Lead entrepreneur & Co-founder of Protez Pharmaceuticals Inc.  Along with partner Dr. Luigi Xerri, Klaus developed the concept for Protez, obtained initial investor interest, identified the core technology, recruited key members of the management team and established R&D operations.    Dr. Esser also negotiated the successful in-licensing of PZ-601, Protez's most advanced antibacterial, from Dainippon Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, and ultimately led the out-licensing/partnering initiative of Protez assets (PZ-601 and discovery programs) resulting in the acquisition of Protez by Novartis in 2008.   In Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Klaus managed the development alliance with Dainippon Sumitomo to include the joint development as well as business negotiation teams.

Previously Dr. Esser was Director of Disease Strategy and Operations for Antimicrobials and Host Defense at GlaxoSmithKline, contributing to broad leadership of antibiotic and antiviral R & D through Phase II.  In this role Klaus had responsibility for business planning, portfolio alignment and organization building in the post merger period for SKB and GW.

Klaus has 30 years experience in infectious diseases, with his 15 years at GlaxoSmithKline/SmithKline Beecham including success in all phases of drug discovery and development, business development, and the negotiation/running of major global R&D alliances with large pharma, biotechs and academia WW.

Dr. Esser's positions at GSK included heading the Department Molecular Virology and Host Defense as well as multiple drug discovery & development programs.  Klaus also contributed to the clinical development of immunemodulators for HIV and bacterial infections, and the development and launch of the antivirals famciclovir and penciclovir.

Prior to joining SmithKline, Dr. Esser was at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where he led a research group and global vaccine program in tropical diseases for the US Army as well a monoclonal antibody technology group focused on vaccines.

Klaus received his Ph.D. in Immunology & Infectious Diseases from The Johns Hopkins University.