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About Activate Bio

Industry Experience Meets Innovative Thinking

Our team is leveraging their decades of industry experience to guide them as they pioneer this highly innovative therapeutic class.

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Activate Bio: In a Nutshell

At Activate Bio, we are combining decades of biotech expertise with cutting-edge scientific technology to pioneer a first-in-class therapeutic platform: B cell-based vaccine delivery platform.

Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges that traditional vaccine technology faces in oncology. Our B cell-based platform ensures both efficient antigen delivery and proper immune stimulation, delivering a highly personalized, rapid, and robust immune response and long-term memory.

Additionally, the modular nature of the technology enables us to seamlessly tailor the platform to an incredibly broad spectrum of cancer patients, compounding its already high therapeutic value.

Our Leadership
Development Roadmap

Our Leadership

We’re a team where decades of industry experience meet bold, innovative thinking, working together to pioneer first-in-class therapeutics that redefine what’s possible in cancer treatment.

Rob Lewis

Chief Executive Officer

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Tamara Jovonovich, PhD

Chief Operating Officer

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Brian Cogley

Chief Financial Officer

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Rob Lewis

Chief Executive Officer | Activate Biosciences

rlewis@activatebiosciences.com

With nearly 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Rob began his career at TEVA Pharmaceuticals and has held leadership roles at companies like Sigma and Cypress Pharmaceuticals. His expertise spans Scientific, Medical, Regulatory, and Clinical Affairs, as well as Business Development. Over his career, Rob has overseen 30 NDA and ANDA FDA drug approvals and led numerous product launches. Since 2012, he has co-founded and invested in multiple biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies, serving on their boards of directors. Rob holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Biology from Columbia College.

Tamara Jovonovich, PhD

Chief Operating Officer | Activate Biosciences

tjovonovich@activatebiosciences.com

With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research, development, and leadership, Tamara Jovonovich serves as COO of Activate Biosciences. She earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida in 1996, followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry from the University of Washington in 2000. After completing post-doctoral research at Stanford University and lecturing at San Jose State University, she transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry in 2004. Since then, Tamara has held key roles at companies like Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Cypress Pharmaceuticals, and Pernix Therapeutics, where she advanced innovative therapies and built high-performing teams.

Brian Cogley

Chief Financial Officer | Activate Biosciences

bcogley@activatebiosciences.com

Brian is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting across industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and manufacturing. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in finance from Duquesne University. Brian’s expertise in financial management and strategic planning has consistently driven operational efficiency and improved financial performance in the organizations he has served.