VIROFEND THERAPEUTICS TEAM

We are an international team working together to revolutionize cancer therapy. Combining expertise in virology, oncology, immunology, and business strategy to advance innovative approaches to cancer treatment.

CORE TEAM

Sara Cuadrado Castaño

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – ViroFend Therapeutics

Throughout her career, she has contributed to high-impact scientific publications in fields such as immunology, structural virology, lipid nanoparticles, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Her work is distinguished by a strong focus on translating basic research into clinically actionable therapies with real therapeutic potential. In recognition of her scientific excellence, she was awarded the First National Prize in Biomedicine for Young Researchers by the Spanish Ministry of Science.

In recognition of her scientific excellence, she was awarded the First National Prize in Biomedicine for Young Researchers by the Spanish Ministry of Science.

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago

General Director – ViroFend Therapeutics

He has led over 50 national and international research projects across the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and technology sectors, including initiatives focused on scale-up, fundraising, and corporate expansion. He was also the CEO and co-founder of Neurofix Pharma, a company dedicated to the clinical development of therapies targeting the central nervous system, and has held leadership roles in technical direction, intellectual property, and institutional relations across a range of organizations.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, he teaches in master’s programs on innovation and digital transformation (USAL, IME Business School) and advises both public and private initiatives in entrepreneurship and biotechnology. His profile blends business vision with hands-on experience managing international research consortia (FP7, Horizon 2020), and reflects a deep commitment to the broader scientific and tech innovation ecosystem.

Ángel Canal

Operations and R&D Director – ViroFend Therapeutics

Computational Biologist with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Biology. Brings over six years of experience leading biotechnology teams ranging from 18 to 120 professionals, with a proven track record in managing complex R&D environments and coordinating multidisciplinary projects. Has successfully prepared, presented, coordinated, and justified research and innovation projects totaling several million. Combines strategic management capabilities with deep technical expertise to drive innovation and organizational efficiency.

Currently serves as Director of Operations and R&D (Deputy General Director) at Virofend Therapeutics, overseeing the R&D and Project divisions, defining strategic priorities, and fostering collaboration across departments to enhance the company’s scientific impact and operational performance.

Arancha Rodríguez Zambrano

Lead Project Manager – ViroFend Therapeutics

Biologist with a PhD in Biomedicine and extensive experience in clinical research and coordination of clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. She brings solid expertise in monitoring, documentation validation and ICH-GCP compliance, along with strong skills in scientific communication and collaboration with healthcare and research teams. As Lead Project Manager at ViroFend Therapeutics, she oversees the planning, supervision and follow-up of clinical programs, ensuring rigorous execution aligned with the company’s scientific and regulatory objectives.

Her multidisciplinary background strengthens ViroFend’s transition into clinical development and supports the advancement of its innovative oncolytic therapies.

Sofía Garro Villegas

Project Manager – ViroFend Therapeutics

Pharmacist with an MBA in Biopharmaceutical Companies and specialized training in the management of international R&D projects. She brings solid experience in pharmaceutical operations, biotechnology project coordination and strategic planning, integrating technical knowledge with strong organizational and analytical capabilities, as well proven expertise in industrial development and scale—up processes.

As Project Manager at ViroFend Therapeutics, she supports the design, coordination and follow-up of R&D activities, ensuring efficient project execution and alignment with the company’s scientific and operational objectives. Her multidisciplinary background contributes to strengthening ViroFend’s development pathways and advancing its innovative therapeutic programs.

Cristina Tetilla Gallego

Head of Business and Strategic Development – ViroFend Therapeutics

Holding a degree in Political Science from the University of Salamanca and an MBA, she brings a consolidated trajectory with over 10 years of experience in strategic management, business development, and client relations optimization. She possesses a solid background in Human Resources and holds key certifications, in addition to a high level of proficiency in both English and French.

She currently serves as Chief Negotiating and Strategic Development Officer at ViroFend Therapeutics, contributing to the company's operational and strategic structure. Previously, she was a Head Project Manager, successfully leading the management of complex projects, designing campaign strategies, and being instrumental in sales pipeline growth. Her experience includes managing business units across sales (SDR), key accounts, and operations. She combines the ability to lead teams with the strategic vision necessary to deliver value to every stakeholder.

Irina Stefana

Scientific Advisor – ViroFend Therapeutics

Irina Stefana is a biologist and holds a PhD in Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Biology, with nearly fifteen years of experience in biomedical research and innovation management. Her career combines a strong scientific background with specialization in intellectual property and biotechnology strategy, covering areas such as cell biology, genetics, metabolism, neurodegenerative diseases, and technology transfer within the life sciences sector.

