What is U2TAH
The University of Utah Therapeutics Accelerator Hub (U2TAH) was established to help academic researchers translate promising scientific discoveries into life-changing medicines. Many faculty-led projects show early potential but stall due to a lack of industry expertise, development resources, or funding. U2TAH bridges this gap by providing strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of scientific and industry experts. Through this model, U2TAH accelerates the path from academic innovation to clinical impact—advancing new therapeutics toward patients while retaining university control of key intellectual assets.
Launched in 2020 with funding from the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the College of Pharmacy, U2TAH has engaged researchers across a broad range of diseases, from cancer to Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular conditions, and rare disorders. The program evaluates each therapeutic opportunity and provides tailored feedback to strengthen translational potential. By leveraging internal investment and world-class expertise, U2TAH aims not only to commercialize new therapies but also to establish the University of Utah as a national leader in drug discovery and development.
Working with U2TAH
Working with U2TAH is a collaborative and supportive experience designed to help academic researchers move their therapeutic discoveries forward. Our team brings deep scientific and industry expertise to guide you from early research to real-world impact.
What U2TAH offers:
- Guidance from experts in science and commercialization
- Project management support to keep your work on track
- Funding to advance promising therapies into the clinic
Funding & Support
We fund and support promising therapeutic projects through a simple, streamlined process:
- No long applications – just a brief intro meeting
- Broad interest in therapeutic areas and modalities
- Focus on transformative potential
Ideal projects include:
- A disease-relevant target
- A therapeutic approach to modulate it
- An assay to measure activity or engagement
Think your project fits? Let’s talk.
U2TAH Bios
David Bearss, PhD
Email : David.Bearss@utah.edu
Dr. David Bearss is a veteran biotech entrepreneur and drug development expert with over two decades of experience across academia and industry. Dr. Bearss has discovered over 15 clinical-stage compounds and founded eight biotech companies. He currently serves as CEO of Halia Therapeutics and Chairman of the Board at Biolexis Therapeutics. Previously, Dr. Bearss was the co-founder and CEO of Tolero Pharmaceuticals, leading the company through its acquisition by Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, and held scientific leadership roles at Montigen Pharmaceuticals and SuperGen. He earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from UT Health San Antonio and previously served as a professor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah and University of Arizona. Dr. Bearss leads U2TAH with his guiding principle: “Good science is good medicine and good medicine is good business.”
Michael McCullar, PhD, MBA
Email: Mike.McCullar@utah.edu
Dr. Michael McCullar is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience guiding therapeutics from discovery through commercialization. Dr. McCullar serves as President, Chairman, and CEO of RegCell, Inc., an epigenetic reprogramming company founded by Professor Shimon Sakaguchi. Dr. McCullar is a member of the Board of Directors for PURMX Therapeutics, a Japanese-based clinical-stage company developing novel RNA-based therapeutics. In addition, Dr. McCullar is a Venture Partner at The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC), a leading Japanese life science investment fund. During his involvement with UTEC, Dr. McCullar served as a strategic advisor for OriCiro Genomics during their acquisition by Moderna. As COO of Tolero Pharmaceuticals, he played a key role in the $780M acquisition by Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. While at SuperGen, he led NDA submission and approval efforts for Dacogen in myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as several strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Astex Therapeutics. He assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Business Development, where he was instrumental in the company’s acquisition by Otsuka for $880M. His leadership drives innovation and successful outcomes across the life sciences landscape.
Lorinda Griffiths, MBA
Email: lorinda.griffiths@utah.edu
Lorinda Griffiths brings over 20 years of multifaceted experience in administration, finance, and operations, currently serving as Administrative Manager at the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office. Her professional background spans roles in marketing, construction, and education—including as a piano teacher—highlighting her versatility and dedication. Lorinda holds a BA in Linguistics from BYU, with studies in Korean and Music, and an MBA from the University of Utah. She thrives in dynamic environments, is passionate about personal growth and meaningful connections, and is committed to supporting the translation of research into impactful therapies.
Alex Stark, PhD, MBA
Email: Alex.Stark@utah.edu
Alex Stark serves as the Sr. Manager of Research at the University of Utah Therapeutics Accelerator Hub, where he merges scientific depth with strategic focus to support therapeutic development and commercialization. Holding a Ph.D. in Oncological Sciences and an MBA from the University of Utah, Alex specializes in drug development strategy, market analysis, and clinical application validation. He has contributed to programs in oncology, infectious disease, and transplant medicine, with a hands-on approach to cross-functional project leadership. Alex is driven by a mission to translate cutting-edge science into real-world healthcare solutions.
Investigator Agreement
- Each investigator collaborating with U2TAH is required to sign an Investigator Agreement that outlines the terms and expectations of the partnership