Castro Valley, California, United States
About Massimo Retired from AskBio (July 1, 2025), experienced neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and biotech executive currently focused on strategic development and implementation of disease-modifying gene therapies and advanced technologies for improving the life of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Multiple System Atrophy.
Biotech executive with entrepreneurial, startup and strategic development experience. Background training and leadership experience in academic and private practice neurological surgery, and neuroscience research. Current corporate responsibilities include: coordination and execution of therapeutic strategies related direct brain delivery therapies, methods, and devices; clinical trial planning and administration; safety monitoring; tactical and strategic planning; and, advancing neurosurgical methods that optimize safety, efficacy, and value. Following Brain Neurotherapy Bio’s (BNB) 2020 merger with Asklepios BioPharmaceutical Inc (AskBio), they were acquired by Bayer AG. As a member of the CNS Gene Therapy Group, the focus remains on translating the team’s preclinical and early stage clinical trial experience into effective clinical therapeutic options for Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and other human neurological disorders. The CNS Gene Therapy Group provides unmatched experience in advancing image-guided direct brain delivery methods and viral vector-based gene therapy options, in the treatment of specific adult and pediatric central nervous system disorders, now enhanced through AskBio and Bayer partners. www.askbio.com
Biotech startup executive with background training and experience in academic and private practice neurological surgery, neuroscience research, and entrepreneurship. Corporate responsibilities include: co-ordination and execution of administrative tasks; clinical trial planning and administration; safety monitoring; tactical and strategic planning; and, advancing neurosurgical methods and devices to optimize safety, efficacy, and value. Current company is translating preclinical and early stage clinical trial experience of corporate team, utilizing image-guided direct brain delivery methods and viral vector-based gene therapy options, in treatment of specific adult and pediatric central nervous system disorders. Primary therapeutic focus is in Parkinson's disease. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04167540?term=AAV2-GDNF&cond=Parkinson%27s+disease&draw=2&rank=2 https://www.brainneubio.com
Adjunct collaborative position in Bankiewicz laboratory, continuing participation in translational studies, especially related to gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders and CNS delivery technologies.
Participated in the development, implementation, and publication of preclinical and clinical neuroscience research within the Bankiewicz Laboratory of the Department of Neurosurgery. Specific areas of interest include: delivery systems for brain therapeutics, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuro-oncologic diseases. Mitchel S. Berger, MD - Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery Krystof S. Bankiewicz, MD, PhD - Director/Professor
Just granted a joint appointment in the Department of Neurological Surgery. As a retired neurosurgeon with both academic and private practice experience, it is my pleasure to join Dr. Frank Hsu's Department, providing his faculty and residents with clinical and research perspectives, especially related to translational neuroscience, while maintaining my primary faculty position with the Department of Neurology at UCI.
Moved from Georgetown University to UC Irvine. Now Co-Director of Dr. Howard Federoff's Translational Laboratory and Biorepository (TLaB). Research focus on human blood-derived biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic brain injury. I look forward to direct interactions with other Neurology faculty and residents within Dr. Steve Small's Department.