Short Bio
Peter Shane is currently Associate Professor of International Medicine and Chief of International Development Section of the Clinical Research and Medical Innovation Center at the Hokkaido University Hospital. He concurrently assumes the role of scientific advisor for Luca Science, a bioventure firm pioneering mitochondrial sugmentation therapy. Prior to his current roles, Dr. Shane spent eight years as Director of Medical Affairs at two pharmaceutical companies designing clinical trials and managing teams of immunology specialists. Having conducted more than 800 talks, he is a nationally renowned speaker in the field of rheumatology in Japan. Before joining industry, Dr, Shane was a privately practicing rheumatologist in Colorado, where he specialized in treating systemic autoimmune diseases. Peter completed his rheumatology training at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, where he had earned his Doctor of Medicine.
Mitochondrial Augmentation Therapy
In collaboration with LUCA Science, Hokkaido University is developing an innovative platform of highly functional mitochondria using proprietary technologies. Providing functional mitochondria allows restoration of cellular bioenergetics. The use of mitochondria as a biopharmaceutical agent will revolutionize the treatment of unmet medical needs involving multiple organ systems.
Although it is well-known that mitochondria produces most of the energy needed for life, much of their implication in human diseases are only recently becoming clear. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been found to be associated with neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases, to name just a few. In 2018, resurgence of heart function was observed in an infant after mitochondrial auto-transplantation, allowing her to wean off ECMO. In collaboration with LUCA Science Inc., Hokkaido University is building upon this proof of concept, developing an innovative platform of highly functional “off-the shelf” mitochondria using proprietary technologies. Augmentation of mitochondrial function allows restoration of cellular bioenergetics, thereby providing revolutionary treatments of unmet medical needs involving multiple organ systems.