Small molecule drugs

for big impact diseases

Discover how at Eolo Pharma we use cutting-edge medical science to create therapeutic solutions to improve the quality of life of our patients.

About us

Eolo Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering new approaches to treat obesity and metabolic disease. By targeting the body’s energy expenditure pathways, we aim to develop transformative therapies that go beyond traditional weight-loss mechanisms. Our lead candidate, SANA, is the first compound shown to safely activate creatine-dependent thermogenesis in humans, a novel biological process with the potential to reset metabolic health. Backed by over a decade of research, our work reflects a commitment to advancing science-driven solutions that improve lives worldwide.

Founder team

Scientific spinoff institut pasteur de Montevideo​.

María Pia Garat

María Pia Garat

CEO
Dynamic and accomplished young CEO with a strong background in the biotech industry. With a postgraduate education from IE Business School, she brings a unique blend of specialized knowledge and business expertise to her leadership role. Maria Pia’s successful track record of closing investment rounds for Eolo Pharma highlights her strategic aptitude and ability to secure funding. Her combination of biotech industry experience and advanced business education positions her as a perceptive leader, driving the company’s growth and success. Maria Pia Garat’s postgraduate education from IE Business School adds further depth to her leadership capabilities in the biotech industry.
Carlos Escande

Carlos Escande

CSO
Distinguished leader in the field of pharmaceutical research. With a background as an investigator at Mayo Clinic, he brings a wealth of expertise in biomedical science and drug development. Carlos’s innovative approach and commitment to scientific excellence drive the advancement of therapeutic solutions for cardiometabolic disorders. As CSO of Eolo Pharma, he spearheads the company’s research and development efforts, leveraging his extensive knowledge to make a profound impact on patients’ lives.
Virginia Lopez

Virginia Lopez

CCO
Highly accomplished chemist hailing from Uruguay. With her exceptional knowledge and expertise in the field, she has made significant contributions to scientific research and innovation. Virginia’s dedication to her craft, coupled with her meticulous approach to experiments and analysis, has earned her recognition within the scientific community. Her passion for advancing knowledge and solving complex problems through chemistry is evident in her work.
Carlos Batthyany

Carlos Batthyany

CMO
Extensive experience in drug development and medical expertise, Carlos plays a crucial role in driving the company’s clinical development strategies and ensuring the safety and efficacy of their pharmaceutical products. His leadership and deep understanding of the industry contributes to the advancement of innovative therapies and the improvement of patient outcomes. Carlos Batthyany’s dual roles as CMO of Eolo Pharma and Head of the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo make him a highly respected and influential figure in the scientific and pharmaceutical communities.

Board of directors

Nicolas Tognalli

Nicolas Tognalli

BOARD MEMBER
Managing Partner of CITES (Centro de Innovación Tecnológica, Empresarial y Social S.A.), a venture builder owned by Grupo Sancor Seguros. With a strong focus on scientific and technological startups, CITES manages $30 million in early-stage venture capital investments. Nicolas plays a key role in co-creating and transforming these startups into global enterprises. His strategic management expertise and investment acumen drive the growth and success of innovative, science-based companies within the CITES portfolio.
Paul Elberse

Paul Elberse

BOARD MEMBER
Seasoned professional with expertise in large-scale project development in renewable energy and hydrogen sectors. His cross-sectoral experience includes M&A and venture capital investments in biotech and innovation. His strategic insights and extensive network contribute to successful project execution and investment decisions. Paul’s passion for sustainable solutions drives his commitment to advancing renewable energy and biotech industries through impactful projects and investments.
Roland Haag

Roland Haag

BOARD MEMBER
Accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in the health industry. His expertise spans various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare management, and medical devices. Roland’s extensive experience provides him with a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies and a proven track record of driving successful outcomes. His strategic insights and leadership skills have made a significant impact in shaping the health industry and delivering innovative solutions for improved patient care.
Carlos Escande

Carlos Escande

BOARD MEMBER
Distinguished leader in the field of pharmaceutical research. With a background as an investigator at Mayo Clinic, he brings a wealth of expertise in biomedical science and drug development. Carlos’s innovative approach and commitment to scientific excellence drive the advancement of therapeutic solutions for cardiometabolic disorders. As CSO of Eolo Pharma, he spearheads the company’s research and development efforts, leveraging his extensive knowledge to make a profound impact on patients’ lives.

