About Us
Eldec was founded by Drs. Saira Ahmad, Flori Sassano, and Robert Tarran. The company’s research programs are currently supported by funding from the NHLBI, NIAID, and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
Dr. Tarran discovered that a novel sequence from SPLUNC1’s C-terminus modulates Orai1 activity in neutrophils and other cells in the lung.
The discovery that SPLUNC1 can modulate Orai1 activity as well as the identification of the active region that is responsible for this activity was the basis for Eldec’s lead programs ELD615 and ELD607.
Our Team
Robert J. Schotzinger, MD, PhD.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Schotzinger is a veteran of the biotechnology industry with 30 years of research, development, financing and management experience. Most recently, Dr. Schotzinger was co-founder and CEO of Viamet Pharmaceuticals where he raised significant equity capital and moved Viamet Pharmaceuticals from a seed-stage company to a successful clinical-stage company. Viamet Pharmaceuticals was sold to NovaQuest Capital Management in 2018. Since the sale of Viamet, Dr. Schotzinger has been a close advisor to multiple biotechnology management teams, which has led to the successful exit of several companies.
Robert Tarran, PhD.
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Tarran is a co-founder, president, and CSO of Eldec. Dr. Tarran is a world leader in the study of cystic fibrosis and SPLUNC1’s role in airway biology. Dr. Tarran received his Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK and has over 25 years of experience in studying airway ion channels, including CFTR, ENaC, and Orai1, and their role in lung health and disease. Dr. Tarran previously founded Spyryx Biosciences and helped guide them through the IND process and through Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.
Robert Hughes, CPA, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Hughes is an accomplished financial executive with over 25 years of experience, with considerable experience in building and advising small, growing life science companies. He is an independent CFO consultant and currently provides financial and strategic advisory services to a number of venture-backed life sciences companies. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, he held leadership roles at Stridebio, Selenity Therapeutics and Viamet Pharmaceuticals. He brings an in-depth understanding of corporate finance and has expertise in strategic planning, venture fund raising, financial analysis and mergers and acquisitions
Dale J. Christensen, Ph.D.
Chief Development Officer
Dr. Christensen is a scientist, biotech executive, and consultant with over 25 years of R&D experience at the therapeutic interface of chemistry and biology. He has deep experience managing research and early development programs across respiratory, inflammation, CNS, anti-infective, and oncology indications. During his career, he has developed a particular expertise in the development of inhaled agents, including therapeutic peptides for indications such as cystic fibrosis and non-CF bronchiectasis.
