Professor Nathan W. Bartlett is a leading Australian viral immunologist with over two decades of experience translating fundamental discoveries in respiratory virus biology into clinical and industry applications. He is Professor and Head of the Viral Immunology and Respiratory Disease Group at the University of Newcastle and Director of the Infection Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), where he leads multidisciplinary teams focused on improving outcomes for patients with infectious and chronic airway diseases.

Professor Bartlett’s research centres on respiratory viruses including rhinovirus, influenza, RSV, and SARS‑CoV‑2, with a particular emphasis on how the airway epithelium detects infection and mounts antiviral responses. His work has been instrumental in defining the role of innate immune pathways—especially interferons and Toll‑like receptor signalling—in determining susceptibility to infection and disease severity. These insights have directly informed the development of novel therapeutic strategies designed to enhance antiviral immunity at mucosal surfaces.

He has secured substantial funding from biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and global food sector partners, working across projects such as nasal innate immune stimulants, biologics targeting cytokine pathways, and innovative antiviral compounds. Several of these programs have advanced into clinical development, reflecting his ability to bridge mechanistic discovery with real-world therapeutic applications. He also plays a key role in fostering university–industry partnerships as Associate Dean (Industry & Engagement), supporting the translation of research into scalable healthcare solutions. In addition to his research leadership, Professor Bartlett is an active contributor to public health communication, providing expert insight into emerging respiratory viruses and evolving infection patterns. Together, his scientific expertise, translational focus, and strong industry engagement position him as a leader in the development of next-generation antiviral therapies.

Dr Eva Fiorenzo joined Virtus in 2025 with 11 years of clinical experience in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. She gained membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine before spending 4 years working in respiratory research at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare Trust. She is responsible for overseeing the clinical execution of the trial and ensuring patient safety.

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Christophe is an administrator with over 20 years’ experience in secretariat and office management.

Christophe joined VirTus Respiratory Research in May 2026 as the Office Manager, working closely with the management team, he is involved in establishing the administrative framework of the office.

Christophe is an administrator with over 20 years’ experience in secretariat and office management.

Christophe joined VirTus Respiratory Research in May 2026 as the Office Manager, working closely with the management team, he is involved in establishing the administrative framework of the office.

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Ka Chun joined VirTus Respiratory Research as a Scientist in February 2026, supporting laboratory
aspects of the company’s clinical and pre-clinical research programmes.

He completed his BSc in Microbiology at Imperial College London, where his final-year research
project focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the context of cystic fibrosis lung infections. He went
on to complete an MSc in Infection and Immunity at University College London, conducting research
at the Francis Crick Institute on hepatitis B virus genotyping and characterisation. During this time,
he developed strong expertise in qPCR, nucleic acid analysis, and data interpretation.

Following his academic training, Ka Chun gained experience in both the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical sectors. He has worked on diagnostic assay development and nucleic acid extraction optimisation, as well as within regulated aseptic production environments supporting quality-driven processes and data integrity.

At VirTus, Ka Chun is involved in laboratory assay execution, clinical sample processing, and data
analysis to support ongoing clinical trials, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, reproducible scientific research.

Ka Chun joined VirTus Respiratory Research as a Scientist in February 2026, supporting laboratory
aspects of the company’s clinical and pre-clinical research programmes.

He completed his BSc in Microbiology at Imperial College London, where his final-year research
project focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the context of cystic fibrosis lung infections. He went
on to complete an MSc in Infection and Immunity at University College London, conducting research
at the Francis Crick Institute on hepatitis B virus genotyping and characterisation. During this time,
he developed strong expertise in qPCR, nucleic acid analysis, and data interpretation.

Following his academic training, Ka Chun gained experience in both the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical sectors. He has worked on diagnostic assay development and nucleic acid extraction optimisation, as well as within regulated aseptic production environments supporting quality-driven processes and data integrity.

At VirTus, Ka Chun is involved in laboratory assay execution, clinical sample processing, and data
analysis to support ongoing clinical trials, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, reproducible scientific research.

CONTACT

Dr Eva Fiorenzo joined Virtus in 2025 with 11 years of clinical experience in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. She gained membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine before spending 4 years working in respiratory research at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare Trust. She is responsible for overseeing the clinical execution of the trial and ensuring patient safety.

