Renowned neurodegenerative disease pioneer joins the stem cell disease model specialists

Axol Bioscience, a biotechnology company, specialising in the use of stem cell technology to manufacture disease-relevant cell based assay systems for drug discovery and disease modelling, today announced that Steve Finkbeiner, MD, PhD has joined its Scientific Advisory Board. Dr Finkbeiner is a leading neuroscientist who will guide Axol in expanding its range of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells and culture systems to ensure that the company continues to bring innovative products to market. Dr Finkbeiner is renowned for his research in neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. He is perhaps best known for his invention of a robotic imaging device that has helped to elucidate the mechanisms behind learning, memory formation and neurodegeneration.

Steve Finkbeiner’s research focuses on understanding how neurodegeneration occurs and elucidating therapeutic strategies to intervene. He has an impressive record of publications and sits on the editorial board of several journals. Dr Finkbeiner has received numerous awards for his work and has also established a centre to accelerate the identification of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, which heavily relies on the use of iPSC models.

Yichen Shi, PhD, CEO of Axol Bioscience commented, ‘We’re proud to have such an accomplished individual on board. Steve Finkbeiner bring years of experience in plasticity and neurodegenerative research to the Axol team.’ Steve Finkbeiner, MD, PhD, SAB Member of Axol Bioscience said, ‘Axol are constantly developing new and exciting products to add to their catalogue of highly validated human cells, culture reagents and services. I look forward to working with them to help drive this forward.’

Dr Finkbeiner is currently, Associate Director and Senior Investigator at Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Professor of Neurology and Physiology at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and Director at Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research. Prior to this he carried out a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School and completed an internship (internal medicine) and a chief residency (neurology) at UCSF. He achieved his MD and a PhD in neuroscience from Yale University.

more about axol bioscience