series of collaborators who were able to perform short and long-term studies that provided critical data to characterize patient derived cell line therapy candidates. He also brought to Aspen its first commercial vivarium occupancy and surgery suite, enabling the company to own timelines and have total control of in-vivo work. The data generated from these studies and developments were paramount for Aspen’s success in achieving difficult milestones toward IND approval under strict deadlines. In addition to Dr. Wakeman’s dedication to performance and leadership, his vast knowledge in neuroscience and ability to conduct in vivo studies was a major asset to the company. With his insight and contributions to optimizing experimental design Dr. Wakeman was able to identify key areas of problematic subject matter which led to the company being able to resolve failure outcomes from studies performed prior to Dustin’s time at Aspen. This correction allowed the company to pass through a critical
Chandnee Chandrasekaran
Dustin is a great motivator, experienced and highly skilled manager. He is a hard-working professional and has profound technical knowledge. He tackles any scientific problem with ease. He is meticulous and proactive in planning and executing studies/projects. It is rare that you come across a talent like Dustin. We have worked together on several studies, and I have found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. He is goal-oriented and ambitious. His expertise in the field of neuroscience and in vivo studies is to be well noted. During his time at Aspen as the director of translational sciences, he served as a study director for multiple in vivo studies, and he also planned and established a new in vivo surgery space. What makes him stand out is his willingness to help the team with wet lab benchwork. Thank you Dustin for the opportunity to work and learn with you.
Jason Stein
This letter is to recommend Dr. Dustin Wakeman for whatever role he chooses to pursue. I had the pleasure of working for Dustin as Senior Research Associate at Aspen Neuroscience and during that time he demonstrated many examples of great leadership. One of Dustin’s best characteristics is giving unwavering support for his team and providing opportunities for growth and more importantly showcasing that growth to upper management to foster promotions. Dustin was tasked with building the Translational Science Department at Aspen. Prior to his assignment, the company had little experience in managing animal studies independently and would have to outsource large experiments to commercial research organizations which is costly, timeline inefficient, and lacking in control of complex operations. After Dustin joined Aspen, he quickly brought together a series of collaborators who were able to perform short and long-term studies that provided critical data to characterize patient derived cell line therapy candidates. He also brought to Aspen its first commercial vivarium occupancy and surgery suite, enabling the company to own timelines and have total control of in-vivo work. The data generated from these studies and developments were paramount for Aspen’s success in achieving difficult milestones toward IND approval under strict deadlines. In addition to Dr. Wakeman’s dedication to performance and leadership, his vast knowledge in neuroscience and ability to conduct in vivo studies was a major asset to the company. With his insight and contributions to optimizing experimental design Dr. Wakeman was able to identify key areas of problematic subject matter which led to the company being able to resolve failure outcomes from studies performed prior to Dustin’s time at Aspen. This correction allowed the company to pass through a critical
Chandnee Chandrasekaran
Dustin is a great motivator, experienced and highly skilled manager. He is a hard-working professional and has profound technical knowledge. He tackles any scientific problem with ease. He is meticulous and proactive in planning and executing studies/projects. It is rare that you come across a talent like Dustin. We have worked together on several studies, and I have found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. He is goal-oriented and ambitious. His expertise in the field of neuroscience and in vivo studies is to be well noted. During his time at Aspen as the director of translational sciences, he served as a study director for multiple in vivo studies, and he also planned and established a new in vivo surgery space. What makes him stand out is his willingness to help the team with wet lab benchwork. Thank you Dustin for the opportunity to work and learn with you.
Jason Stein
This letter is to recommend Dr. Dustin Wakeman for whatever role he chooses to pursue. I had the pleasure of working for Dustin as Senior Research Associate at Aspen Neuroscience and during that time he demonstrated many examples of great leadership. One of Dustin’s best characteristics is giving unwavering support for his team and providing opportunities for growth and more importantly showcasing that growth to upper management to foster promotions. Dustin was tasked with building the Translational Science Department at Aspen. Prior to his assignment, the company had little experience in managing animal studies independently and would have to outsource large experiments to commercial research organizations which is costly, timeline inefficient, and lacking in control of complex operations. After Dustin joined Aspen, he quickly brought together a series of collaborators who were able to perform short and long-term studies that provided critical data to characterize patient derived cell line therapy candidates. He also brought to Aspen its first commercial vivarium occupancy and surgery suite, enabling the company to own timelines and have total control of in-vivo work. The data generated from these studies and developments were paramount for Aspen’s success in achieving difficult milestones toward IND approval under strict deadlines. In addition to Dr. Wakeman’s dedication to performance and leadership, his vast knowledge in neuroscience and ability to conduct in vivo studies was a major asset to the company. With his insight and contributions to optimizing experimental design Dr. Wakeman was able to identify key areas of problematic subject matter which led to the company being able to resolve failure outcomes from studies performed prior to Dustin’s time at Aspen. This correction allowed the company to pass through a critical
Chandnee Chandrasekaran
Dustin is a great motivator, experienced and highly skilled manager. He is a hard-working professional and has profound technical knowledge. He tackles any scientific problem with ease. He is meticulous and proactive in planning and executing studies/projects. It is rare that you come across a talent like Dustin. We have worked together on several studies, and I have found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. He is goal-oriented and ambitious. His expertise in the field of neuroscience and in vivo studies is to be well noted. During his time at Aspen as the director of translational sciences, he served as a study director for multiple in vivo studies, and he also planned and established a new in vivo surgery space. What makes him stand out is his willingness to help the team with wet lab benchwork. Thank you Dustin for the opportunity to work and learn with you.