Advisors

Jeffrey L. Cleland, Ph.D.

Jeffrey L. Cleland, Ph.D.

ADVISOR
Dr. Cleland serves as Chairman, President and CEO of Ashvattha Therapeutics. He has years of industry experience in research and development, including more than a decade at Genentech, Inc. His experience in startups includes major roles in obtaining more than $500 million in capital at stages from Series A through D and exit via IPO--and has managed directly all aspects of drug development and late-stage research. He held leadership roles in the successful approval of two drugs, Herceptin® and Nutropin Depot®, as well as in early work on Lucentis®, Avastin®, and Kadcyla®. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Cleland has authored more than 100 articles and four books and holds several issued patents.
Eduardo N. Chini, M.D., Ph.D.

Eduardo N. Chini, M.D., Ph.D.

ADVISOR
Eduardo N. Chini, M.D., Ph.D. is a faculty member at the Mayo Clinic. The research focus of Eduardo N. Chini, M.D., Ph.D., is in the fields of metabolism, nutrition, obesity, pharmacology, cancer and aging, and kidney disease. In particular, Dr. Chini is interested in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism and functions. He and his colleagues are exploring the nonoxidative and oxidative roles of NAD (as a signaling molecule and energy coin in cells). Dr. Chini's laboratory has done seminal work on NAD catabolism, including the description of the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of this molecule in mammalian tissues.
Grace E. Colón, Ph.D.

Grace E. Colón, Ph.D.

ADVISOR
Dr. Colón has had a nearly 30-year career spanning biopharma, genomics, diagnostics, health care, digital health, synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, venture capital, management consulting and entrepreneurship. Most recently, she co-founded Inaya Therapeutics, and previously served as CEO of InCarda Therapeutics, where she raised $120M and brought the lead program from pre-clinical stage to Phase 3. Prior to that she held leadership roles at Gilead Sciences, Intrexon, Affymetrix, and McKinsey, and she was a partner at New Science Ventures. She currently serves on the board of Voyager Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VYGR) and as chair of the boards of Bloom Science and Emm. She also serves on the Board of the MIT Corporation, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). Previously she served on the boards of CareDx (NASDAQ:CDNA), ProterixBio (Executive Chair), Paradigm Dx (acquired by Exact Sciences), Cocoon Biotech and PerceptiMed. She is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. She received her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S.E. from the University of Pennsylvania, both in chemical engineering. In 2024 she was elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).
Neil Thomas, PhD CBO

Neil Thomas, PhD CBO

ADVISOR
Neil is a C-suite biotechnology executive and company board member with extensive experience in corporate development, deal-making, and IP strategy since 1997. His track record includes providing the core BD, licensing and IP expertise for significant venture capital financings, guiding multiple companies through successful IPOs, and negotiating strategic pharma and academic partnerships. In addition to his role at Eolo Pharma, he is Partner at Ventac Partners, CBO at the Italian venture builder Cube Labs, Interim CEO at Inhibitec in Spain, and Board Member at ArrayPatch in Ireland. He has also worked in two Swedish life science companies: as Chief Business Officer for Idogen AB and as IP Strategy Advisor to RhoVac AB. Previously, as Director of Business Development & IP at Genetrix Group, Spain, he managed IP and deal-making across its 10-company portfolio, leading the successful sale of Imbiosis to R-Biopharm. For the group's lead company, Cellerix SA, he handled the IP diligence for two €27M VC rounds and a $40M licensing deal. The foundational IP he managed for Cellerix later supported a strategic merger with TiGenix NV, which culminated in a €520M acquisition by Takeda. His earlier experience includes serving as Director of IP & Technology at the Roche spin-out bioXell, Italy, contributing to three VC funding rounds totalling €50.5M, a $150M licensing deal with Merck & Co and the company's successful IPO.

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