BIO

Carla Spina, Ph.D. is a scientific innovator and entrepreneur dedicated to improving the lives of patients living with complicated diseases. Carla graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Calgary then began her Ph.D. in 2003 in Bioinorganic Chemistry at McGill University under Dr. D.S. Bohle, the Canadian Chair in Bioinorganic chemistry. Under the guidance of Dr. Bohle, Carla set about integrating the principles of chemistry, biology, and infectious disease to increase understanding of human disease. Building upon her expertise at the intersection of chemistry and biology she trained in applied formulations at BASF in Germany then went on to lead the research team at a MedTech start-up developing Class II/III drug-devices for infectious disease prevention. During this time, she guided research from concept through to commercialization, resulting in global licenses through 3M. Following this role, she co-founded a biotech start-up focused on novel therapeutics for complicated skin and skin structure infection. Within this role, Carla drove the company from drug discovery through to Phase Ib/IIa clinical study, establishing a network of KOLs, consultants, advisors, and research foundations to tackle diseases considered a complication of diabetes. Leveraging her experience from drug discovery through to clinical phase studies, Carla is now leading the team at Noa Therapeutics, a preclinical Canadian biotech company aiming to defy the convention of traditional drug development to revolutionize treatment options for those living with complex inflammatory skin diseases.