Leadership & Team

Andrew MacIsaac

CEO

Throughout the past two decades Andrew has successfully led partnerships between industry, academia, government, and donors, and developed catalysts for economic investment totalling more than $600 million. With a background in economics and public sector management, Andrew has worked with UBC, and the University of Alberta, most recently as Assistant Dean for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Andrew sits on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Life Sciences Council, the Edmonton Health City Steering Committee, the Alberta Research Commercialization Working Group, the Calgary Life Science Innovation Hub Steering Committee, and a number of private company boards.

Sir Michael Houghton

Nobel Laureate & Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Michael Houghton was the Canadian Excellence Research Chair in Virology from 2010-2018 and is the Li Ka Shing Professor of Virology at the University of Alberta where he is also the Director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute. He was jointly named the 2020 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine along with Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice in recognition of the discovery of the hepatitis C (HCV) virus. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020 for services to medicine. His research in the field of viral hepatitis has led to protection of the world’s blood supplies, and hepatitis C treatment to the point where the viral infection can now be cured in virtually all patients.

Launa Aspeslet

Chief Translational Officer

Launa Aspeslet is an accomplished life science executive and board member with over 20 years of leadership experience in scaling early-stage organizations to sustainable growth and maturity. She excels in multi-stakeholder environments, new product development, and guiding entrepreneurs through organizational transformation.

Currently, Launa also serves as Senior Clinical & Regulatory Advisor to Model Medicines and a Board member of Edmonton Unlimited. She recently acted as interim CEO at Edmonton Unlimited and has held roles as COO at Hepion Pharmaceuticals, CEO of TRIO, and COO at Isotechnika Pharma. She has also provided strategic consulting for various early-stage drug and medical device companies. During this time, Launa has led teams to conduct over 50 clinical trials, enrolling more than 10,000 patients across 20 countries.

She holds a BSc in chemistry from the University of Lethbridge and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Alberta, along with a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).

Greg Klak

Director

Greg Klak is the Vice President of Operations and General Manager for the Gilead Alberta manufacturing facility. Prior to the acquisition by Gilead in 2006, he spent 16 years with Raylo Chemicals providing custom manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical industry, including Gilead Sciences. Mr. Klak received both his B. Comm. and MBA degrees from the University of Alberta, and currently serves as a Board Member for BioAlberta.

Jason Pincock

Director

Jason is the former Chief Executive Officer of DynaLIFE Medical Labs, one of Alberta’s largest private healthcare organizations. At over 1100 employees DynaLIFE is Canada’s most regarded multidisciplinary clinical laboratory organization and is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Jason is a Certified Management Accountant, a graduate of the Queens Executive Program and a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. Jason works with an ownership board, including OMERS and Laboratory Corporation of America (publicly traded) as well as a board of senior policy advisors.

Hari Sambasivam

Director

Hari is the Chair of the Board of Directors at Spark Centre (not-for-profit Regional Innovation Centre). He works closely with the board, management, and board committees to provide governance and oversight of key issues including financial performance, risk, strategy, CEO compensation, and board rejuvenation. Hari spent 27 years in the North American capital markets, including 17 years as a biotechnology analyst with leading global and Canadian investment banks, and later as BMO’s Associate Director of Canadian equity research. Hari’s background includes a Ph.D. in biochemistry (Toronto), an MBA (UWO), and corporate governance fundamentals (Kellogg School of Management, ICD).

Launa Aspeslet

Chief Translational Officer

Launa Aspeslet is an accomplished life science executive and board member with over 20 years of leadership experience in scaling early-stage organizations to sustainable growth and maturity. She excels in multi-stakeholder environments, new product development, and guiding entrepreneurs through organizational transformation.

Currently, Launa also serves as Senior Clinical & Regulatory Advisor to Model Medicines and a Board member of Edmonton Unlimited. She recently acted as interim CEO at Edmonton Unlimited and has held roles as COO at Hepion Pharmaceuticals, CEO of TRIO, and COO at Isotechnika Pharma. She has also provided strategic consulting for various early-stage drug and medical device companies. During this time, Launa has led teams to conduct over 50 clinical trials, enrolling more than 10,000 patients across 20 countries.

She holds a BSc in chemistry from the University of Lethbridge and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Alberta, along with a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).

Allan Aginski

Senior VP, Special Projects & Manufacturing

Allan is a life sciences supply chain and manufacturing specialist with nearly 40 years of experience. He has established and run commercial life sciences company production facilities around the world, including for companies such as Abbott, Merck, and Genpharm. He has been responsible for the establishment of dozens of products in over 24 countries. 