As an advisor at Virofend Therapeutics, she applies her scientific and technical expertise to the protection and strategic management of the company’s innovation assets. Through her work, she helps establish robust processes for innovation capture, data confidentiality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Virofend’s technological advances are effectively protected and positioned for clinical and commercial success.

Natalia Reyes Triviño

Quality Coordinator – ViroFend Therapeutics

Chemist from the National University of Colombia, with master’s studies in Experimental Biomedicine (UCLM) and Clinical Trial Monitoring & Pharmaceutical Development (INESEM/Nebrija University), Natalia Reyes Triviño is part of the clinical team at ViroFend Therapeutics as a Clinical Trial Assistant.

She has built research experience in both academic and industrial settings across Colombia, Chile, and Spain, focusing on cell biology, microbiology, cell culture, and analytical quality control (HPLC). She brings strong technical skills and a clear commitment to science in clinical contexts.

Noelia Pintado Antonio

Clinical Trial Assistant – ViroFend Therapeutics

Biotechnology graduate from the University of Extremadura and the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, with a Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Salamanca. Currently works as a Clinical Technician at ViroFend Therapeutics, supporting the technical and operational aspects of clinical trials.

She has gained research experience at institutions such as IBGM (CSIC/UVa) and IBSAL, and is strongly committed to science communication and advancing the biotech sector, currently serving as President of the Association of Biotechnologists of Extremadura (BiotEx). Her profile combines strong academic training with skills in organization, planning, and teamwork.

Giulia Ciaccio

Strategic Development Technician – ViroFend Therapeutics

Biologist with a Master’s in Molecular and Health Biology, with experience in virology, bioinformatics, and molecular techniques. Has developed research work at the University of Salamanca, contributing to projects focused on rare diseases and applying various analytical tools. Brings a versatile profile, adaptability in dynamic scientific environments, and fluency in multiple languages.

Currently works as a Strategic Development Technician at ViroFend Therapeutics, where she supports the design, technical implementation, and execution of R&D lines with strong translational potential.

Carmen Espinosa Botello

Scientific Validation and Illustration Technician – ViroFend Therapeutics

Biotechnologist with a University Master's Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. Her expertise is grounded in biomedical research and molecular oncology, having developed a key project at the Cancer Research Center (CIC) in Salamanca focused on the analysis of immune factors in multiple myeloma patients. She has clinical experience following her role at the University Hospital of Badajoz (HUB), actively participating in the processing of biological samples and the execution of diagnostic tests for infectious agents. She is a methodologically rigorous professional with a solid background in molecular genetics and effectively manages digital analysis tools. Her profile is distinguished by high organizational skills, adaptability, and perseverance, essential qualities in research and development contexts.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Manuel Matutes

Telecommunications Engineer with executive training (Executive MBA from IESE Business School), Manuel brings a solid background in both technical and leadership roles within the technology sector, particularly in networks, security, and operations. In recent years, he has focused on investment and entrepreneurship, leading a renowned family office and serving on the board of Grupo Palladium, an internationally recognized company. With investments in over one hundred startups and multiple success stories at the national level, he now contributes his strategic vision and business development expertise as a board member of ViroFend Therapeutics.

Juan Alanís

MBA graduate and co-founder of Global Exchange, where he has served as CEO for more than 25 years. Juan has extensive experience in corporate strategy, international expansion, and organizational leadership, complemented by executive training through high-level management programs such as the IESE Board Member Program. Beyond his role as a business angel, with successful investments in several Spanish startups, he also serves as a visiting lecturer in MBA programs at IME Business School (University of Salamanca). He combines his entrepreneurial career with his position as a board member at ViroFend Therapeutics, where he provides strategic vision and expertise in international growth.

Iván Andrés

MBA and CEO of Grupo Andrés, a leading tire distribution company in Europe, where he also serves as Vice President. With more than two decades of business leadership, Iván has built a strong track record in international expansion, operational management, and digital transformation. Alongside his executive role at Grupo Andrés, he is also a business angel with investments in several Spanish tech companies. At ViroFend Therapeutics, he contributes his expertise in business management, growth strategies, and innovation as a member of the board.

