OUR TEAM
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic sparked both our name and mission. Pandemblock Oy is a University of Helsinki spin-out biotechnology company established in fall 2021. Our team is dedicated to developing innovative antiviral intranasal inhibitors for better pandemic preparedness and prevention.
We aim to grow fast and move quickly.
Anna R. Mäkelä
CEO I Founder
Anna has PhD (2008) in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and is experienced in the discovery and development of novel biotherapeutics and innovative high-affinity reagents for cancer immunotherapy as well as for viral diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment. For the last decade, Anna has served as the Head of R&D (VP) in Finnish biotechnology companies, Next Biomed Therapies, Next Biomed Technologies and Targeted Affinity.
Pasi Kemppainen
Business Development and Partner Relations l Founder
Pasi has extensive experience of early-stage technology venturing and has held leadership positions in life science and high-tech industries including Santen Pharmaceutical, Novo Nordisk, Epista Life Science, Nokia and Telia. He works as global supply chain strategy director at Santen Pharmaceutical and as advisor for various high-tech startups. Pasi is also co-founder of Rokote Laboratories Finland, the adenovirus vectored intranasal Covid-vaccine developer.
Kalle Saksela
Scientific Advisor
Kalle (MD, PhD 1989) is Professor and Chairman at the Dept. of Virology, University of Helsinki. He has a strong track record in basic research on cellular and molecular biology of virus–host cell interactions, as well as in different aspects of applied virology, such as phage-assisted protein engineering and design of viral vectors for therapeutic use. He is an inventor of several patents and has been actively involved in biotech start-up companies. He is the founder of Next Biomed Therapies Oy, the company originally developing the Sherpabody technology.