CNS Drug Development and Neuroscience Research

Gerry Dawson has considerable experience in the discovery and development of novel drugs for CNS disorders. Prior to co-founding P1vital, Gerry was Senior Director at Merck’s Neuroscience Research Centre, UK. He coordinated both clinical and preclinical in developing new drugs for the treatment of cognition and anxiety disorders. In this role Gerry developed new Experimental Medicine methods, to make rapid and cost-effective Go/No Go decisions in early drug development.

Gerry is a visiting research fellow at the University of Oxford, and an Honorary Professor at the Department of Neuroscience at University of Nottingham. He has been a member of executive committee of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) since 2017 and chair’s its Experimental Medicine Network. In 2016 the network successfully bid for a €16M H2020 Innovative Medicines Initiative award to developed new approaches to the treatment of Schizophrenia, Alzheimer ’s disease and Major Depressive Disorder (PRISMS1) and was extended to 2024 with further funding of €7M (PRISM2).

Gerry obtained his BSc (Hons) and D.Phil. in Experimental Psychology at the University of Ulster and completed a four-year post-doctoral research program at the University of Cambridge. He has authored or co-authored over 140 scientific publications in the field of psychology, neuroscience and health technology.

Jonathan Kingslake has a wealth of knowledge and expertise of business, clinical and IT management in both the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Since 2016 as Chief Executive Officer of P1vital Products Ltd he has provided strategic leadership and direction in developing a suite of digital clinical trial and mental health and well-being solutions.

Before this, he was the Chief Operating Officer of P1vital Ltd for 8 years, a Clinical Research Organisation focused on mental health disorders; an independent consultant providing strategic and operational management expertise to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; 15 years at Merck & Co in various senior business operations and IT roles in R&D and Manufacturing.

Jonathan received his BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies from Southampton University.

Rebecca Dias is an experienced and enthusiastic people leader with a passion for neuroscience, drug discovery, and digital health. As Director of Operations, Rebecca leads the P1vital Product Ltd’s operation teams, overseeing the business and portfolio management of commercial eCOA projects and R&D healthcare initiatives.

Rebecca joined the pharmaceutical industry in 2000 and spent 6 years at Merck UK as a Research Fellow combining her expertise in the cognition field with drug discovery within neurodegeneration and psychiatry. Subsequently she moved to Lundbeck in Copenhagen; as the Head of the Psychopharmacology Department, where Rebecca was responsible for the introduction of several novel projects into the company’s pipeline principally to improve cognitive deficits within schizophrenia. After 3 years, Rebecca joined Pfizer as a Senior Director where she led novel initiatives into neuroscience and pain research. In 2016, Rebecca joined P1vital Products Ltd to focus on clinical project leadership within digital healthcare in mental health.

Rebecca has a BSc (Hons) degree in pharmacology from the University of Dundee, a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Cambridge University, and completed a 4-year post-doctoral position at Cardiff University specialising in behavioural neuroscience. To date, Rebecca has co-authored over 35 scientific publications, including Nature.

Leif Puddefoot is technology-focused data management leader with over 30 years of Clinical Research experience across data management and statistics, with a focus on Oncology. As the Director of Data Management at P1vital Products Ltd, Leif is responsible for assuring the integrity and accessibility of the data collected across the commercial and R&D Portfolio.

Leif’s passion for clinical research started as a statistical programmer intern in 1989 at Pfizer UK. After graduating, he continued statistical programming at Sandoz Pharma as lead programmer on a key transplantation programme where he also developed a machine learning lab data review tool. After working as a SAS instructor for 2 years, Leif joined Chiltern International where he designed and developed a Clinical Data Management System integrating data collection, validation, and medical coding. From 2008, Leif led the implementation of Medidata Rave in Chiltern’s full-service division with specific expertise in integration technologies and standardisation. In 2019 moved to Precision for Medicine where he led the development of the European Data Management team until 2021.

Leif has a BSc (Hons) in Statistics and Computing from the University of Bath.

Jas Johal is a highly skilled professional with over 13 years of experience in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. As the Director of Business Development at P1vital, Jas excels in nurturing strong relationships with clients and partners. By leveraging expertise in developing client relationships, Jas ensures the delivery of exceptional services and products tailored to meet the unique requirements of each customer.

Prior to joining P1vital, Jas worked for a diverse number of global companies such as Johnson & Johnson, WebMD, Lionbridge and in the Public Sector with NHS. Jas was at Johnson & Johnson for four years, focusing on providing Ethicon’s Wound Closure portfolio to the NHS and Private Hospitals. Working for the NHS as a Business Manager and Contracts Manager Jas was responsible for a team of ten and a budget of £22m where he managed Procurement and Commercial contracts.

Jas has a BA (Hons) in Business Studies as well as an MBA, both from De Montfort University.

Amy Beckenstrom is an accomplished leader in neuropsychological assessments. As Senior Digital Health Scientist, Amy leads P1vital’s digital health strategy, working to leverage novel scientific technologies to address unmet clinical needs, using digitised clinical assessment solutions to improve clinical trial design and outcomes.

Prior to joining P1vital, Amy worked at the the University of Oxford within the Department of Psychiatry, with a primary focus on the interface between mood disorders, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and digital technology. In 2016 Amy joined P1vital to drive research applications in clinical trials and healthcare.

Amy holds a BSc (Hons) and DPhil in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford and has co-authored over 35 scientific publications.

Asad Malik is an experienced research scientist with a multidisciplinary background in computer science, mathematics, and human neuroscience. As Head of Statistical Sciences, Asad leads data analysis and various other scientific activities including neuroimaging.

Asad joined P1vital as a Senior Scientist in 2018, initially on a part-time basis while he completed his PhD at the University of Reading. Prior to joining P1vital, Asad worked on the development of brain-computer interfaces at the University of Reading.

Asad holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Mathematics (double major) from the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan, an MRes in Computer Music from the University of Plymouth, and a PhD in Cybernetics from the University of Reading. His PhD research focussed on method development for joint EEG-fMRI analysis. Asad has co-authored 15 scientific publications.

Shannon Millard is a skilled neuroscientist with a demonstrated history in clinical research, specifically in mental health and digital innovation. As an Associate Scientist at P1vital, Shannon is responsible for conducting research and data analysis; this includes development of statistical analysis plans, programming of statistical analyses and outputs, end-of-study reports, and dissemination of results.

Prior to joining P1vital, Shannon worked for Adelphi Real World, during which she was responsible for design and management of study documents such as proposals and protocols, as well as development of databases, in secondary healthcare studies for real-world evidence generation. Shannon co-authored 1 scientific publication in Respiratory Research from her time at Adelphi.

Shannon has a MSci (Hons) degree in Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham, during which she completed a placement year at P1vital as a Scientific Support intern.

Lubi Trvalcova is adept at developing and implementing comprehensive quality assurance and information security programs with a focus on fostering a culture of quality through empowerment. As Quality Assurance Manager and Data Protection Officer at P1vital, Lubi creates and maintains robust quality and information security systems to meet regulatory standards for the technology, healthcare and clinical trial industries.

Lubi has worked at P1vital Products Limited since 2016 and has previous background in project management and continuous improvement roles within publishing and financial services industries.

Lubi received her MA in European Business, Culture and Languages from Oxford Brookes University and MSc in International Management from King’s College London.