Mark W. Nowak Email & Phone Number

Buffalo, New York, Us

We have developed a user friendly plug and play Dynamic Clamp system, the Cybercyte, that allows for the integration of electronically-generated ion channel currents in real time into signals recorded from cardiomyocytes, neurons and common cell lines. We use both Markov models and Hodgkin-Huxley models, as needed. We can electronically express a wide range of currents, including INa, ICa, IKS, IK1 and IHERG. One of our applications is to use the Cybercyte to record stable cardiac action potentials from Induced pluripotent adult stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (iPSCD_CM). iPSCD-CMs are limited in studying integrated cardiac action potentials since they lack the IK1 potassium channel. The Cybercyte electronically expresses IK1, which restores the physiological diastolic potential enabling detailed quantitative analysis of iPSCD_CM action potentials. We further improved the accuracy and efficiency of recording cardiac action potentials using the Cybercyte to correct in real-time increases in passive leak that routinely occur in patch clamp electrophysiology recording. Using the Cybercyte we provide early-stage cardiotoxicity screening of lead candidates for the pharmaceutical industry in accordance with the FDA's Comprehensive In Vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative.

- Directed a research program dedicated to the development of therapeutic, bioactive peptides targeting inflammatory diseases.- Led all vision, strategy, and execution for drug development initiatives.- Developed the unique ability to balance scientific advances with business considerations from cost, feasibility, market advantage, and end user perspective.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Successfully secured grants from the National Institutes of Health, one of the world's foremost medical research centers, totaling $1.4MM.- Key developments and accomplishments include cell-based assays for drug screening, as well as an in vivo orally-available peptide drug with potent (μg/kg) efficacy in mouse inflammatory models, presently under patent consideration by the USPTO.- Designed and advanced studies testing the peptide in inflammatory mouse models, as well as pre-clinical studies assessing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties and safety to support an FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) application.- Contributed additional leadership expertise managing a research program to develop drug screening assays that identify inhibitors of protein-protein interactions by incorporation of reactive amino acids using unnatural amino acid mutagenesis.

Us

- Effectively managed all molecular neuroscience functions at this ion channel drug discovery company, focusing on identifying drug-ion channel interactions and the discovery of small molecule drug therapies for diseases and disorders of the central nervous system.- Formed strategic partnerships with industry leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Amgen, and Merck, to select and validate drug candidates for interaction with ion channels using unnatural amino acid mutagenesis/electrophysiology-based assays.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Secured $800K in grants from the NIH, while developing innovative and effective strategies to design experiments and achieve results using limited resources.- Leveraged superior subject matter expertise to train and mentor molecular biology and electrophysiology personnel.- Collected and compiled all research findings into reports for submittal to internal stakeholders and pharmaceutical partners.

Charleston, Sc, Us

- Managed a laboratory dedicated to the study of the effects of ethanol and nicotine on neurotransmission/ion channel function at this private college for the training of physicians- Facilitated the progress of multiple concurrent research projects in this and other areas, including animal research via collaborations with basic and clinical researchers.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Collaborated with colleagues and supervised MD-PhD and PhD students in The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, one of the nation’s premier academic centers for the study and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse; examined the molecular expression pattern of GABAAR in mouse models of ethanol-induced seizures.- Recipient of a highly competitive NIAAA KO1 grant from the NIH as well as a MUSC University Research Council Grant.

Pasadena, Ca, Us

- Assumed a lead role directing the efforts of a multi-disciplinary research team engaged in the study of neurotransmission/ion channels using unnatural amino acid mutagenesis.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS- Secured greater insights into the molecular determinants underlying agonist interactions with ligand-gated ion channels.- Recipient of two highly competitive fellowships, the American Heart Association Fellowship and the NIH Post-doctoral Fellowship.

Ph.D., Pharmacology

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc), Biochemistry