Wes Kaupinen
Founder and CEO | Palvella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PVLA)
Greater Philadelphia
Overview
Work Experience
Founder and CEO
2015 - Current
Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORIN™ platform. Palvella’s lead product candidate, QTORIN™ 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORIN™ rapamycin), is currently in a Phase 3 pivotal study for the treatment microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and also under evaluation for the treatment of cutaneous venous malformations. QTORIN™ rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs, and Fast Track Designation for venous malformations.
Board Of Directors
2017 - 2022
Biocoat is the global leader in the development, manufacturing, and application of hyaluronic acid biomaterial coatings used in interventional medical devices. Led a restructuring of the BOD composition, recruited new senior leadership, and overhauled capital structure to execute on an aggressive growth strategy. Led creation of Nominating and Governance Committee to recruit external talent resulting in hiring of a new Chairman and new CEO, each with extensive track records in commercial stage med tech companies. Led formation of a BOD Transaction Committee to explore strategic alternatives which resulted in successful company sale to 1315 Capital in December 2018. Subsequent to 1315 Capital's investment, GTCR announced a majority strategic investment in November 2022.
Senior VP, Corporate Development and Commercialization
2013 - 2015
Insmed (Ticker: INSM) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on serious and rare diseases. Led global corporate development, U.S. commercial, and program management functions, including business development, marketing, pricing and reimbursement, commercial operations, and patient advocacy. Led all acquisition, in-licensing, and collaboration efforts targeted at clinical stage and commercial stage therapeutics for serious orphan lung diseases.
Board Of Directors
2012 - 2013
Intact Vascular was a privately held, venture-backed medical device company that developed minimally-invasive peripheral vascular products to repair dissections following peripheral balloon angioplasty. Led Series A investment and investor syndication process. Company has since achieved multiple FDA approvals prior to acquisition by Philips for $275mm upfront plus milestones in 2020.
Board Of Directors
2012 - 2013
TELA Bio, Inc. is a commercial stage medical technology company focused on designing, developing and marketing a new category of tissue reinforcement materials to address unmet needs in soft tissue reconstruction. Led Series A investment and investor syndication process. Company has since achieved multiple FDA approvals and completed an IPO in 2019.
Principal
2008 - 2013
One of six senior investment professionals at leading healthcare venture capital and growth equity investment firm with $700 million under management. Responsible for leading and managing early and late stage public and private venture capital investments in life sciences companies. Participated in firm's structured investments in several private and publicly traded companies, including Insmed (Ticker: INSM), Horizon Pharmaceuticals (Ticker: HZNP), and Achillion Pharmaceuticals (Ticker: ACHN).
Quaker Partners is a healthcare investment firm focused on companies based on the U.S. East Coast.
General Management Rotation Program
2007 - 2008
Synthes is a leading global medical device company, specialized in the development, manufacturing and marketing of instruments, implants and biomaterials for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and its soft tissues. Acquired for $21.3 billion by J&J.
DePuy Synthes is an orthopedics company that manufactures orthopedic and medtech equipment.
Associate, Office of Alan Patricof, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman
2004 - 2005
Apax Partners is a leading global private equity firm. Over its more than 40-year history, Apax Partners has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of c.$50 billion. Sole investment professional supporting new investment efforts and existing portfolio of investments of Alan Patricof, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman. Actively participated in Investment Committee meetings for Apax Globis, Apax’s dedicated fund for investments in Japan. Observer, Board of Directors: mFoundry, The NewsMarket, Zinio, and VoodooVox.
Associate, Healthcare Group
2002 - 2004
Reviewed and analyzed late stage venture capital and growth equity investment opportunities in the specialty pharma, biopharma, and medical technology sectors. Investments included: ESP Pharma (sold to Protein Design Labs for $475mm), SkinMedica (sold to Allergan for $350mm), Novacea (sold to Transcept), and Verus Pharmaceuticals.
Analyst, Life Sciences Investment Banking
2000 - 2002
Supported senior bankers in assessing and executing corporate finance and merger and acquisition opportunities for growth-oriented companies in the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Worked on transactions for diverse group of companies, including Esperion Therapeutics, The Medicines Company, NuVasive, Novacept, Cytyc, R2 Technology, Abgenix, Cygnus, and Spineology.