From Insight to Decision

Biography

Dr. Gareth Guenigault leads the CN Bio contract research team, managing projects for customers using our PhysioMimix® Core technology to better understand the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic compounds, as well as their efficacy against diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With a background in virology and innate immunology, he has always had an interest in using the most relevant in vitro models to best reflect human disease. He has a PhD in immunology from Cardiff University and a BSc in molecular medicine from the University of Sussex.

Biography

Dr. Gareth Guenigault leads the CN Bio contract research team, managing projects for customers using our PhysioMimix® Core technology to better understand the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic compounds, as well as their efficacy against diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With a background in virology and innate immunology, he has always had an interest in using the most relevant in vitro models to best reflect human disease. He has a PhD in immunology from Cardiff University and a BSc in molecular medicine from the University of Sussex.

Biography

Dr. Gareth Guenigault leads the CN Bio contract research team, managing projects for customers using our PhysioMimix® Core technology to better understand the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic compounds, as well as their efficacy against diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With a background in virology and innate immunology, he has always had an interest in using the most relevant in vitro models to best reflect human disease. He has a PhD in immunology from Cardiff University and a BSc in molecular medicine from the University of Sussex.

Biography

Dr. Rachelle Prantil-Baun is a principal scientist at Novo Nordisk specializing in innovative in vitro cell model systems for metabolic and liver disease therapeutics. With 18 years of drug discovery experience, she leads cross-functional teams developing complex cellular models for type 2 diabetes, MASLD, MASH, and liver fibrosis. Her work integrates target discovery platforms with computational biology and quantitative systems pharmacology to predict clinical outcomes. Rachelle establishes strategic academic and industry collaborations while mentoring junior scientists, driving scientific rigor and operational excellence in translating discoveries into impactful therapies.

Biography

Emma Arnesdotter is a Research & Technology Scientist at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). She holds a master’s degree in Toxicology and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on next-generation risk assessment and mechanistic toxicology using human-relevant methods, including complex 3-dimensionalco-cultures and microfluidic systems. She applies these approaches in food toxicology and to study perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFAS alternatives, and other persistent or emerging chemicals, with particular interest in regulatory translation.

Biography

Dr. Rachelle Prantil-Baun is a principal scientist at Novo Nordisk specializing in innovative in vitro cell model systems for metabolic and liver disease therapeutics. With 18 years of drug discovery experience, she leads cross-functional teams developing complex cellular models for type 2 diabetes, MASLD, MASH, and liver fibrosis. Her work integrates target discovery platforms with computational biology and quantitative systems pharmacology to predict clinical outcomes. Rachelle establishes strategic academic and industry collaborations while mentoring junior scientists, driving scientific rigor and operational excellence in translating discoveries into impactful therapies.

Biography

Emma Arnesdotter is a Research & Technology Scientist at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). She holds a master’s degree in Toxicology and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on next-generation risk assessment and mechanistic toxicology using human-relevant methods, including complex 3-dimensionalco-cultures and microfluidic systems. She applies these approaches in food toxicology and to study perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFAS alternatives, and other persistent or emerging chemicals, with particular interest in regulatory translation.

Biography

Dr. Gareth Guenigault leads the CN Bio contract research team, managing projects for customers using our PhysioMimix® Core technology to better understand the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic compounds, as well as their efficacy against diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With a background in virology and innate immunology, he has always had an interest in using the most relevant in vitro models to best reflect human disease. He has a PhD in immunology from Cardiff University and a BSc in molecular medicine from the University of Sussex.

Biography

Dr. Gareth Guenigault leads the CN Bio contract research team, managing projects for customers using our PhysioMimix® Core technology to better understand the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic compounds, as well as their efficacy against diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With a background in virology and innate immunology, he has always had an interest in using the most relevant in vitro models to best reflect human disease. He has a PhD in immunology from Cardiff University and a BSc in molecular medicine from the University of Sussex.

Biography

Deepak Singh is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN Bio. He has been with the company for over three years and has a combined 35 years of commercial and leadership experience within the life sciences industry. Prior to CN Bio, Deepak held positions at Horizon Discovery, Pacific Biosciences, Affymetrix, Applied Biosystems and Perkin Elmer. He has a BSc in Biotechnology. 

Biography 

Hazel Screen is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering working with organ-a-chip technology, with a particular focus on mechanically functional tissues such as those in the musculoskeletal or cardiovascular systems. She co-directs the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models at Queen Mary and plays an active role in helping to shape the field and associated policy and regulation, as well as driving her own research group, funded from a range of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and charity sources. 

Biography

Dr. Dennis McDuffie is a Scientist II in the Diabetes In Vitro Biology department at Novo Nordisk, where he supports early-stage drug discovery through the development and application of advanced in vitro platforms. His work focuses on translational biology, enabling target identification and screening in metabolic diseases.

