Modern medicine has transformed human healthcare, yet every day, millions of dogs and cats still suffer from conditions we already know how to treat. Okava was born at the crossroads of human biotech and veterinary care to close that gap.
We are pet parents.
We are seasoned BioPharma veterans.
We bring the same life-saving innovations we trust for ourselves to the pets we call family.
We are pet parents.
We are seasoned BioPharma veterans.
We bring the same life-saving innovations we trust for ourselves to the pets we call family.
We’ve turned bold vision into measurable progress.
From validating breakthrough treatments to establishing strategic partnerships, OKAVA is an emerging leader in pet health that will have a lasting impact.
Clear regulatory approval pathway
Proven, differentiated products validated in real-world use
Strong (and growting) IP portfolio protects our innovative assets
Coveted grant validates unmet medical need and therapeutic promise
To advance pet health, we’ve led clinical studies in partnership with renowned veterinary experts from Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, UC Davis, the University of Florida, LSU, and other leading institutions.
Okava is a San Francisco-based biopharma company advancing breakthrough therapies to help pets live longer, healthier lives.
Our leadership team has guided IPOs, M&A transactions, and launched blockbuster products at companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Animal Health, Alza, and Chewy bringing together deep expertise across human and veterinary medicine.
We amplify our internal capabilities by partnering with leading research organizations and expert advisors.
Chief Executive Officer
Research and Development
Regulatory Affairs
VP, CMC Supply Chain
Chief Executive Officer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
CEO, Vivani Medical
CMC supply chain
Clinical Pharmacology
Pharmaceutical Technology
Contact us at
press@okava.com
Contact us at
investors@okava.com
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Klotsman has over 20 years of diverse industry experience.He began his career at GlaxoSmithKline where he held numerous roles.
Prior to starting Okava, Michael ran his own consultancy where he served as C-suite advisor to privately and publicly held biotech companies. Michael was then recruited to a preeminent strategy consulting firm renowned for its expertise in strategic decision-making, risk management, and shareholder value creation.
Michael has a B.A. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, holds a MPH from the University of Michigan, a MBA. from Duke University, and a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Research and Development
Dr. Anderson’s career spans over 30 years. Dr. Anderson earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology.
He retired from GSK as the Worldwide Director of Respiratory Research and currently has appointments as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy, both at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Regulatory Affairs
He earned his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania and his JD from Seton Hall.
Dr. Petrick is an animal health industry veteran with over 30 years in regulatory affairs.
He was the former head of regulatory affairs at Schering-Plough Animal Health (currently Merck Animal Health).
VP, CMC Supply Chain
A chemical engineer by training, Evangeline has over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug product development and commercial manufacturing.
An expert in drug delivery technologies, Vangie started her career at Alza and then went on to overseeing CMC activities at AcelRx Pharmaceuticals.
Board Member
Kevin Fick most recently served as CEO at Petwise Brands, where he spearheaded the growth of one of the leading platforms in the pet supplies market. Under his leadership, Petwise Brands achieved significant milestones that culminated in its acquisition by A&M Capital Partners.
In addition to his role at OKAVA, Kevin currently serves on the Boards of the American Pet Products Association and the Joybound People & Pets Foundation, contributing to the advancement of the pet industry as a whole.
Board Member
Dr. Ringold is a biotechnology entrepreneur and currently serves as the CEO of Quadriga.
From 1991 to 2000, Gordon was CEO of Affymax Research Institute (acquired by Glaxo). From 1997 to 2015, he served in various capacities as Co-Founder and/or CEO of Maxygen, SurroMed, Alexza, and Alavita.
Gordon received his PhD in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Harold Varmus, before joining the Stanford University School of Medicine, where he invented technologies that are now widely used for production of dozens of therapeutic products.
Board Member
With over 25 years of proven success in omni-channel retail, Jim Thompson brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to OKAVA.
Most recently, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Chewy.com, the leading online source for pet products, supplies, and prescriptions in the US. Under his leadership, Chewy experienced significant growth following its IPO in 2019. Jim’s impressive career also includes roles as Vice President, President, CEO, and Board Director.
Currently, Jim serves on the Board of Primal Pet Foods, a leading manufacturer of premium pet food.
Strategic Advisor
Arlene has an extensive background in leadership roles across the biotech sector. She has led public biotechnology companies as the Chief Executive Officer of Syndax Pharmaceuticals and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Affymax.
In addition to her executive roles, Arlene has significant board experience, currently serving on the boards of publicly traded companies including Cogent Biosciences, Palatin Technologies, TC BioPharm, Viridian Therapeutics, and Edgewise Therapeutics.
She also serves on the Board of the Charleston Animal Society.
