About Vaxogene

Overview

Translating research into practical biomedical solutions

Vaxogene is a biotechnology company focused on precision medicine, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and translational research. We bring together computational analysis and laboratory-based research to study disease mechanisms, develop relevant disease models, and support therapeutic discovery and evaluation. Our work includes genomic and transcriptomic analysis, molecular and cellular studies, organoid-based models, and preclinical research, with the goal of moving promising scientific findings toward practical biomedical applications.

Our Mission

Connect discovery, technology & translational research

At Vaxogene, our mission is to bring together genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, organoid models, computational tools, and preclinical research to support biomedical discovery and therapeutic development. We focus on understanding disease biology, identifying useful targets and biomarkers, developing relevant experimental models, and helping move promising research toward further validation and development.

Our Vision

Build stronger links between data, biology & medicine

Vaxogene’s vision is to build a research environment where computational analysis and experimental biology work together from the early stages of discovery through translational and preclinical research. By combining genomic data, bioinformatics, molecular studies, organoid systems, disease models, and therapeutic evaluation, we aim to contribute to more precise and biologically informed approaches to medicine.

Team

Our team brings together experience in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular biology, organoid research, computational science, disease modeling, and translational research.

We are building a multidisciplinary team under the leadership of Dr. Kempaiah Rayavara, an experienced scientist and biotechnology executive with more than two decades of experience in molecular biology, infectious diseases, and preclinical research and development.

Kempaiah Rayavara, Ph.D.

Founder & President

Experience spanning molecular biology, infectious disease research, therapeutic development, and preclinical R&D.

Full bio

Kempaiah Rayavara, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Vaxogene. With more than 20 years of experience in interdisciplinary research, his work has covered molecular biology, infectious diseases, therapeutic development, and preclinical research. He has contributed to programs ranging from early discovery to IND-enabling studies, including GLP safety and efficacy studies in rodent and non-human-primate models.

Previously, as Director of Preclinical R&D at Imunon Inc., he led the design and development of a plasmid DNA vaccine and oversaw IND-enabling efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicology studies that supported progression into Phase I clinical development. Earlier, at NIAID/NIH, he contributed to research identifying the malaria parasite gene responsible for the PSAC nutrient acquisition channel.

His experience also includes drug-mechanism research related to tissue repair at Chrysalis BioTherapeutics and development of respiratory-virus models, including RSV, COVID-19, and influenza, at UTMB and Southern Research. He also contributed to establishing COVID-19 research models during the pandemic.

He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry while studying the pharmaceutical potential of nutraceuticals against diet-induced obesity. His experience across basic research, disease models, and preclinical development supports Vaxogene’s translational research programs.

Shivakumar Rayavara Veerabhadraiah, M.S., Ph.D., CORe

Founder & CEO

Working across genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, organoid research, and precision medicine.

Full bio

Dr. Shivakumar Rayavara Veerabhadraiah, Founder and CEO of Vaxogene, brings more than 15 years of experience across academic research, biotechnology, and clinical research.

Dr. Veerabhadraiah earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences from Boise State University, USA, where his research focused on the molecular drivers of liver fibrosis.

He then completed more than five years of postdoctoral research at the University of Utah, USA, where he investigated genetic factors associated with osteoarthritis, including WNK2 variants, and contributed to the development of a therapeutic approach that received U.S. patent protection.

Dr. Veerabhadraiah has authored 15+ peer-reviewed publications and has received national and international recognition for his research. He was twice named a finalist for the New Investigator Recognition Award (NIRA) presented by the Orthopaedic Research Society.

He also served as a university instructor in the United States for two years, teaching and communicating complex scientific concepts to students from different academic backgrounds.

His research experience includes high-throughput genomics, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, bioinformatics, immunogenetics, molecular and cellular biology, computational drug discovery, organoid-based disease models, and scientific workflow development.

In addition to his scientific training, Dr. Veerabhadraiah completed the CORe business program at Harvard Business School Online.

His early career in India included work in a GCLP-certified bioanalytical laboratory, where he gained experience in bioanalytical methods, assay development, and regulated laboratory research.

At Vaxogene, his work focuses on bringing together genomics, computational analysis, molecular biology, organoid models, and translational research to study disease and support the development of new biomedical approaches.

Dr. Shivakumar Rayavara Veerabhadraiah portrait

Advisory Committee

Building Our Advisory Committee

Vaxogene is building a multidisciplinary advisory committee to support its scientific, clinical, regulatory, and translational research activities.

Additional advisory committee members will be announced as appointments are finalized.