A Management Team with a Passion for Drug Discovery
Imagine a core team of pharmaceutical researchers that has been working together for the past 15 years and that knows how to get the job done. This team works in complete harmony and is focused only on obtaining the highest quality results possible for NiKem's clients.
Our Management Team
Dr. Giuseppe Giardina
Giuseppe is our Chief Executive Officer. Combining more than 20 years of research and management experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he delivers impressive scientific and organizational skills to the company that facilitates the complex workflow involved in leading edge drug discovery. He is well recognized as an expert in the opioid and tachykinin receptors, which are implicated in the acute and chronic pain and inflammation therapeutic areas. Previously he was an Associate Director and Head of Medicinal Chemistry for SmithKline Beecham Italy. He obtained his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Milan in 1983.
Dr. Pierfausto Seneci
Pierfausto is our Chief Business Officer. He was formerly CEO of NADAG, a Munich-based Biotech, leading the company to a successful merger with SiREEN AG in early 2004 to form SiRENADE Pharmaceuticals AG. His role is to represent NiKem Research in the business community, while actively searching for novel clients and growth opportunities for the company. He previously served as Director of Lead Discovery at GlaxoWellcome, Verona, and held various positions in large pharma (SmithKline Beecham, Marion Merrell Dow) and small biotechs (Selectide Corporation). He received his doctorate in Organic Chemistry from Pavia University in 1983, and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Milan, Italy.
Dr. Massimo Dondio
Massimo is our Director of Computational, Structural & Developability Sciences. Massimo brings 18 years of pharmaceutical experience and valuable crossover skills to the company, including expertise in medicinal chemistry and computational chemistry, as well as solid experience in structural chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Massimo acquired a worldwide reputation as a leading expert in the area of delta opioid analgesics. Previously he was an Assistant Director within SmithKline Beecham Italy. He received his Doctorate in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan in 1986.
Dr. Stefania Gagliardi
Stefania is one of our two Directors of Medicinal Chemistry. She brings more than 20 years of medicinal chemistry experience into the company, as well as expertise in cardiovascular, CNS and bone disease therapeutic areas. In the latter, Stefania acquired a worldwide reputation as an expert in osteoclast ATPase inhibitors. Previously she was an Assistant Director in SmithKline Beecham Italy. Stefania received her Doctorate in Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Technologies from the University of Milan in 1982.
Dr. Paola Petrillo
Paola is our Director of Biological Screening. Paola brings more than 20 years of biological pharmacology experience to the company. Her expertise in drug discovery includes "in vitro" and "in vivo" experimentation and excellent knowledge of automation techniques for drug screening using robotic work stations. She is well-recognized for her expertise in opioid receptors. Previously she was a Senior Investigator within SmithKline Beecham Italy. Paola received her Doctorate in Biological Science from the University of Milan in 1983.
Dr. Luca Raveglia
Luca is one of our two Directors of Medicinal Chemistry. With more than 15 years of experience, he combines expertise in medicinal chemistry, molecular modeling and high-throughput combinatorial chemistry. Previously he was a Senior Investigator for SmithKline Beecham Italy, where he successfully implemented combinatorial chemistry technologies. Luca received his Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Milan in 1991.
Mr. Mario Trotti
Mario is our Accounting Administrator and oversees most of the general administrative functions. He has over 30 years of accounting and managerial experince in the pharmaceutical industry and has previously worked with Sterling and Smithkline Beecham Italy.