Elfatih Elzein

Dr. Elzein joined Teon Therapeutics in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry and a proven track record of progression of small molecules from hit identification to clinical development. Prior to Teon Therapeutics, Dr. Elzein spent 10 years as a Principal Scientist at Gilead Sciences where he played key roles in the discovery and progression of novel drug candidates in the cardiovascular and oncology therapeutic areas. Prior to Gilead, Dr. Elzein spent 11 years at CV Therapeutics, Inc., serving in roles of increasing responsibility and played key roles in building and advancing a broad portfolio of therapeutic drug candidates from discovery to clinical development. Dr. Elzein has an exceptional track record of scientific achievements; he is an inventor of more than 90 Issued US Patents, and he has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. Dr. Elzein contributed to the discovery of 5 development compounds (phase 1-3) and two approved drugs. He discovered Lexiscan®, a selective A2A agonist that was approved in 2008. Dr. Elzein led the medicinal chemistry team that supported the development of Ranexa®, first-in class late sodium current inhibitor for the treatment of chronic stable angina that was approved in 2006. Dr. Elzein was the brain behind the design of Eleclazine, an orally active selective late sodium current inhibitor in phase 3 clinical trials.

Dr. Elzein holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and completed one-year postdoctoral studies at University of Minnesota, School of Pharmacy.