Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Paracrine Leadership
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Alexander Milstein, M.D.
Clinical Affairs ADVISOR
Dr. Milstein brings extensive industry experience, including leading the design and execution of global clinical strategies for product approvals and competitive positioning of medical devices, drug-device combinations, and cell therapies worldwide. Prior to joining Paracrine, Alex served as the Chief Medical Officer, The Americas, at Olympus Corporation, a leading medical technology company with a global footprint. Prior to Olympus, Alex held leadership roles in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs with global responsibilities at Medtronic and Guidant (acquired by Boston Scientific). Alex has led the successful execution of more than 50 clinical programs worldwide.
Jonathan E. Soneff, J.D.
General Counsel
Jon has decades of experience in international transactions, financing, contracts, SEC, compliance, governance, JVs, and licensing. He was previously the CEO for Lorem-Cytori, the President of iPartners Legal Services, and General Counsel for Cytori Therapeutics from 2001 through 2015. Jon was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1991.
Douglas Arm, Ph.D.
engineering Advisor
Doug is an advisor who brings 30 years of experience in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and medical devices. He has expertise in global product development, clinical research, manufacturing and operations, strategic business development, cell therapy, and biologics. Doug previously led the development of the Company’s Celution System for more than 10 years.
Kenneth Kleinhenz
regulatory Advisor
Boasting over 30 years of experience in biotechnology, Ken is a regulatory expert advisor. He has secured more than 100 product approvals with regulatory authorities worldwide. He has a wide range of expertise including 510k, PMA, IDE, IND, QA. Internationally, he has worked with CE Mark, CFDA, MHLW JP, Notified Bodies, and the CAT. He also has extensive experience with regenerative medicine and cell therapies.
John Mitchell
Co-Founder, Advisor
John brings more than a decade of experience in regenerative medicine. He was a co-founder of Celactive Cellular Therapeutics (2012), a company focused on developing SVF therapy for the sports medicine market with an initial emphasis on treating professional athletes at premiere football and rugby franchises across the U.K. and E.U. Previously, John had extensive business and marketing roles including working as one of the four-man team that developed the UK Football League Play-Off Final’s. Thereafter, he became the lead consultant to MasterCard and secured their coveted sponsorship position of FIFA’s World Cup. Subsequent to that, he was appointed Marketing Director of Peter de Savary’s America’s Cup Challenge, covering two challenges across a four year period. He was then appointed Event Director by Star TV to create and launch a limited World Cricket Masters tournament in Mumbai, India. John’s background in sport began in 1970 when he signed for Fulham FC, playing at the highest level in England. While at Fulham, he is most recognized for scoring the two semi-final goals to take Fulham FC to the 1975 F.A. Cup Final at Wembley.
Ralph E. Holmes, M.D.
Co-FoundeR (1943 - 2023)
Dr. Holmes is a pediatric plastic surgeon who has devoted more than 35 years to the care of children with birth defects and reconstructive needs. In addition to his surgical, educational and research contributions, he has been a leader in medical device and biotechnology. He was a co-founder of MacroPore Biosurgery, LeonardoMD, and Cytori Therapeutics and has served on multiple advisory boards.
Paracrine Leadership
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Alexander Milstein, M.D.
clinical affairs Advisor
Dr. Milstein brings extensive industry experience, including leading the design and execution of global clinical strategies for product approvals and competitive positioning of medical devices, drug-device combinations, and cell therapies worldwide. Prior to joining Paracrine, Alex served as the Chief Medical Officer, The Americas, at Olympus Corporation, a leading medical technology company with a global footprint. Prior to Olympus, Alex held leadership roles in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs with global responsibilities at Medtronic and Guidant (acquired by Boston Scientific). Alex has led the successful execution of more than 50 clinical programs worldwide.
Jonathan E. Soneff, J.D.
General Counsel
Jon has decades of experience in international transactions, financing, contracts, SEC, compliance, governance, JVs, and licensing. He was previously the CEO for Lorem-Cytori, the President of iPartners Legal Services, and General Counsel for Cytori Therapeutics from 2001 through 2015. Jon was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1991.
