Pipeline: PIPELINE Innovators

Debra Ellies is President and Co-Founder of OsteoGeneX, a biotech start-up company located at the Greater Kansas City Biotechnology Development Center, Kan. OsteoGeneX is developing small molecule inhibitors, to Sclerostin, that build new bone for treating osteoporosis, spinal fusion, fracture repair and device coatings.

Prior to starting OsteoGeneX, Debra worked as a Senior Research Associate at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. While at Stowers, Debra's basic research led her to discover the function of the genes Wise/Sost in bone density and their mechanism of action. Debra’s efforts led to a federal phase I- SBIR grant, enabling her to take her research to a more advanced translational phase.

Debra holds a BSc in Molecular Biology & Embryology from University of Ottawa, an MSc in Molecular Embryology from University of Ottawa/Loeb Research Institute, and a PhD in Developmental Neurobiology from Guy's Hospital/Kings College London.