Dr. Geffen will support the development of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) for preclinical and clinical activities at NurExone. Her contributions are expected to include the development and validation of analytical methods, qualification of potency assays, and optimization of dosing regimens. She will also use her experience to help establish operations within Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) production environments that ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Yona Geffen currently serves as Gamida Cell’s Vice President of Research and Development. At Gamida Cell Yona built and managed a department of 30 expert scientists in versatile fields such as immuno-oncology, stem cell therapy, and genetic engineering, she worked closely with the FDA to successfully submit the BLA, and obtain FDA approval for Omisirge®, a breakthrough stem cell therapy.
Prior to joining Gamida Cell, Yona served in different positions including Vice President, Research and Development at Stem Cell Medicine, a biotechnology company that develops cell therapy, gene therapy, and exosomes-nanoparticle products as stand-alone treatments or in combination with pharmaceuticals, with a focus on neurological indications.
Dr. Geffen holds a Ph.D from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology and an M.Sc. in business management, both from the Ben-Gurion University, Israel.