Douglas Arm, Ph.D.
engineering advisor
Doug is an advisor who brings 30 years of experience in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and medical devices. He has expertise in global product development, clinical research, manufacturing and operations, strategic business development, cell therapy, and biologics. Doug previously led the Company’s Celution System for more than 10 years.
Kenneth Kleinhenz
regulatory advisor
Boasting over 30 years of experience in biotech, Ken is a regulatory expert advisor. He has secured more than 100 product approvals with regulatory authorities worldwide. He has a wide range of expertise including 510k, PMA, IDE, IND, QA. Internationally he has worked with CE Mark, CFDA, MHLW JP, Notified Bodies, and CAT. He also has extensive experience with regenerative medicine and cell therapies.
John Mitchell
Co-Founder, Advisor
John brings more than a decade of experience in regenerative medicine. He was a co-founder of Celactive Cellular Therapeutics (2012), a company focused on licensing (Cytori Technology) and developing ADRC therapy for the sports medicine market with an initial emphasis on treating professional athletes at premiere football and rugby franchises across the U.K. and E.U. Previously, John had extensive business and marketing roles including working as one of the four-man team that developed the UK Football League Play-Off Final’s. Thereafter, he became the lead consultant to MasterCard and secured their coveted sponsorship position of FIFA’s World Cup. Subsequent to that, he was appointed Marketing Director of Peter de Savary’s America’s Cup Challenge, covering two challenges across a four year period. He was then appointed Event Director by Star TV to create and launch a limited World Cricket Masters tournament in Mumbai, India. John’s background in sport began in 1970 when he signed for Fulham FC, playing at the highest level in England. While at Fulham, he is most recognized for scoring the two semi-final goals to take Fulham FC to the 1975 F.A. Cup Final at Wembley.
Ralph E. Holmes, M.D.
Co-Founder (1943 - 2023)
Dr. Holmes is a pediatric plastic surgeon who has devoted more than 35 years to the care of children with birth defects and reconstructive needs. In addition to his surgical, educational and research contributions, he has been a leader in medical device and biotechnology. He was a co-founder of MacroPore Biosurgery, LeonardoMD, and Cytori Therapeutics and has served on multiple advisory boards.
Paracrine Leadership
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Alexander Milstein, M.D.
Clinical Affairs advisor
Dr. Milstein brings extensive industry experience, including leading the design and execution of global clinical strategies for product approvals and competitive positioning of medical devices, drug-device combinations, and cell therapies worldwide. Prior to joining Paracrine, Alex served as the Chief Medical Officer, The Americas, at Olympus Corporation, a leading medical technology company with a global footprint. Prior to Olympus, Alex held leadership roles in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs with global responsibilities at Medtronic and Guidant (acquired by Boston Scientific). Alex has led the successful execution of more than 50 clinical programs worldwide.
Jonathan E. Soneff, J.D.
General Counsel
Jon has decades of experience in international transactions, financing, contracts, SEC, compliance, governance, JVs, and licensing. He was previously the CEO for Lorem-Cytori, the President of iPartners Legal Services, and General Counsel for Cytori Therapeutics from 2001 through 2015. Jon was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1991.
Douglas Arm, Ph.D.
engineering advisor
Doug is an advisor who brings 30 years of experience in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and medical devices. He has expertise in global product development, clinical research, manufacturing and operations, strategic business development, cell therapy, and biologics. Doug previously led the Company’s Celution System for more than 10 years.
Kenneth Kleinhenz
regulatory advisor
Boasting over 30 years of experience in biotech, Ken is a regulatory expert advisor. He has secured more than 100 product approvals with regulatory authorities worldwide. He has a wide range of expertise including 510k, PMA, IDE, IND, QA. Internationally he has worked with CE Mark, CFDA, MHLW JP, Notified Bodies, and CAT. He also has extensive experience with regenerative medicine and cell therapies.
