Salvatore Alesci, MD, PhD, Beyond Celiac Chief Scientist and Strategy Officer
Dr. Alesci, formerly Vice President and Head of R&D Global Patient and Scientific Affairs at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is a highly regarded physician-scientist and science policy and advocacy influencer. A dynamic and visionary enterprise leader, he has distinguished himself by transforming organizations through designing innovative functions and initiatives, championing and managing complex projects, building high-performing cross-functional teams, and nurturing long-lasting relationships with leaders from various sectors across the healthcare ecosystem. At Beyond Celiac, Alesci will lead the organization’s science team and oversee the design and implementation of the scientific strategy and plan, with a particular focus on deepening partnerships with scientists, key opinion leaders, policy makers and influencers across pharmaceutical companies and academic and government institutions.
Ken Kilgore, PhD, MBA, Beyond Celiac Chief Scientific Investment Officer
Dr. Kilgore, formerly the Director, ImmunoPharmacology at Johnson & Johnson, has more than 20 years’ experience in pharmaceutical research and external drug discovery. He has worked on developing models in many different disease areas and has deep experience in translational research – moving research from bench to bedside – and getting new molecules from early study to clinical trials. Recent efforts have focused on establishing highly-productive joint internal/external research alliances with academic and industry partners. In addition, Kilgore is currently serving on the Investment Committee of BioAdvance Venture Capital in Radnor, PA and is active in new venture development at the University of Michigan and Princeton University. At Beyond Celiac, he will identify and develop innovative funding models and administer the Beyond Celiac scientific grants program.
Kate Avery, MPH, Director of Research and Patient Engagement
Kate supports and engages patients and caregivers who share their experiences and stories with us in pursuit of increased diagnosis and improved disease management and treatment. She has worked on multiple qualitative and quantitative research projects focused on understanding the diagnostic and disease management experience and has long been interested in health communications and the patient journey.
Amy Ratner, Medical and Science News Analyst
With over two decades of experience in journalism, much of it centered around gluten-free living, Amy Ratner joined the Beyond Celiac team in 2016 to bring the latest celiac disease updates to the masses. She regularly reports on and curates the latest in celiac disease research and shares it in patient- and community-friendly language.
The Beyond Celiac Scientific and Medical Advisory Panels
Beyond Celiac has worked with experts in the field of celiac disease through its Medical Advisory Council since its founding. Established in 2003, the Beyond Celiac Medical Advisory Council has played an integral role in establishing and maintaining evidence-based standards for the organization and represents the very best in scientific and medical practice. In 2019, Beyond Celiac expanded its scope of expertise by creating its Scientific Advisory Council as one of the first steps in meeting the goal of finding new treatments and a cure for celiac disease. This new scientific advisory council includes celiac disease, immunology and drug development experts.
