GestVision, Inc. is commercializing a point of care diagnostic test for preeclampsia based on inventions by the Buhimschi team while at Yale University. The pregnancy-related condition is often characterized by the symptoms of high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Left untreated the condition can lead to seizures and even death. Preeclampsia is an equal opportunity problem and is of concern in both developed and developing nations. The US is not immune and sees preeclampsia as a growing problem. GestVision’s goal is to better detect preeclampsia so that appropriate care can be provided and health outcomes for both mothers and babies are improved.

As Director (2006-2008), responsible for securing the intellectual property position for an early stage biotech platform technology for diagnostics leading to VP role (2008-2012) in defining synergistic product applications and developing commercialization strategy. Activities lead to successful product commercialization and successful exit by way of acquisition.• Spearheaded the development of IP and recognition of diagnostic and life science commercial opportunities based on biomarker measurement enabled by proprietary AQUA® analysis techniques, improving anatomic pathology practice and providing actionable information to treating physicians. • Defined a suite of diagnostics products leveraging the platform technology, addressing unmet clinical needs including 13 near term, 11 longer term tests with a US addressable market of ~$2b. Successfully licensed a portfolio to Genoptix (a Novartis Company) leading to the US launch of four AQUA technology-based diagnostic tests. • Secured and expanded multi-tiered protection of intellectual property from in-licensed Yale applications and lead a culture of in-house generation and recognition of inventions, triaged and developed IP strategy for portfolio now encompassing 28 issued and 27 pending US and foreign patents and applications, driving the strategic acquisition of HistoRx. • Responsible for legal agreements including confidentiality, material transfer, sponsored research, licensing, master service agreements, acquisition and due diligence activities, negotiations with third parties, monitoring.• Shaped, advanced and closed business/corporate development opportunities with corporate and academic parties, independently and as part of the management team. • Sourced and managed outside counsel on corporate IP and business development matters. • Frequent interaction with Board of Directors, Venture Capital Investors (current and prospective), angel investors, KOLs and consultants.

Responsible for identifying early stage R&D opportunities for in-house development towards establishing commercial presence in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and achieving fiscal growth objectives.• Brought forward a pharmaceutical opportunity through Stage 1 of a Stage-Gate® process. Six sigma training.

Managing one of the largest pending human genome biotech patent portfolios while establishing the strategic links between IP prosecution and clinical project management. • Extensive prior art and competitive landscape research and freedom-to-operate type analyses, development and improvement of an integrated bioinformatic system to access and analyze gene database, project information and patent docket, and drafting and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications. • Reduced prosecution costs while dramatically increasing the quality of patent applications by tempering high-throughput practice.

Responsible for the identification, development and protection of IP in the biotechnology field from USF and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and subsequent commercial development activities, including licensing strategy, contacting potential licensees, drafting, negotiating and closing deals. • Cultivated a portfolio of 45 invention disclosures and 44 patent applications by fiscal year 2000/2001. • Developed and implemented a highly successful licensing strategy for an Alzheimer’s disease animal model despite substantial third-party positions, resulting in multi-million dollar revenues. • Directed outside counsel and managed related legal expenditures for biotechnology IP.• Managed office of 8 professionals plus interns and students.

As Manager and subsequently Assistant Director, responsible for establishing in-house IP capabilities including the strategic planning, review and maintenance of the patent portfolio (including cases in biotech, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry and formulations) and support for business development and product acquisition activities.

As a Research Assistant advancing to Research Associate, Research Scientist and Senior Research Scientist in biotech: evaluated monoclonal antibodies for suitability for in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic products. Responsible for the project management of the preclinical evaluation of 50+ monoclonal antibodies leading to 2 diagnostic imaging agents for cancer approved by the FDA. Established and directed the immunohistology and FACs laboratory.

As a Research Assistant, designed and conducted experiments investigating genetic neurodevelopment in Drosophilia, and previously as a Laboratory Technician researched geotropism and hormonal regulation in the algal coenocyte Caulerpa.