Our team
Science-driven immunotherapy innovation, grounded in personal experience.
Claredele was founded by Dr. Rukiyah Van Dross, whose parents, Clarence and Adele, both faced aggressive cancers. Their experience with limited treatment options helped shape her commitment to developing therapies that are more effective, less toxic, and better suited for patients with resistant disease.
Our name
The company’s name honors Clarence and Adele and reflects a mission rooted in both scientific rigor and human urgency.
Leadership
Claredele’s leadership team combines expertise in melanoma biology, immunotherapy, oncology drug development, regulatory strategy, and biotech company building.
Founder, Director, President
Rukiyah Van Dross, Ph.D.
Inventor of PMJ2 and principal investigator on NIH- and North Carolina‑funded melanoma immunotherapy programs.
Director, Chief Executive Officer
Eric Hacherl, Ph.D.
Biopharma business development leader with experience in early-stage fundraising, strategic partnerships, and go‑to‑market strategy for emerging therapeutics.
Chief Medical Officer
Gerald Klein, M.D.
Oncology drug development veteran with more than 25 years leading clinical and regulatory strategy for early-phase cancer trials.
Board of Directors
Claredele’s Board of Directors provides strategic oversight at the intersection of science, medicine, and company building, guiding the organization from early development through partnership and commercialization.
Founder, Director, President
Rukiyah Van Dross, Ph.D.
Inventor of PMJ2 and principal investigator on NIH- and North Carolina‑funded melanoma immunotherapy programs.
Director, Chief Executive Officer
Eric Hacherl, Ph.D.
Biopharma business development leader with experience in early-stage fundraising, strategic partnerships, and go‑to‑market strategy for emerging therapeutics.
Chair, Independent Director
Stella Vnook, Ph.D.
Seasoned pharmaceutical executive with 25+ years leading biotech companies through growth, acquisition, and commercialization.
Claredele is further supported by an experienced advisory group spanning pharmaceutical leadership, immunology, surgical oncology, biostatistics, and FDA strategy.
Get in touch
We welcome inquiries from investors interested in early-stage oncology innovation and the development of PMJ2 for resistant melanoma and beyond.