Pipeline: PIPELINE Innovators

As co-founder and Vice President of Drug Development of VasoGenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Lenexa, Kan., Jeff Southard is on the forefront of treatments to reduce the need for heart failure patients to return to the hospital- America’s number one health care and hospital expense.

VasoGenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is developing an innovative drug and delivery system that will allow patients to take the improvements achieved during their hospitalization home with them, and stabilize their heart failure symptoms for longer periods of time, decreasing the need for re-hospitalization. Doing so will save the health care system billions of dollars annually.

Jeff has been described as the heart and sole of VasoGenix and is the visionary behind the VasoGenix technology. He co-authored the company’s patents, is responsible for overseeing the regulatory and R&D activities, and established a world-class drug development network in the Kansas City area that returns over 90 percent of every investment dollar back to the area.

Prior to VasoGenix, Jeff spent nearly his entire 23-year career in small pharma/biotech companies and enjoys the fresh excitement and energy that comes from such companies. He has helped bring six drugs and three medical devices to market, and has worked for Vipont Pharmaceutical, Atrix Laboratories, Telectronics Rhythm Management, PPD Pharmaco, PRA International and several Big Pharma companies on a consulting basis.

Jeff graduated from Colorado State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in biology. He also served in the United States ARMY for three years as a combat medic, and an additional eight years in the ARMY Reserves.