Hans Bauer

VP, Technical Operations

Hans brings over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality, having worked with leading pharmaceutical companies in Europe, including Lonza, Sandoz (Novartis), Acino, and Akorn. He has a proven track record in managing large teams, complex projects, and overseeing comprehensive operations.  

Hans has strong expertise in developing and implementing robust quality systems that meet stringent regulatory standards across several countries, including the US, EU, and Switzerland. His production expertise includes API-small molecule manufacturing, peptide chemical and biotechnology manufacturing, as well as the production of solid and semi-solid forms and sterile manufacturing. 

Corinne Campanella

VP, Quantitative Solutions

Corinne is a seasoned Clinical Pharmacologist with over 25 years of diverse experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has held key roles in early-phase clinical development and medical safety across North America and Europe, working with leading companies like Sanofi, GSK, UCB, Biovail, Apopharma.

Corinne brings a deep expertise in early-phase clinical development and a strategic perspective that spans from lead selection to late-stage development and a keen ability to build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams. In her most recent role as Director of Clinical Pharmacology at Certara, she partnered with clients to develop and optimize clinical pharmacology strategies essential for successful drug development. Corinne holds a PharmD from the University of Paris-Cité in France and a Master of Science in Pharmacokinetics from the University of Alberta in Canada.

Amy Gaucher

VP, Shared Services

Amy comes to API with a breadth of experience from multiple industries.  She was the Chief Financial Officer at two private manufacturing companies over a span of 8 years.  She’s worked in both a Corporate and an Operations capacity at a large, publicly-traded General Contractor.  Her experience spans Finance Management, Human Resources and IT Strategy.  She has a CPA, CA designation which has allowed her to serve large and small organizations throughout Alberta.  

In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors at the Citadel Theatre, Amy is also the Vice Chair with the Alberta Lung Association Board of Directors.

Vijay Somayaji

Sr. Director, Product Development & Quality

Vijay has over 30 years experience in biotech research and development and QA/QC. With a PhD in Chemistry and post-doctoral work under Nobel Laureate Dr. H. C. Brown, Vijay has served in director level roles at Biomira, AltaRex, Novolytic, and Virexx. As an experienced QA, Vijay has supported product development for dozens of clinical programs taking place at sites around the world.

Daniel Trepanier

Executive Scientist, Preclinical Development

Over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Experienced in pharmaceutical development including drug discovery, analytical and bioanalytical method development and analysis, preclinical pharmacokinetic, toxicological and  toxicokinetic studies, formulation development, drug manufacturing and  preclinical/clinical supply, preparation of preclinical regulatory submissions, interfacing with contract research organizations and patent attorneys. Real world experience in all aspects of drug development required to successfully move a drug from discovery, through myriad regulatory agency required studies, to Clinical Phase I/II status. 

Daren Ure

Executive Scientist, Discovery & Early Development

Dr. Ure earned a B.Sc. in Zoology at Brandon University in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Alberta in 1997. These were followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, studying mouse models of multiple sclerosis and gaining expertise in virology, neurology, and immunology.

Dr. Ure brings more than 20 years in small biotech industry and over 35 years of research across many scientific and health disciplines have fostered a broad understanding of bench-to-bedside drug development – drug discovery, intellectual property, CMC, regulatory, clinical, and business development – and provided valuable experience in advancing new medicines to market.

Corinne Campanella

VP, Quantitative Solutions

Corinne is a seasoned Clinical Pharmacologist with over 25 years of diverse experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has held key roles in early-phase clinical development and medical safety across North America and Europe, working with leading companies like Sanofi, GSK, UCB, Biovail, Apopharma.

Corinne brings a deep expertise in early-phase clinical development and a strategic perspective that spans from lead selection to late-stage development and a keen ability to build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams. In her most recent role as Director of Clinical Pharmacology at Certara, she partnered with clients to develop and optimize clinical pharmacology strategies essential for successful drug development. Corinne holds a PharmD from the University of Paris-Cité in France and a Master of Science in Pharmacokinetics from the University of Alberta in Canada.

Shawn Couch

Director, Business Development

Shawn Couch is a seasoned business development and key account management professional with over 20 years of experience in the North American pharmaceutical industry. With a strong track record of surpassing sales targets, he has expertise in drug substance and drug products, including solid oral, and injectables. His career includes business development roles at Corden Pharma, Fabricca Italiana Sintetici and ACIC Fine Chemicals, where he played a pivotal role in expanding market presence and increasing revenue.

