Diligenc. Capital - Advancing Novel Therapeutics

Medical Director

Andrew has extensive experience of international management, commercial launch planning and pharmaceutical R&D. He created and led the GW Pharma International Medical organisation in preparation for the launch of Epidiolex® and held medical responsibility for the commercialisation of Sativex®. Andrew was a member of the GW Pharma Clinical Development Committee and the Corporate Drug Safety team and led the global investigator initiated clinical studies program. Andrew holds membership of the Royal College of Physicians in the UK.

Pharmaceutical Director

Rupert was Head of Global Marketing at GW Pharmaceuticals, responsible for strategic development of GW’s cannabinoid portfolio and commercial planning for the launch of Epidiolex®. He led pre-clinical cannabinoid drug candidates assessment and BD across neurology, psychiatry and oncology with a focus on orphan indications. Leadership roles include UCB Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Pharmacia & Upjohn and Benuvia Therapeutics. Rupert is Global Head of Orphan Disease at Radius Health, leading global commercialisation projects and investment transactions and corporate acquisitions.

Operations Director

Julian founded life sciences technology firm Sterilox Technologies, which specialises in the development of IP backed novel biocides and endoscopy sterilising solutions used in 45% of NHS hospitals, and was acquired by Cantel Medical Corp (now Steris Corp). Julian was Chief Operating Officer at venture capital firm EI Capital based in Palo Alto, Paris and London, and in 2018 co-founded Esolate Ltd, a Toronto, Canada based patent pending cannabinoid technology developer, specialising in the formulation of cannabinoid API’s for use in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Investment Lead Advisor

James is a qualified physician holding an MBA from Wharton Business School and has leadership expertise across biotech, pharmaceuticals, investment strategy and capital markets. He previously led Healthcare Ventures, an early-stage biotech investment fund and led the cardiovascular in-licensing group at Pfizer where his team completed the in-licensing of Lipitor. More recently he founded Tryp Therapeutics. James currently serves as Chairman of the Board at ImmunoPrecise antibodies.

Investment Advisor

A senior international business leader with more than 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has headed international teams in both Europe and Asia-Pacific. He has created and managed cross-functional commercial teams (with P&L responsibilities) and developed associated supply chains, quality systems and compliance monitoring strategies. He has worked in both early-stage and established pharmaceutical companies and has significant experience in orphan diseases, neurological disorders, and the commercialisation of cannabinoid medicines. In addition he has lead European public and political relations teams developing the cannabinoid narrative and responding to events within the cannabis sector

Head of Legal Affairs

A leading legal expert in UK & EU laws surrounding cannabinoids in both medicinal and consumer use. Experienced in manufacturing & supply chain contractual infrastructure, consumer product licensing & operational compliance she brings 15 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer well-being sector. UK and EU legal & compliance roles include at MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Merck Serono and Illumina

Portfolio advisor: CRO/CDMO

A trained physician and a specialist in cardiac anaesthesiology. He is a Research Fellow and an expert in the development and commercialisation of cannabis derived medicines. An experienced Chief Medical Officer at listed drug development companies, and CEO at a leading prescription-based cannabis treatment group with early clinical research facilities for novel cannabinoids. An international speaker on cannabinoid medicines at both academic and industry meetings

Investment Advisor Commercial

A decade of experience with some of the largest global pharmaceutical companies. He is experienced in finance, strategy and global operations, whilst acting as EU Head of Business Development and Strategy at Pfizer. His senior managerial positions include with PepsiCo, where he focused on operations in Canada, the US and the UK. He was Managing Director of the leading US-EU cannabis commercialisation specialist Materia Ventures

Head of Regulatory Affairs

An expert in regulatory affairs, medical information, pharmacovigilance, product development, compassionate-use programmes and cannabis products experience, and supported GW Pharmaceuticals with their launch planning for Epidiolex in Europe

Head of Intellectual Property

Formerly VP of Intellectual Property at GW Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for developing and implementing an IP strategy to protect GW’s entire portfolio. His work in developing the IP strategy and portfolio was pivotal in the acquisition of GW by Jazz for $7.2Bn.

Investment Analyst

Most recently working in gene therapy, he previously achieved a Marketing Authorization for an inhaled nicotine replacement therapy and created a novel prescription-only THC-inhaler for the UK Specials Market at Senzer Pharmaceuticals where he also established the R&D function and the inhaled cannabinoid clinical program. Holding a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University and has worked on the development of inhaled medicinal products since 2011.