Julián Herrero

Industrial Engineer and CEO of Meins, a benchmark company in industrial solutions for renewable energy with a presence in more than 35 countries. His leadership in business development, international expansion, and strategic management has positioned Meins as a key player in the energy infrastructure sector. Julián is also an active business angel, supporting innovative technology ventures, including notable investments such as 300K and other projects in the industrial and energy fields. As a board member of ViroFend Therapeutics, he contributes his industrial scaling experience and business vision to drive high-impact R&D projects.

Jorge Bensadon

MBA and highly regarded entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the biotech industry. Jorge founded multiple companies, including Cytognos S.L., a University of Salamanca spin-off specialized in cytometry, which he successfully led until its acquisition by BD Biosciences for over €40 million. He also co-founded and chaired Vitro S.A., and has served on the boards of tech firms such as BQChem and Dropsens. As a business angel, he continues to support innovative projects and now serves as a board member at ViroFend Therapeutics, contributing his strategic insight, health sector expertise, and experience in technology transfer for R&D initiatives.

Eduardo Salazar

Assistant Secretary

Biologist with an MBA and extensive experience in commercial leadership and strategic management. After holding key positions at Michelin in Spain and Latin America, Eduardo joined Grupo Andrés in 2007, where he has since served as General Manager, consolidating the company as one of Europe’s leading tire distributors. He is also a business angel with investments in innovative ventures and has additional training in digital transformation and strategic marketing. Currently, he serves as Deputy Secretary of the Board at ViroFend Therapeutics, bringing executive expertise and business vision to the development of R&D projects.

Carlos Ochoa

Secretary of the Board

Law and Political Science graduate with a Master’s in Corporate Legal Advisory from the Fundación de Estudios Bursátiles y Financieros. A specialist in corporate and commercial law, Carlos has over 15 years of experience as a board member and secretary in various companies, including publicly listed firms. He has been recognized by prestigious legal directories such as Legal 500 and Best Lawyers, and was named one of Spain’s top young lawyers by Expansión. In addition, he has published extensively in financial press and has taught commercial law at institutions including IE, EDEM, FEBF, Universidad Europea, and CEU-Cardenal Herrera. As Secretary of the Board at ViroFend Therapeutics, he contributes his expertise in corporate structure, compliance, and legal support for R&D projects.

Adolfo García-Sastre

Internationally renowned scientist in microbiology and virology. Adolfo earned his BSc and PhD in Sciences from the University of Salamanca before completing postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York as a Fulbright Scholar, where he began his distinguished academic career in the United States. He has held various positions at the Department of Microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he is currently a full professor. He was a pioneer in reconstructing the 1918 influenza virus, a landmark achievement that brought him worldwide recognition. Today, he directs the Research Center for Influenza Pathogenesis (CRIP). With more than 25 years of experience in molecular virology, Adolfo has made major contributions to antigen expression strategies and viral platform development. At ViroFend Therapeutics, he serves as a board member, bringing cutting-edge expertise in virology applied to therapeutic innovation.

Sara Cuadrado Castaño

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Salamanca, with over 15 years of experience in oncolytic virotherapy research, she currently leads the scientific direction of ViroFend Therapeutics as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). In parallel, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, working within the Department of Microbiology, the Precision Immunology Institute, and the Icahn Genomics Institute. From these institutions, she has spearheaded pioneering projects in the rational design of oncolytic viruses (OVs), building highly specialized in vitro screening platforms and developing in vivo therapeutic strategies across multiple cancer models. Throughout her career, she has contributed to high-impact scientific publications in fields such as immunology, structural virology, lipid nanoparticles, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Her work is distinguished by a strong focus on translating basic research into clinically actionable therapies with real therapeutic potential. In recognition of her scientific excellence, she was awarded the First National Prize in Biomedicine for Young Researchers by the Spanish Ministry of Science.

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago

Chairman of the Board

Engineer with executive training (MBA) and extensive experience in corporate leadership, strategic R&D management, and technology transfer in the biotech sector, he is currently the CEO and co-founder of ViroFend Therapeutics. He has led over 50 national and international research projects across the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and technology sectors, including initiatives focused on scale-up, fundraising, and corporate expansion. He was also the CEO and co-founder of Neurofix Pharma, a company dedicated to the clinical development of therapies targeting the central nervous system, and has held leadership roles in technical direction, intellectual property, and institutional relations across a range of organizations. Beyond his executive responsibilities, he teaches in master’s programs on innovation and digital transformation (USAL, IME Business School) and advises both public and private initiatives in entrepreneurship and biotechnology. His profile blends business vision with hands-on experience managing international research consortia (FP7, Horizon 2020), and reflects a deep commitment to the broader scientific and tech innovation ecosystem.