Meet The Co-Founders
Mario Castellanos, MD
Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer
Dr. Castellanos is a distinguished medical professional with over 20 years dedicated to advancing Women's Health. As a co-founder of Innovene Therapeutics, he brings a wealth of clinical, research, and healthcare expertise. Beginning his career as a Board-Certified physician in Internal Medicine with a fellowship in Women's Health and a postdoctoral fellowship in Pathology, he established the Women's Health Program at Northwell Health – Staten Island University Campus. His groundbreaking research in human papillomavirus (HPV) led to two major breakthroughs: the discovery of synthetic peptides that trigger a cytotoxic T-cell response against HPV-18 infected cells, and a novel approach for the histopathologic classification of HPV-induced precancers, earning him a patent.
More recently, Dr. Castellanos has shifted focus to defining the effects of phytochemicals on cancer cellular signaling, notably unveiling the potent anti-HPV effects of polyphenols. His work has identified several natural polyphenol chemical scaffolds with antiviral effects, laying the foundation for an innovative anti-HPV drug platform. His collaborative efforts with top laboratories in examining natural compounds against HPV further demonstrate his leadership in the field.
An academic scholar with over 100 publications and numerous presentations at major scientific conferences, Dr. Castellanos's extensive experience and knowledge significantly enhance Innovene Therapeutics' mission. His role at Innovene is pivotal in leading the company towards a transformative shift in cancer treatment and prevention, positioning it at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Alia Kozlova, PhD
As a seasoned business leader, Alia brings a wealth of experience in creating new business functions, cultivating high-performing teams, and excelling in consumer insights, business information, strategic and operational planning, and strategy. She has a proven track record of successfully leading sizable business projects, including managing her business and investments. Her resilience and leadership have been tested in challenging business environments, including geopolitically complex countries and price wars, where she demonstrated an ability to lead people through transformative change.
Alia's hard-working and goal-oriented approach, ambition, and drive toward achieving business results and personal growth have distinguished her as a leader in the business sector. Multilingual and globally experienced, she has substantial working expertise across various European markets in large multinational corporations.
Alia is a business consultant at InReach Global Consulting, a UK-based firm. Prior to this, she pursued an expatriate career at BAT, a leading multinational company, where she climbed the ranks from Head of Marketing Research and Information Department in Russia to Director for Business Information for the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Throughout her career at BAT, Alia played essential roles in market intelligence, strategic and operational planning, project management, and knowledge management.
Earlier in her career, Alia served as the General Manager of the CIS subdivision of MEMRB International, a leading international marketing research agency. She spearheaded the startup business in Russia and successfully expanded it into seven more Eastern European countries, assembling business operations and developing high-performance teams. She is also a co-founder of Richmond Green, a startup company in Montenegro.
Alia's educational background in linguistics and psychology, with an MA from St. Petersburg University and a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg State University, provides a solid perspective and approach to business leadership and management. Her vast experience and skills make her an integral part of Innovene Therapeutics' leadership team, driving the company towards its ambitious goals.
Co-Founder & Director, Business Development