Biography

Dr Felice Mastrolo, PhD is a senior research scientist with a background in molecular biology, mainly working on implementing patient-derived (tumor) organoids into microphysiological systems, in the frame of pre-clinical evaluation of new radioligand therapy strategies.

Biography

Wojciech Chrzanowski is Professor of Nanomedicine and Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Sydney, where he leads the Nanomedical Innovations Research Group and directs major research infrastructure spanning nano-bio characterisation, advanced biomanufacturing, and animal replacement technologies. He is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanomedicine, longevity medicine, nanosafety, and advanced human-relevant testing platforms. His research focuses on engineering next-generation biological therapeutics for tissue regeneration, rare diseases, immune modulation, and healthy ageing.

A pioneer in single-extracellular-vesicle characterisation using infrared nanospectroscopy (AFM-IR), Wojciech has developed approaches for understanding EV biology and accelerating their translation into diagnostics and therapeutics. His work integrates advanced bio-nano analytics, bioprocessing, and new approach methodologies (NAMs), 

including multi-organ human tissue systems that enable precision evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety while reducing reliance on animal models.

Professor Chrzanowski has held academic appointments at leading international institutions including University College London, University of Glasgow, Harvard Medical School, Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet, and University of Tokyo. He maintains extensive collaborations across academia and industry, working closely with organisations such as Cytiva, Danaher, BiomeCentric, IZON, and international research partners throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Beyond his research leadership, Wojciech serves as President of the Asian Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (AFPS), Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine and Biotechnology, and contributes to major international funding, policy, and innovation initiatives, including EU Horizon programs and global sustainability networks.

Biography

Dr. Dennis McDuffie is a Scientist II in the Diabetes In Vitro Biology department at Novo Nordisk, where he supports early-stage drug discovery through the development and application of advanced in vitro platforms. His work focuses on translational biology, enabling target identification and screening in metabolic diseases.

Biography

Dr Felice Mastrolo, PhD is a senior research scientist with a background in molecular biology, mainly working on implementing patient-derived (tumor) organoids into microphysiological systems, in the frame of pre-clinical evaluation of new radioligand therapy strategies.

Biography 

Hazel Screen is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering working with organ-a-chip technology, with a particular focus on mechanically functional tissues such as those in the musculoskeletal or cardiovascular systems. She co-directs the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models at Queen Mary and plays an active role in helping to shape the field and associated policy and regulation, as well as driving her own research group, funded from a range of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and charity sources. 

Biography

Deepak Singh is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN Bio. He has been with the company for over three years and has a combined 35 years of commercial and leadership experience within the life sciences industry. Prior to CN Bio, Deepak held positions at Horizon Discovery, Pacific Biosciences, Affymetrix, Applied Biosystems and Perkin Elmer. He has a BSc in Biotechnology. 

Biography

Barry Jones is Chief Scientist, Global DMPK at Pharmaron, where he provides scientific leadership across drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, translational ADME, and strategic project support. With more than 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical 

industry, including senior roles at Pfizer and AstraZeneca, he has contributed to the discovery and development of compounds across multiple therapeutic areas. Barry has extensive expertise in pharmacokinetics, transporter biology, drug-drug interactions, and 

DMPK strategy, supporting programmes from candidate selection through clinical development.

Biography 

Biomedical engineer by training, Clara Ramón-Lozano holds a PhD from École Polytechnique, where she investigated the impact of blood flow-derived forces on brain microvascular biology using microvessel-on-a-chip model. She joined Servier as a postdoctoral researcher to establish organ-on-a-chip capabilities, initially focusing on liver-on-a-chip platforms. After a period as a scientist within the DMPK In Vitro sciences team, she currently leads the ADME In Vitro Technologies team. Her research focuses on accelerating the adoption of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to enhance drug discovery and development. 

Biography

Dr. Yassen Abbas is the biology group leader at CN Bio, leading a team advancing organ-on-a-chip applications in ADME and oral bioavailability, digital twins, and CAR-T therapy models. His background includes the European Space Agency, a PhD and postdoc at the University of Cambridge in tissue-engineered models of human reproduction.

Biography

Barry Jones is Chief Scientist, Global DMPK at Pharmaron, where he provides scientific leadership across drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, translational ADME, and strategic project support. With more than 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical 

industry, including senior roles at Pfizer and AstraZeneca, he has contributed to the discovery and development of compounds across multiple therapeutic areas. Barry has extensive expertise in pharmacokinetics, transporter biology, drug-drug interactions, and 

DMPK strategy, supporting programmes from candidate selection through clinical development.

Biography

Dr. Yassen Abbas is the biology group leader at CN Bio, leading a team advancing organ-on-a-chip applications in ADME and oral bioavailability, digital twins, and CAR-T therapy models. His background includes the European Space Agency, a PhD and postdoc at the University of Cambridge in tissue-engineered models of human reproduction.

