Seema Nandi, PhD (SelSym Biotech)
Overview
Seema Nandi, PhD, is a pioneering figure in the field of biotechnology, particularly known for her role as a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SelSym Biotech. With a robust background in biomedical engineering, Dr. Nandi has spearheaded significant advancements in developing synthetic platelets designed to improve hemorrhage control and wound healing. Her work has gained considerable attention in the biotech industry, focusing on creating biomimetic technologies aimed at addressing the critical shortages and limitations associated with natural platelet transfusions.
Recent Developments
In the past two years, Seema Nandi and her company SelSym Biotech have been at the forefront of biotechnological advancements, especially in the development of synthetic platelets. Key recent developments include:
- February 2025: SelSym Biotech announced progress towards filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for their synthetic platelet product, SymClot, aiming to start clinical trials within two years.
- July 2024: The company outlined successful preclinical trials demonstrating the efficacy and safety of their synthetic platelets in animal models, published in Science Translational Medicine.
- April 2024: Seema Nandi participated in the VentureConnect 2024 event, showcasing SelSym Biotech's mission to transform bleeding management technologies.
- March 2024: A feature in WIRED explored the potential of SelSym Biotech's synthetic platelets to address critical shortages in emergency medical settings and their advantages in terms of shelf-life and efficacy.
- January 2024: SelSym Biotech secured a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further their research and development efforts in synthetic platelet technology.
- November 2023: The company completed a seed round of funding, raising $5 million aimed at supporting the transition to clinical trials.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Seema Nandi |
| Born | [Date and Place not publicly available] |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Biotechnologist, CEO |
| Known For | Synthetic Platelet Technology |
| Education | PhD in Biomedical Engineering, NC State & UNC |
| Other Roles | Director of Research and Commercialization, SelSym Biotech |
Early Life and Education
Seema Nandi pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where she developed a foundational interest in biomedical engineering. This path led her to the prestigious Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her doctorate. During her PhD, her research focused on synthetic biomaterials for wound healing, laying the groundwork for her future innovations in synthetic platelet technology. The mentorship and collaborative environment at NC State and UNC significantly influenced her career trajectory, nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit which would later fuel the establishment of SelSym Biotech.
Career and Notable Achievements
Seema Nandi's career is marked by her contributions to the field of synthetic biomaterials:
- Co-founder of SelSym Biotech (2019): She established the company with a mission to revolutionize hemorrhage control and wound healing technologies.
- Development of SymClot: As part of SelSym Biotech, she led the research and development of SymClot, a synthetic platelet technology addressing the limitations of natural platelet storage and availability.
- Publications and Patents: Dr. Nandi has been a prolific contributor to scientific literature and patents in the field of synthetic platelets and biomaterials.
- Awards and Funding: Under her leadership, SelSym Biotech has attracted significant funding from organizations like the NIH, emphasizing the potential impact of their research.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Dr. Nandi is actively involved in advancing SelSym Biotech’s product pipeline, with a focus on bringing SymClot to clinical trials. Her work has the potential to transform emergency medicine by providing an effective alternative to natural platelet transfusions, thereby addressing critical supply shortages and logistical challenges associated with natural blood products. Her vision extends beyond product development; she is dedicated to fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem, aiming to integrate SelSym's technologies into broader healthcare solutions.
Conclusion
Seema Nandi, PhD, stands out as a visionary leader in biotechnology, whose innovations in synthetic platelet technology hold the promise of significantly improving treatment outcomes for trauma and surgery patients. Her work at SelSym Biotech is poised to overcome longstanding limitations in the field, paving the way for more efficient and accessible bleeding management solutions. As Dr. Nandi continues to advance her research and development efforts, her contributions will likely have a lasting impact on medical practices globally, setting new standards for emergency and surgical care.