Andrea Eriksson

Associate Director, Program Activation

Andrea Eriksson is recognized for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to every project she undertakes. She excels at fostering connections and bringing people together to spearhead new initiatives.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and a Master of Global Management from Royal Roads University. Her diverse experience spans startup consulting, economic development, and curriculum innovation.

Andrea has worked with startups to craft business and marketing plans, later joining Edmonton Economic Development to assist companies with international expansion strategies, lead trade missions, and host investor delegations. She then contributed to program development at NorQuest College’s Continuing Education division, including launching the institution’s first mass open online course. In the private sector, Andrea served as a Product Manager for PRIMED Medical Products, overseeing the medical mask portfolio. 

Currently, as Associate Director, Program Activation, at API she combines her startup expertise, curriculum development background, and private health sector experience to deliver innovative incubator programing and events.

Allan Aginski

Senior VP, Special Projects & Manufacturing

Allan is a life sciences supply chain and manufacturing specialist with nearly 40 years of experience. He has established and run commercial life sciences company production facilities around the world, including for companies such as Abbott, Merck, and Genpharm. He has been responsible for the establishment of dozens of products in over 24 countries. 

Hans Bauer

VP, Technical Operations

Hans brings over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality, having worked with leading pharmaceutical companies in Europe, including Lonza, Sandoz (Novartis), Acino, and Akorn. He has a proven track record in managing large teams, complex projects, and overseeing comprehensive operations.  

Hans has strong expertise in developing and implementing robust quality systems that meet stringent regulatory standards across several countries, including the US, EU, and Switzerland. His production expertise includes API-small molecule manufacturing, peptide chemical and biotechnology manufacturing, as well as the production of solid and semi-solid forms and sterile manufacturing. 

Athira Nair

Quality Control Specialist, Equipment and Systems

Athira is a Quality Control professional with over seven years of experience in GMP- and GLP-regulated laboratory environments across pharmaceutical manufacturing, accredited testing laboratories, and academia. She has strong expertise in analytical instrumentation, equipment qualification, method validation, data integrity, and regulatory compliance with FDA, EMA, Health Canada, ICH, and ISO 17025 standards. She supports the lifecycle management and qualification of QC laboratory equipment and computerized systems, ensuring compliance, reliability, and data integrity within the QC laboratory.

Michelle Rathmann

Analyst, Quality Control

Michelle is a seasoned analyst specializing in method development, quality control, and the management of complex instrumentation. With a career spanning over 15 years in Germany and Canada, she brings deep expertise in adhering to GLP/GMP and USP standards to ensure rigorous data integrity and regulatory compliance. Having worked in every facet of the lab—from sample login and preparation to technical peer review, invoicing, and the final issuance of Certificates of Analysis (CoA)—she possesses a unique “big picture” perspective that allows her to bridge the gap between complex analytical data and overall operational efficiency.

Lia Firth

Specialist, Quality Assurance

Lia brings over 15 years of Quality Assurance experience within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. With a robust background supporting GMP manufacturing and lab operations, she specializes in meticulous document control, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional team training.

A University of Alberta graduate with a B.Sc. in Pharmacology, Lia combines technical expertise in validation and Quality Management Systems (QMS) with a dedicated passion for operational excellence.

Anish John

Manager, Production

With over a decade of experience in GMP compliance, manufacturing, and quality control of vaccines, biosimilars, and blood products, Anish is a dedicated biopharmaceutical professional. Known for leading teams and implementing strategic initiatives, Anish enhances operational efficiency and product quality through a commitment to continuous improvement and fostering collaborative work environments.

With extensive knowledge of GMP (Canada and U.S), GLP, HACCP and Pharmaceutical regulatory guidelines, Anish is proficient in purification techniques such as chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and centrifugation. Anish is skilled in Quality Management Systems such as Change control, Deviation Management, Incident Reporting, OOS, and CAPA. Anish holds a Masters and Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and a graduate in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Shrey Patel

Computer System Validation Specialist

A Computer System Validation (CSV) specialist with over 5 years of experience working across pharmaceutical, biotech and regulated industries. My background includes deep knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, FDA, and Health Canada regulations, along with extensive hands-on experience qualifying lab systems, validating software (GAMP Category 4 & 5) and leading successful audit-readiness initiatives. As the Computer System Validation Specialist (Hardware & Software) at API, I support validation, risk assessment and compliance for applicable software and instrument systems. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and have worked with Pharmaceutical companies like Grifols, Alembic, Zydus, Aspen and Lupin. I take pride in my strong documentation practices, regulatory insight and ability to manage complex validation lifecycles from planning through execution.

