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Laboratory

Our Pioneering
Leadership

Reprogramming Immunity to Eradicate Cancer
Who are we

Built by the scientists who redefined RNA delivery —
and are now redefining cancer therapy.

Our Mission

To pioneer safe, scalable, and powerful immunotherapies that harness the body’s full immune potential against cancer.

Our Vision

Empowering global health utilizing Synthetic Biology with a universal RNA-Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) platform for cancer immunotherapies.

Our Edge

World-class expertise in Synthetic Biology and Lipid Nanoparticles with a next-gen modular platform mimicking natural viral infections without the risks.

Built from two world-leading labs, ViVac pioneers biotechnology by uniting synthetic biology and lipid nanoparticle science to develop RNA-based immunotherapies that safely eliminate cancer from within.

Our team unites world-class scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders dedicated to one mission:

 

To reprogram the immune system’s language — and give it the power to outsmart cancer.
Leadership Team

Leadership Team

ViVac is led by a world-class team of pioneers in synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and biotech innovation — united by a shared mission to transform how cancer is treated.

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CEO

Keren Leshem

A World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer CEO and globally recognized biotech leader, Keren brings over 20 years of experience guiding clinical-stage companies from concept to commercialization.

 

Featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, she drives ViVac’s vision to translate cutting-edge science into transformative cancer therapies.

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    Head of Membrane & Liposome Lab

    Prof. Chezy Barenholz

    A globally recognized authority in nanomedicine and listed among Stanford’s top 2% of scientists, Prof. Barenholz invented Doxil®, the world’s first FDA-approved liposomal nanodrug. As a member of ViVac’s Board of Directors, he advances next-generation lipid nanoparticle engineering to deliver RNA safely and with unprecedented precision.

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      Head of Synthetic Biology Lab

      Prof. Lior Nissim

      A leading authority in synthetic and cancer biology, Prof. Nissim developed the world’s first synthetic gene circuit capable of sensing and responding to tumor signals.

       

      At ViVac, he pioneers RNA blueprint design that programs precise therapeutic activity inside tumors, transforming synthetic biology into a targeted weapon against cancer.

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        Chief Technology Officer

        Dr. Ron Lahav

        With over two decades of experience in RNA delivery, oncology, and biotech innovation, Dr. Lahav bridges scientific discovery and real-world application. Having led R&D at multiple startups and at the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, he brings deep expertise in nanoparticle formulation and translational development. He oversees ViVac’s translational programs.

        Who are we

        What began as a viral vaccine revolution is now rewriting the future of cancer therapy.

        Renowned Life Science Investors

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        Michael Vaknin

        Shareholder

         

        J.P. Morgan | Goldman Sachs

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        Tuomas Tenkanen 

        ViVac Board Director

         

        Thermo Fischer | Mobidiag

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        Dr. Jean De Gunzburg

        ViVac Board Director

         

        Inserm | Da Volterra

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        Tuomas Tenkanen

        "The caliber of this team — from the creators of Doxil® to the pioneers of synthetic gene circuits — gives ViVac a level of credibility rare in early-stage biotech."

        Testimonials
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