Dr Eva Fiorenzo joined Virtus in 2025 with 11 years of clinical experience in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. She gained membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine before spending 4 years working in respiratory research at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare Trust. She is responsible for overseeing the clinical execution of the trial and ensuring patient safety.

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Professor Sebastian L. Johnston is Chairman of the Board, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder.

Professor Sebastian Johnston has been performing respiratory virus-related research including pre-clinical studies and human virus challenge studies in asthma for more than 30 years and is the only investigator worldwide to have performed such studies in people with COPD. He has to date successfully infected over 480 subjects with rhinovirus, including over 50 subjects with COPD and over 100 subjects with asthma, including moderately severe asthma and asthma that is not well controlled at the time of challenge.

Sebastian Johnston is Professor of Respiratory Medicine & Allergy at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Honorary Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine & Allergy at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London.

He is Head of Airway Disease at the National Heart & Lung Institute, the Clinical Academic Training Lead for Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London and former Director of the MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma and the Asthma UK Clinical Chair. He has been performing virus-related research including human virus challenge studies in asthma for more than 30 years and is the only investigator worldwide to have performed such studies in people with COPD. He also developed the world’s first successful mouse model of rhinovirus infection, published in Nature Medicine in 2008 and has used this to develop pre-clinical mouse models of rhinovirus-induced exacerbation of both asthma and COPD.

Notable discoveries emerging from his past work include establishing the viral aetiology of asthma and COPD exacerbations, demonstrating increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections in individuals with asthma and COPD compared to healthy individuals, and mechanisms governing these observations, describing novel and effective treatment approached for active asthma and COPD.

He has a long and productive history of collaborations with both the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, his work has led to more than 500 research publications with over 70,000 citations.

Sebastian brings this great wealth of experience to Virtus, to help expedite the development of new treatments for lung disease into the clinic. He believes that human virus challenge studies are the perfect PoC and PoM study in early clinical development and that efficacy therein is predictive of efficacy in later Phase 3 studies.

Professor Sebastian L. Johnston is Chairman of the Board, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder.

Professor Sebastian Johnston has been performing respiratory virus-related research including pre-clinical studies and human virus challenge studies in asthma for more than 30 years and is the only investigator worldwide to have performed such studies in people with COPD. He has to date successfully infected over 480 subjects with rhinovirus, including over 50 subjects with COPD and over 100 subjects with asthma, including moderately severe asthma and asthma that is not well controlled at the time of challenge.

Sebastian Johnston is Professor of Respiratory Medicine & Allergy at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and Honorary Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine & Allergy at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London.

He is Head of Airway Disease at the National Heart & Lung Institute, the Clinical Academic Training Lead for Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London and former Director of the MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma and the Asthma UK Clinical Chair. He has been performing virus-related research including human virus challenge studies in asthma for more than 30 years and is the only investigator worldwide to have performed such studies in people with COPD. He also developed the world’s first successful mouse model of rhinovirus infection, published in Nature Medicine in 2008 and has used this to develop pre-clinical mouse models of rhinovirus-induced exacerbation of both asthma and COPD.

Notable discoveries emerging from his past work include establishing the viral aetiology of asthma and COPD exacerbations, demonstrating increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections in individuals with asthma and COPD compared to healthy individuals, and mechanisms governing these observations, describing novel and effective treatment approached for active asthma and COPD.

He has a long and productive history of collaborations with both the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, his work has led to more than 500 research publications with over 70,000 citations.

Sebastian brings this great wealth of experience to Virtus, to help expedite the development of new treatments for lung disease into the clinic. He believes that human virus challenge studies are the perfect PoC and PoM study in early clinical development and that efficacy therein is predictive of efficacy in later Phase 3 studies.

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Dr Michael R. Edwards is Chief Scientific Officer, Managing Director and Co-founder.

