Michael Heffernan Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas, Us

Allterum Therapeutics, Inc. is a Fannin-founded biopharmaceutical company targeting CD127 (IL-7Ra)-expressing cancers with an initial focus on patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The company's lead candidate, 4A10, is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD127 in-licensed from NCI which is expected to enter clinic in 1H 2025. I have a range of responsibilities including manufacturing process oversight, financial projections, intellectual property, licensing, agreements, grant applications, and grant management.

Houston, Texas, Us

Radiomer Therapeutics is developing novel radiopharmaceuticals using Raptamers (peptide-oligonucleotide hybrids) as a targeting vector.

Houston, Texas, Us

At Fannin Innovation Studio, I oversee the development of early stage biomedical technologies including medical devices and therapeutics.

Houston, Texas, Us

At Fannin Innovation Studio, I have overseen the product development activities for various medical device companies within the Fannin portfolio:- Brevitest Technologies is developing a biomedical immunoassay platform technology that could allow consumers, patients, caregivers, and others to more easily detect and quantify molecules of interest from a variety of sample types like blood, saliva, urine and water.- The ChorioAnchor device provides a way of securing the chorioamniotic membranes of pregnant mothers to the uterine wall to prevent preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM), which can lead to complications for the mother and her baby.- The SecUrine device aims to replace catheterization and prevent leakage so patients have more control over their bladder and an improved quality of life.

Houston, Texas, Us

Raptamer Discovery Group develops synthetic affinity reagents called Raptamers for applications in research, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Houston, Texas, Us

My laboratory’s research focused on developing drug delivery systems for vaccines, cancer therapies, and other biomedical applications. In the area of vaccine delivery, we developed microparticle-based adjuvant systems for recombinant protein- and DNA-based vaccines. Applications included vaccines against Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and Ureaplasma. Other drug delivery applications included targeted nanoparticle delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics and nanoparticle delivery of antibody therapeutics.

Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA)Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and BiologyNational Cancer InstituteBethesda, Maryland, USAProject: Development of cancer vaccines and immunotherapies.I conducted immunological testing to measure the efficacy of vaccines and adjuvant systems, including demonstrating the ability of a chitosan-based delivery system to enhance the in vivo immune response of a protein-based vaccine.

Atlanta, Georgia , Us

Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Summer 2008Advisor: Dr. Niren MurthyThesis Title: Biodegradable Polymeric Delivery Systems for Protein Subunit VaccinesIn my thesis work, I formulated and characterized polymeric microparticles to deliver proteins and nucleic acids for vaccine applications. I co-invented a new pH-sensitive biodegradable polymer (polyketal), which has been utilized for several drug delivery applications, including protein delivery. I also demonstrated immunostimulatory efficacy of polyketal microparticles encapsulating protein antigen and dsRNA adjuvant.

Columbus, Indiana, Us

I developed and managed production release of hardware components and electronic fuel control calibrations for diesel engines. Work included engine performance mapping, data analysis, component design, process improvements, and assistance with manufacturing launch.

Blacksburg, Va, Us

M.S. Thesis: Developed an automated testing apparatus to measure performance of catalytic converters in reducing emissions.

Alexandria, Va, Us

Provided engineering consulting services including engineering analysis and modeling of mechanical and thermal-fluid systems in nuclear power plants and U.S. Navy vessels.

Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering

Master Of Science (M.S.), Mechanical Engineering

B.S., Mechanical Engineering And Materials Science

Education record