John Mitchell
Co-Founder, Advisor
John brings more than a decade of experience in regenerative medicine. He was a co-founder of Celactive Cellular Therapeutics (2012), a company focused on licensing (Cytori Technology) and developing ADRC therapy for the sports medicine market with an initial emphasis on treating professional athletes at premiere football and rugby franchises across the U.K. and E.U. Previously, John had extensive business and marketing roles including working as one of the four-man team that developed the UK Football League Play-Off Final’s. Thereafter, he became the lead consultant to MasterCard and secured their coveted sponsorship position of FIFA’s World Cup. Subsequent to that, he was appointed Marketing Director of Peter de Savary’s America’s Cup Challenge, covering two challenges across a four year period. He was then appointed Event Director by Star TV to create and launch a limited World Cricket Masters tournament in Mumbai, India. John’s background in sport began in 1970 when he signed for Fulham FC, playing at the highest level in England. While at Fulham, he is most recognized for scoring the two semi-final goals to take Fulham FC to the 1975 F.A. Cup Final at Wembley.
Ralph E. Holmes, M.D.
Co-Founder (1943 - 2023)
Dr. Holmes is a pediatric plastic surgeon who has devoted more than 35 years to the care of children with birth defects and reconstructive needs. In addition to his surgical, educational and research contributions, he has been a leader in medical device and biotechnology. He was a co-founder of MacroPore Biosurgery, LeonardoMD, and Cytori Therapeutics and has served on multiple advisory boards.
Board of Directors
David H. Crean, Ph.D.
CHAIRMAN of the board
David is the Founder/Managing Partner of Cardiff Advisory, LLC. He is also a Cofounder/Managing General Partner of Equitos Venture Partners. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Molecular Designs, is the Lead Independent Director of Histogen, Inc., and a Director of California Life Sciences (Executive Committee) and BIOCOM (Chairman of Capital Development).
Ashkan Hayatdavoudi, M.D., J.D.
independent director
Ashkan is a Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Presidium Health Corp. Previously, he was an attending physician at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. Ashkan has focused on access to care models for the most complex, underserved, and costliest (top 1%) patient populations. Ashkan is also a Speaker and Advisor to Novartis as well as a member of the State Bar of California.
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Christopher J. Calhoun
ChairmaN, President & CEO
Rosa
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Board of Directors
David H. Crean, Ph.D.
chairman of the board
David is the Founder/Managing Partner of Cardiff Advisory, LLC. He is a Cofounder and Managing General Partner of Equitos Venture Partners. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Molecular Designs, is the Lead Independent Director of Histogen, Inc., and is a Director of California Life Sciences (Executive Committee) and at BIOCOM (Chairman of Capital Development).
Ashkan Hayatdavoudi, M.D., J.D.
independent director
Ashkan is a Cofounder and the Medical Director of Presidium Health Corp. Previously, he was an attending physician at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. Ashkan has focused on access to care models for the most complex, underserved, and costliest (top 1%) patient populations. Ashkan is also a Speaker and Advisor to Novartis as well as a member of the State Bar of California.
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.
Board of Directors
David H. Crean, Ph.D.
Chairman of the board
David is the Founder/Managing Partner of Cardiff Advisory, LLC. He is a Cofounder and Managing General Partner of Equitos Venture Partners. David serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Molecular Designs, is the Lead Independent Director of Histogen, Inc., and a Director of California Life Sciences (Executive Committee) and for BIOCOM (Chairman of Capital Development).
Ashkan Hayatdavoudi, M.D., J.D.
independent director
Ashkan is a Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Presidium Health Corp. Previously, he was an attending physician at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. Ashkan has focused on access to care models for the most complex, underserved, and costliest (top 1%) patient populations. Ashkan is also a Speaker and Advisor to Novartis as well as a member of the State Bar of California.
Christopher J. Calhoun
President & CEO
Chris has 25 years of leadership experience in medical device and biotech companies. He has completed more than $500 million in financing and partnership transactions including GE Healthcare, Astellas, Olympus Medical, BARDA, Medtronic, and Kensey Nash. Chris was the cofounder of Cytori Therapeutics and served as CEO from 1996 to 2014. He has filed 100+ medical patent applications and has delivered more than 100 presentations at financial, technology, and regional medical conferences.