Biography 

Biomedical engineer by training, Clara Ramón-Lozano holds a PhD from École Polytechnique, where she investigated the impact of blood flow-derived forces on brain microvascular biology using microvessel-on-a-chip model. She joined Servier as a postdoctoral researcher to establish organ-on-a-chip capabilities, initially focusing on liver-on-a-chip platforms. After a period as a scientist within the DMPK In Vitro sciences team, she currently leads the ADME In Vitro Technologies team. Her research focuses on accelerating the adoption of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to enhance drug discovery and development. 

Biography

Deepak Singh is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN Bio. He has been with the company for over three years and has a combined 35 years of commercial and leadership experience within the life sciences industry. Prior to CN Bio, Deepak held positions at Horizon Discovery, Pacific Biosciences, Affymetrix, Applied Biosystems and Perkin Elmer. He has a BSc in Biotechnology. 

Biography

Dr Clive Roper is Director of Roper Toxicology Consulting Ltd and a regulatory toxicologist with more than 35 years of experience. He advises technology developers, clinical research organisations, industry, investors and regulators on microphysiological systems, organ-on-a-chip technologies, validation strategies and regulatory application. Clive serves on the boards of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) and the 3Rs Collaborative and is an international speaker, author and workshop leader, helping organisations translate scientific innovation into practical application.

Biography

Alexa is a senior scientist in Discovery Toxicology who joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 2021. She serves as a preclinical toxicology representative on project teams and supports the identification and management of toxicological liabilities using complex in vitro models such as organ-on-a-chip. Alexa earned her PhD in Toxicology from Rutgers University in 2021, researching inflammatory mechanisms of pulmonary injury induced by chemical toxicants.

Biography

Dr Emily Richardson is a Biology Group Leader at CN Bio, where she oversees the development and validation of microphysiological systems (MPS) for toxicology and safety assessment. She joined CN Bio in 2020 as a Senior Scientist and played a central role in creating the company’s Lung and Lung/Liver MPS models, advancing their use in infectious disease research and the evaluation of inhaled therapeutics. Throughout her time at CN Bio, Emily has led multiple collaborative and grant-funded programmes and acts as a key liaison across academic partners, pharmaceutical organisations, contract research organisations, regulatory bodies, and standardisation groups. Her expertise sits at the intersection of complex cell biology and real-world drug discovery, informed by industry experience in cellular therapeutics and specialism in complex in vitro modelling. She received her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine from the University of Nottingham and PhD from the University of Leicester, where she used 3D cell culture to uncover molecular mechanisms driving highly metastatic lung cancers – expertise that continue to shape her approach to developing more predictive and robust human relevant models today.

Biography

Dr Clive Roper is Director of Roper Toxicology Consulting Ltd and a regulatory toxicologist with more than 35 years of experience. He advises technology developers, clinical research organisations, industry, investors and regulators on microphysiological systems, organ-on-a-chip technologies, validation strategies and regulatory application. Clive serves on the boards of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) and the 3Rs Collaborative and is an international speaker, author and workshop leader, helping organisations translate scientific innovation into practical application.

Biography

Dr Emily Richardson is a Biology Group Leader at CN Bio, where she oversees the development and validation of microphysiological systems (MPS) for toxicology and safety assessment. She joined CN Bio in 2020 as a Senior Scientist and played a central role in creating the company’s Lung and Lung/Liver MPS models, advancing their use in infectious disease research and the evaluation of inhaled therapeutics. Throughout her time at CN Bio, Emily has led multiple collaborative and grant-funded programmes and acts as a key liaison across academic partners, pharmaceutical organisations, contract research organisations, regulatory bodies, and standardisation groups. Her expertise sits at the intersection of complex cell biology and real-world drug discovery, informed by industry experience in cellular therapeutics and specialism in complex in vitro modelling. She received her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine from the University of Nottingham and PhD from the University of Leicester, where she used 3D cell culture to uncover molecular mechanisms driving highly metastatic lung cancers – expertise that continue to shape her approach to developing more predictive and robust human relevant models today.

Biography

Alexa is a senior scientist in Discovery Toxicology who joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 2021. She serves as a preclinical toxicology representative on project teams and supports the identification and management of toxicological liabilities using complex in vitro models such as organ-on-a-chip. Alexa earned her PhD in Toxicology from Rutgers University in 2021, researching inflammatory mechanisms of pulmonary injury induced by chemical toxicants.

Biography

Deepak Singh is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CN Bio. He has been with the company for over three years and has a combined 35 years of commercial and leadership experience within the life sciences industry. Prior to CN Bio, Deepak held positions at Horizon Discovery, Pacific Biosciences, Affymetrix, Applied Biosystems and Perkin Elmer. He has a BSc in Biotechnology.