Amy Gaucher

VP, Shared Services

Amy comes to API with a breadth of experience from multiple industries.  She was the Chief Financial Officer at two private manufacturing companies over a span of 8 years.  She’s worked in both a Corporate and an Operations capacity at a large, publicly-traded General Contractor.  Her experience spans Finance Management, Human Resources and IT Strategy.  She has a CPA, CA designation which has allowed her to serve large and small organizations throughout Alberta.  

In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors at the Citadel Theatre, Amy is also the Vice Chair with the Alberta Lung Association Board of Directors.

Jordan Hannigan

Finance Manager

Jordan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles across engineering, solar energy, and robotics sectors. As a Controller, he brings a strategic and detail-oriented approach to financial management, operational oversight, and compliance.

With a proven track record in both established and fast-paced startup environments, Jordan has led all aspects of corporate finance—including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and internal controls. He is known for building efficient accounting systems, leading cross-functional teams, supporting audit readiness, and providing executives with clear, actionable financial insights. Passionate about aligning finance with business strategy, he excels at driving performance, transparency, and long-term value.

Vasyl Zaeits

Director, Project Management Office

With over 12 years of experience managing complex engineering, research, construction, and licensing projects in the Nuclear and Biotechnology industries, Vasyl has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within these highly regulated fields. His extensive background enables him to navigate the complexities of safety, compliance, and innovation, ensuring the successful execution of projects. Holding a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, PMP certification, and a Diploma in Business Management, Vasyl combines technical expertise with strong business acumen.

Known for delivering projects on time and within budget, Vasyl excels in leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including engineers, scientists, regulators, and business leaders. He is highly skilled in project planning, risk management, and the use of various project management tools and methodologies.

Launa Aspeslet

Chief Translational Officer

Launa Aspeslet is an accomplished life science executive and board member with over 20 years of leadership experience in scaling early-stage organizations to sustainable growth and maturity. She excels in multi-stakeholder environments, new product development, and guiding entrepreneurs through organizational transformation.

Currently, Launa also serves as Senior Clinical & Regulatory Advisor to Model Medicines and a Board member of Edmonton Unlimited. She recently acted as interim CEO at Edmonton Unlimited and has held roles as COO at Hepion Pharmaceuticals, CEO of TRIO, and COO at Isotechnika Pharma. She has also provided strategic consulting for various early-stage drug and medical device companies. During this time, Launa has led teams to conduct over 50 clinical trials, enrolling more than 10,000 patients across 20 countries.

She holds a BSc in chemistry from the University of Lethbridge and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Alberta, along with a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).

Vijay Somayaji

Sr. Director, Product Development & Quality

Vijay has over 30 years experience in biotech research and development and QA/QC. With a PhD in Chemistry and post-doctoral work under Nobel Laureate Dr. H. C. Brown, Vijay has served in director level roles at Biomira, AltaRex, Novolytic, and Virexx. As an experienced QA, Vijay has supported product development for dozens of clinical programs taking place at sites around the world.

Daniel Trepanier

Executive Scientist, Preclinical Development

Over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Experienced in pharmaceutical development including drug discovery, analytical and bioanalytical method development and analysis, preclinical pharmacokinetic, toxicological and  toxicokinetic studies, formulation development, drug manufacturing and  preclinical/clinical supply, preparation of preclinical regulatory submissions, interfacing with contract research organizations and patent attorneys. Real world experience in all aspects of drug development required to successfully move a drug from discovery, through myriad regulatory agency required studies, to Clinical Phase I/II status. 

Daren Ure

Executive Scientist, Discovery & Early Development

Dr. Ure earned a B.Sc. in Zoology at Brandon University in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Alberta in 1997. These were followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, studying mouse models of multiple sclerosis and gaining expertise in virology, neurology, and immunology.

Dr. Ure brings more than 20 years in small biotech industry and over 35 years of research across many scientific and health disciplines have fostered a broad understanding of bench-to-bedside drug development – drug discovery, intellectual property, CMC, regulatory, clinical, and business development – and provided valuable experience in advancing new medicines to market.

Amar Arava

Medicinal Chemist

Amar holds a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from IISc Bangalore.  He has experience as a chemist and team leader in the industrial sector, followed by postdoctoral research experience working on the synthesis of complex natural products and method development at the University of Alberta.