Michael Edwards received his PhD in 2001 from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia investigating the molecular biology of IgE antibody responses in allergic disorders. He joined the National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, in 2001 as a post-doctoral scientist and then progressed to Senior Lecturer of Respiratory Medicine & Infections at the NHLI. Michael’s academic work has focused on the cell and molecular biology of anti-viral immunity and inflammation in airway diseases. He has extensive experience of cellular and molecular biology of virus infections, including rhinovirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and the generation of novel anti-inflammatory and anti-viral targets for pharmaceutical intervention. He has experience in steroid biology, macrolide antibiotics and general drug discovery approaches in respiratory medicine.

At Virtus Respiratory Research, Michael brings over 18 years’ experience of working in human, animal and primary tissue culture models of rhinovirus infection to Virtus’s diverse research platform.

Michael is also responsible for the day to day running and finances of the company.

Dr Michael R. Edwards is Chief Scientific Officer, Managing Director and Co-founder.

Michael Edwards received his PhD in 2001 from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia investigating the molecular biology of IgE antibody responses in allergic disorders. He joined the National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, in 2001 as a post-doctoral scientist and then progressed to Senior Lecturer of Respiratory Medicine & Infections at the NHLI. Michael’s academic work has focused on the cell and molecular biology of anti-viral immunity and inflammation in airway diseases. He has extensive experience of cellular and molecular biology of virus infections, including rhinovirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and the generation of novel anti-inflammatory and anti-viral targets for pharmaceutical intervention. He has experience in steroid biology, macrolide antibiotics and general drug discovery approaches in respiratory medicine.

At Virtus Respiratory Research, Michael brings over 18 years’ experience of working in human, animal and primary tissue culture models of rhinovirus infection to Virtus’s diverse research platform.

Michael is also responsible for the day to day running and finances of the company.

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Neeta obtained her PhD from King’s College London, where she worked on identifying biomarkers of pathways involved in rare diseases of iron metabolism. With over 10 years’ experience gained in the biopharmaceutical and academic environment, Neeta has significant experience in working across multiple therapeutic areas such as Respiratory diseases, Ulcerative Colitis and Uveitis.

Neeta was hired as a pre-clinical Senior Scientist with a successful track record of developing and validating in vivo models to profile and prioritise compounds from start through to candidate nomination.

As a Scientific Project Manager, Neeta coordinates Virtus’s laboratory operations, engaging closely with clients at the early stages of a project using her pre-clinical knowledge to influence strategy and direction. Neeta manages a team of support staff and scientists to ensure client requirements and results are delivered successfully on time and within budget.

Neeta obtained her PhD from King’s College London, where she worked on identifying biomarkers of pathways involved in rare diseases of iron metabolism. With over 10 years’ experience gained in the biopharmaceutical and academic environment, Neeta has significant experience in working across multiple therapeutic areas such as Respiratory diseases, Ulcerative Colitis and Uveitis.

Neeta was hired as a pre-clinical Senior Scientist with a successful track record of developing and validating in vivo models to profile and prioritise compounds from start through to candidate nomination.

As a Scientific Project Manager, Neeta coordinates Virtus’s laboratory operations, engaging closely with clients at the early stages of a project using her pre-clinical knowledge to influence strategy and direction. Neeta manages a team of support staff and scientists to ensure client requirements and results are delivered successfully on time and within budget.

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Chloe is an immunologist with over 15 years experience studying respiratory immunology in both academic institutions and industry. She has extensive experience with pre-clinical models of respiratory infection and inflammation, clinical respiratory virus challenge models, and the development of novel respiratory therapeutics. Her academic research at the NHLI, Imperial College London, between 2014-2022 focussed on the immune response to respiratory viral infections and regulation of inflammatory pathways in respiratory disease. She is highly skilled in a wide range of laboratory techniques.

As Principal Scientist at Virtus, Chloe is responsible for maintaining a high standard of scientific R&D within the company and works closely with Scientific Director to ensure timely execution of contracts for Virtus’s clients. She oversees and performs laboratory research activities and provides scientific guidance on the development of research plans to ensure optimal efficiency, quality and biological relevance of data outputs.

Chloe is an immunologist with over 15 years experience studying respiratory immunology in both academic institutions and industry. She has extensive experience with pre-clinical models of respiratory infection and inflammation, clinical respiratory virus challenge models, and the development of novel respiratory therapeutics. Her academic research at the NHLI, Imperial College London, between 2014-2022 focussed on the immune response to respiratory viral infections and regulation of inflammatory pathways in respiratory disease. She is highly skilled in a wide range of laboratory techniques.

