About Vaxonyx

Kempaiah Rayavara, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Vaxonyx. With 20+ years of experience leading interdisciplinary research, he specializes in harnessing artificial intelligence and molecular biology to address infectious diseases, cancer, and immune disorders. He has guided programs from discovery through IND submission and FDA approval, including preclinical GLP safety and efficacy studies in rodent and non-human-primate models.

Previously, as Director of Preclinical R&D at Imunon Inc., he led the design and development of a plasmid DNA vaccine, overseeing IND-enabling efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicology studies that resulted in Phase I clinical approval. Earlier, at NIAID/NIH, he contributed to the identification of the malaria parasite gene responsible for the PSAC nutrient acquisition channel.

His experience also includes drug-mechanism research for tissue repair at Chrysalis BioTherapeutics and the development of respiratory-virus models, including RSV, COVID-19, and influenza, at UTMB and Southern Research. He played an important role in establishing COVID-19 models during the pandemic.

He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry while studying the pharmaceutical potential of nutraceuticals against diet-induced obesity. His broad expertise supports Vaxonyx’s commitment to rigorous, high-quality biotechnology solutions with real-world impact.

Dr. Shivakumar Rayavara Veerabhadraiah, Co-Founder & Director of Vaxonyx, brings 15+ years of integrated experience across academia, industry, and clinical research.

Dr. Veerabhadraiah earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences from Boise State University, USA, where his research focused on the molecular drivers of liver fibrosis.

Dr. Veerabhadraiah then completed 5+ years of postdoctoral research at the University of Utah, USA, where he uncovered WNK2 variants associated with osteoarthritis and led the development of a novel therapeutic that received U.S. patent protection.

Dr. Veerabhadraiah has authored 15+ peer-reviewed publications, received numerous national and international awards, and was twice named a finalist for the prestigious New Investigator Recognition Award (NIRA) presented by the Orthopaedic Research Society.

In parallel, Dr. Veerabhadraiah served as a university instructor in the United States for two years, sharpening his ability to communicate complex science with clarity and impact.

His core strengths include high-throughput genomics, AI-guided drug discovery, immunogenetics, and scientific workflow automation.

Complementing his scientific credentials, Dr. Veerabhadraiah completed the CORe business program at Harvard Business School Online, equipping him with the strategic insight needed to scale innovation.

His early career in India included work in a GCLP-certified bioanalytical laboratory, where he gained hands-on experience in regulatory-grade assay development and established the foundation for his precision-focused approach.

At Vaxonyx, Dr. Veerabhadraiah helps lead the vision to bridge cutting-edge science and technology, delivering transformative immunogenomic solutions for the future of personalized medicine.

Subash C. Das, DVM, MVS, Ph.D., PMP, is an advisor to Vaxonyx and a biotechnology-focused scientific leader with deep expertise in viral vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. He is recognized for building R&D capabilities, driving proof-of-concept work, and advancing early programs toward IND through hands-on leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

He most recently led Infectious Disease Research at Southern Research Institute from 2021 to 2023, managing a 17-member team and directing preclinical efficacy and immunology studies across COVID-19, influenza, and emerging pathogens, including the development of non-human-primate, ferret, and mouse models.

Previously, at Takeda/Inviragen from 2011 to 2020, he supported HFMD and dengue vaccine programs, led animal efficacy studies, established GLP assays, and managed key external collaborations for GMP and antigen production.

He earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Virology from the University of London, an MVS in Immunology, and a DVM. He holds a PMP® credential and has more than 50 publications and three patents.