The company is led by an experienced executive team with a proven track record of successfully developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics.
CEO & CPDO
Dr. John Gillard, CEO of JN Nova Pharma, contributed to the development of Singulair® and 3TC (lamivudine), both of which became globally marketed medicines that continue to be widely used and have collectively generated multi-billion-dollar revenues. He has previously served as Head of R&D for Merck and Vice President of Research for Bio chem Pharma.
President & CSO
Dr. Nathan Yoganathan, CSO of JN Nova Pharma is an academic scientist turned biotech entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and biotechnology executive dedicated to translating Canadian discoveries into globally impactful medicines. He has successfully led the growth and public listing of a biotechnology company and is passionate about building partnerships across academia, healthcare, industry, and government. Previously commercialized a Canadian cancer diagnostic discovery for global markets. As a member of the Canadian Biotech Consortium, he champions innovation and commercialization within Canada's life sciences sector. Nathan was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to Canadian healthcare. He is now leading JN Nova Pharma's AI-enabled clinical platform technology to accelerate the development and commercialization of novel prophylactic and therapeutic medicines worldwide.
CFO
Jeff is senior executive with an exceptional record of achievement, successfully managing a wide range of key portfolios including finance, operations, information technology, marketing and customer service. Recognized as a valued strategic partner with outstanding leadership skills. Balances strategic insight with superior financial acumen. Able to quickly evaluate business models and pinpoint key metrics for improvement that optimize productivity, bottom line profitability and return on investment. Specialties: Strategic & Financial Planning, Operations Management, Business Turnaround & Restructuring, Team Building & People Management, Financial Reporting, Relationship Management and Working Capital Management.
CBO
Dr. Mike Perry, CBO of JN Nova Pharma, has previously served as the Global Head of R&D for the Bioscience Division of Baxter Healthcare, President and CEO of Cell & Gene Therapy for Novartis subsidiaries Systemix Inc. and Genetic Therapy Inc., Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Sandoz Pharma and Syntex Corp, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Schering-Plough Corp. He also previously served as a venture partner with Bay City Capital, LLC in San Francisco. He is operating for as a venture partner in a healthcare VC fund with ~$1.5B under management.
Our People
MSc, MBA — Director of Clinical Studies
Biotech co-founder with deep experience navigating Canada's medical and regulatory environment. Former VP Clinical Research and SVP New Ventures & Clinical Development at Phoenix International Life Sciences through to its multi-million-dollar acquisition.
Advisor, Regulatory Affairs
10+ years developing regulatory strategy across all phases of clinical investigation, with extensive submissions to Health Canada, the FDA, and EU authorities. RAC-certified (RAPS); B.Sc. Waterloo, M.Sc. Toronto.
Project Manager
Five years coordinating (pre)clinical research programs spanning COVID-19, oncology, and perioperative medicine — from preclinical development through regulatory submission and multi-centre trial execution.
Advisors
Former Director at Mount Sinai Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
Director of the Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Kidney Disease ACE2 Specialist.
Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute, University of Washington
Palliative Care Clinician-Scientist at Sinai Health at the University of Toronto. He uses advanced analytic methods to improve end-of-life care for people with noncancer illness and the care of people with post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID).
Canada chair in Pandemic Preparedness research; Infectious disease and critical care specialist, University of British Columbia
Executive Director, Global Nexus and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University
AstraZeneca Chair in Respiratory Diseases; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Respirology, McMaster University