SUNFIRE - Key Persons

Dr. Bidanset received a BS degree in general biology from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia; an MS degree in cell and molecular biology from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama; and a PhD in cell biology and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Bidanset joined the UAB Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as Program Director II/Licensing Associate in 2004 and has managed Dr. Nahm's IP portfolio for more than 10 years. She is experienced in contract negotiation, startups, business development, and program management.

Dr. Fernsten obtained a PhD in immunology from Duke University. Dr. Fernsten has over 17 years of experience evaluating immunological responses to vaccines and biologics and served as Senior Director at Wyeth-Lederle Vaccines, Wyeth Vaccines Research, and Pfizer Vaccine Research. He has a broad background in vaccine research and development and contributed to numerous bacterial and viral vaccine programs, five of which (Prevnar®, Meningitec®, FluMist®, Prevnar 13®, Trumenba®) resulted in successful product launches. He has spearheaded the development of leading-edge assay technologies that were accepted by world health leaders in vaccines and biologics and recently established the successful serological evaluation of Prevnar 13® immunogenicity. Prior to joining Wyeth-Lederle Vaccines, Dr. Fernsten carried out basic research in cancer and autoimmunity at the Scripps Research Institute, The National Cancer Institute, and the University of North Carolina.

Mr. Burton received a BS degree in cell and developmental biology and an MS degree in cell biology from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Mr. Burton worked in the Nahm laboratory at UAB for almost 20 years, developing and managing the MOPA before retiring to start SunFire. He is well known for his expertise in MOPA and other pneumococcal antibody assays. He provides operational knowledge on assays as well as regulatory issues (e.g., GCLP).