Our team

Ivor Elrifi serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Mr Elrifi was formerly the global head of the Patent Group at Cooley since 2014 and before that the global head of Patents at Mintz Levin from 1999 – 2014. He has counseled companies in various key industries, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences and medical device companies, research institutions, universities, hospitals and governments throughout the world, particularly in the US and Europe. Ivor has guided clients in developing and implementing intellectual property strategies and in the prosecution, licensing and enforcement of patents. He has extensive experience in advising clients on strategic transactional work and regularly counsels’ clients with respect to investments, business development and mergers and acquisitions, including acquisition transactions involving Novartis, Eli Lilly, Biogen and Astellas.

 He has received various awards throughout his career, including being named an “LMG Life Sciences: Life Science Star,” and ranked nationally in Chambers USA since 2007. Elrifi earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from Queen’s University and his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Keeren Shah is a dynamic executive who currently serves as our Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, bringing strategic vision and operational excellence to the role. In addition to her leadership here, she is also the CFO of OKYO Pharma Ltd, Accustem Sciences Limited, and Rasna Therapeutics Inc.
Keeren joined the group in 2016 as Group Financial Controller, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening financial governance and operational efficiency across multiple businesses until her promotion in 2020.
Earlier in her career, she spent a decade at Visa, Inc., where she was a senior leader in the finance organization. There, she led transformative finance initiatives, contributed to the success of Visa’s landmark IPO, and oversaw critical FP&A and controller functions during a period of global expansion.
Keeren began her career in finance with roles at Arthur Andersen and BBC Worldwide, gaining diverse industry experience and sharpening her leadership skills. She holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
A respected leader known for her cross-sector expertise and results-driven mindset, Keeren thrives at the intersection of finance, strategy, and innovation.

Dr. Kim is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with over 24 years of experience in clinical development and medical affairs, encompassing Phases I through IV, as well as IND and NDA filings. His career spans start-ups, mid-sized biotechs, and large pharmaceutical companies, with proven success across a diverse range of therapeutic areas—from rare orphan diseases to common indications. These include multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne muscular dystrophy, inflammatory neuromuscular disorders (CIDP, cALD and TK2d), endocrinopathies, carcinoid syndrome, cognitive impairment, psoriasis, restless legs syndrome, alcohol use disorder, and post-herpetic neuralgia.

He has direct hands-on involvement with five approved and marketed products: TYSABRI (natalizumab), Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil), Cladribine (Mavenclad), Rebif (interferon beta-1a), and Butrans (buprenorphine transdermal patch). His prior roles include positions at prominent companies such as, EMD Serono, Inc. (medical director for the cladribine Phase 3 program), Biogen Inc. (global medical affairs director for natalizumab/TYSABRI, contributing to its U.S. re-launch and global launch), Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (vice president of clinical development and head of the multiple sclerosis therapeutic area; joint program team leader for TYSABRI), XenoPort, Inc. (vice president of medical affairs supporting Horizant launch, later promoted to senior vice president, clinical development, and medical affairs, and CMO).

Dr. Kim is well-regarded among key opinion leaders (KOLs) in these fields and has progressed through leadership roles focused on personnel mentorship, global program leadership, and serving as a Section 16 chief medical officer. An effective cross-functional leader, he aligns teams across commercial, investor relations, program management, pharmacovigilance, regulatory, business development, and external partnership functions. His blend of scientific expertise, strategic insight, and operational acumen drives the advancement of clinical programs and innovative therapies.

William (Bill) Tente is a seasoned biotechnology executive with over 40 years of experience in product development, regulatory affairs, and launching companies from academic spin-outs. He brings extensive expertise in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), including cell, gene, and tissue-engineered therapies.

Prior to joining Tiziana, Mr. Tente held senior roles at Humacyte Global, Inc., where he served as Chief Regulatory Officer and led the regulatory strategy for Symvess® (an acellular tissue-engineered vessel), securing landmark designations including the first FDA RMAT under the 21st Century Cures Act, Priority Review from the DoD, and Sakigake finalist status in Japan. He contributed to raising over $450M in private financings and a $230M+ IPO while overseeing pre-clinical, manufacturing, quality, and global clinical programs.
Earlier positions include Vice President of Operations at Neurotech USA (encapsulated cell therapies for retinal diseases), Director of Operations at Chimeric Therapies (bone marrow processing), and Director of Clinical Production at CytoTherapeutics (encapsulated cell therapies). At Ares Serono, Charles River, and Schering, he played key roles in developing three approved recombinant infertility products: Gonal-F®, Luveris®, and Ovidrel®.

Mr. Tente holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in cell biology and microbiology from the University of Rhode Island and studied at the W. Alton Jones Cell Sciences Center. He was a member of the USP Expert Committee on Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy, and Tissue Engineering (1997–2015), serving as Chairman from 2005–2010.