Experience
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Papillon Therapeutics
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United States
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Biotechnology Research
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President, Head of Development
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Mar 2023 - Present
Papillon Therapeutics is a biotechnology company advancing new therapies tailored to address lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunctions that underly life-threatening inherited conditions, such as Friedreich's ataxia. We specialize in developing gene-modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) therapies, leveraging the natural capacity of these unique human cells to perform systemic, multi-organ repair of damaged tissues. Our pipeline includes a partnered Ph1/2 clinical stage program that recently reported positive data for a gene-modified HSPC therapeutic candidate, and multiple preclinical stage programs that benefit from this clinical program. Show less
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Omixell
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San Diego, California, United States
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Chief Executive Officer & Founder
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Mar 2023 - Present
Cell & Gene Therapy Strategy and Program Development Consulting * Preclinical safety & pharmacology gap analysis/risk assessment, Diligence/SE * Nonclinical Project Management, CRO placement, execution, and oversight * Regulatory guidance and document writing (M4-CTD) * Potency Assay, Biomarker, and Multiomic assessment * Delivery Device development * AI powered Digital Pathology * Eligible for support from CIRM, NIH, DoD, philanthropic, and other funding sources. Omixell (pronounced "Omics Cell") applies quality by design (QbD) principles for the discovery, development, and manufacture of cell and gene therapy products from preclinical proof of concept through BLA. With a systematic approach to process development, Omixell applies multi-matrix differential platforms to engineer drug products personalized to the target patients. Show less
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Yale University School of Medicine
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United States
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Research Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Adjunct Assistant Professor
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Aug 2016 - Present
- Investigator on R01 investigating aging biomarkers & senolytics in NHPs. - Collaborator for multi-institutional iPSC-dopamine neuron cell therapy program. - Developed NHP cell-based platform enabling rapid compound screening of target libraries. - Investigator on R01 investigating aging biomarkers & senolytics in NHPs. - Collaborator for multi-institutional iPSC-dopamine neuron cell therapy program. - Developed NHP cell-based platform enabling rapid compound screening of target libraries.
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Aspen Neuroscience, Inc.
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United States
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Biotechnology Research
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1 - 100 Employee
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Head of Translational Science
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Oct 2020 - Mar 2023
- Value Creation & Strategy: Designed platform technologies for targeted delivery of iPSC-derived cellular therapeutics for CNS indications. Responsible for research and competitive strategies, IND-enabling studies, and organizational improvements that led to $147.5MM Series B and successful IND clearance for lead dopamine neuron cell therapy product. - Cross-Functional Leadership: Reported to CSO; Presented top-line data and recommendations for investor, executive, and Board meetings. Communicated strategy and data clearly, cross-functionally (Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, CMC, PD/AD). - Performance & Development: Managed and executed go-no-go, IND enabling in vivo studies (GLP & non-GLP, rodent & NHP, device) from early proof of concept to IND informing on patient selection, safety, and efficacy. - Regulatory Reporting: Co-authored IND Modules 4/2.4 IND and FDA Pharm-Tox questions. - Growth & Flexibility: Built in-house vivarium, histology, and imaging cores with SOPs from inception to operational validation - Innovation: Designed novel high-throughput, AI powered imaging technologies to integrate in vivo outcomes with a putative genomics-based Potency Assay. - Pipeline/SE: Performed internal and external pipeline expansion/new therapeutic program competitive landscape due diligence. - Talent and Culture: Consistently met or exceeded corporate, departmental, and individual goals while promoting a healthy, productive, inclusive work culture. Recruited, onboarded, and managed a highly collaborative expert team of CNS surgical and histopathology scientists; direct reports (PhD and non-PhD level). Show less
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Virscio
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United States
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Biotechnology Research
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director, Development
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Jan 2020 - Oct 2020
Business Development:- Lead for Cell & Gene Therapy clients & Study Director for CNS & ophthalmic indications. Generated critical capabilities literature and data decks, authored peer-reviewed publications; identified and implemented strategic plans to fill capability gaps and address client requests.- Supported CBO with reporting, forecasting, marketing and associated management tools related to new lead generation, sponsor engagement, contract history, invoice triggers, and preferred vendors.- Identified and maintained new strategic partnerships using or developing new animal models, direct asset investment, or alignment with broader corporate branding and capabilities. Scientific Development:- Primary Investigator, NINDS Phase-2 SBIR funded grant focused on Alzheimer’s disease NHP model cognitive end-point development; managed multi-institute collaborative research plan; co-partnered model with two major biopharma for further development and therapeutic validation.- Developed NHP aging biomarker program and sample collection repository to investigate mechanisms of aging reversal and neurodegenerative disease. Partnered with one major biopharma. Show less
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Sr. Scientist
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Apr 2016 - Jan 2020
- Study Director for CNS cell and gene therapy indications, new NHP model development (Alzheimer's, ischemic stroke, natural aging)- Secured NINDS SBIR funding (Phase 1) to develop a novel NHP test system for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic candidate.- Developed NHP fibroblast & tissue bio-repository to drive Sponsor engagement and fill critical client needs. Integrated NHP cell-based assays into broader in vivo platform.
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RUSH University Medical Center
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Assistant Professor
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Apr 2013 - May 2016
- Led independent research laboratory as Primary Investigator on NIH, philanthropic, and industry sponsored cell and gene therapy research projects with concomitant publications in neurodegenerative disease.- Discovery & Innovation: Successfully developed autologous and allogeneic stem cell derived dopamine neuron cell products from pilot concept to IND application with FujiFilm-Cellular Dynamics International (Ryne Bio), & founders of Bluerock Therapeutics (Bayer); provided pivotal IND-enabling data towards initiating Phase-1 clinical trials in Parkinson's disease patients.- STEM CELLS Translational Medicine Young Investigator Award (2015) Show less
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Instructor
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Apr 2010 - Apr 2013
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Education
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University of California, San Diego
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biomedical Sciences -
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology
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