As Principal Scientist at Virtus, Chloe is responsible for maintaining a high standard of scientific R&D within the company and works closely with Scientific Director to ensure timely execution of contracts for Virtus’s clients. She oversees and performs laboratory research activities and provides scientific guidance on the development of research plans to ensure optimal efficiency, quality and biological relevance of data outputs.

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Tika graduated from the University of Bristol, with a BSc in Politics and Economics. Previously, Tika worked in mergers and acquisitions, where she worked in the Business Services and Technology teams.

As Scientific Communications Officer, Tika heads up Marketing and Business Development, where she is responsible for creating communications content for Virtus. She handles public relations, information output, press releases, social media and advertising.

As Scientific Communications Officer, Tika heads up Marketing and Business Development, where she is responsible for creating communications content for Virtus. She handles public relations, information output, press releases, social media and advertising.

Ollie graduated from the University of Sussex, with an MSc in Neuroscience. He comes from a clinical operations background, having previously worked on phase I-IV clinical trials in a variety of therapeutic areas.

As Clinical Trials Co-Ordinator, Ollie is responsible for clinical project management activities, working with clients to ensure efficient delivery of clinical studies to the highest possible standards. He handles the day-to-day management of the clinical study staff, and sites.

Ollie graduated from the University of Sussex, with an MSc in Neuroscience. He comes from a clinical operations background, having previously worked on phase I-IV clinical trials in a variety of therapeutic areas.

As Clinical Trials Co-Ordinator, Ollie is responsible for clinical project management activities, working with clients to ensure efficient delivery of clinical studies to the highest possible standards. He handles the day-to-day management of the clinical study staff, and sites.

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Antzela joined VirTus as a Senior Scientist in September 2024, after contributing to the company’s projects as a consultant for the past three years.

She completed her BSc in Biomedical Sciences in 2018, followed by an MSc in Molecular Medicine from Imperial College London. During her MSc, Antzela conducted research in Professor Charles Bangham’s lab, where she investigated the impact of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) on host chromatin structure and transcription. Her passion for understanding host-pathogen interactions led her to join Professor Julian Naglik’s group at King’s College London as a Research Assistant, where she contributed to several collaborative projects, resulting in publications.

Antzela went on to pursue a PhD in Infectious Diseases at the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions at King’s College London, focusing on understanding the pathogenicity and commensalism mechanisms of Candida albicans clinical isolates. Over the past six years, she has developed extensive proficiency in a wide range of molecular, cellular and immunological laboratory techniques both in vitro and in vivo.

As a Laboratory Manager and Senior Scientist at VirTus, Antzela conducts laboratory research, designs experiments and interprets data ensuring scientific rigor and innovation. She also oversees laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards. 

Antzela joined VirTus as a Senior Scientist in September 2024, after contributing to the company’s projects as a consultant for the past three years.

She completed her BSc in Biomedical Sciences in 2018, followed by an MSc in Molecular Medicine from Imperial College London. During her MSc, Antzela conducted research in Professor Charles Bangham’s lab, where she investigated the impact of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) on host chromatin structure and transcription. Her passion for understanding host-pathogen interactions led her to join Professor Julian Naglik’s group at King’s College London as a Research Assistant, where she contributed to several collaborative projects, resulting in publications.

Antzela went on to pursue a PhD in Infectious Diseases at the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions at King’s College London, focusing on understanding the pathogenicity and commensalism mechanisms of Candida albicans clinical isolates. Over the past six years, she has developed extensive proficiency in a wide range of molecular, cellular and immunological laboratory techniques both in vitro and in vivo.

As a Laboratory Manager and Senior Scientist at VirTus, Antzela conducts laboratory research, designs experiments and interprets data ensuring scientific rigor and innovation. She also oversees laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards. 

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Amy holds a degree in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol and has a diverse background in clinical operations, medical communications, and medical affairs. With experience across multiple therapeutic areas, she is passionate about advancing healthcare through research and patient-centred solutions.

As a Clinical Trial Coordinator, Amy is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of clinical studies and supporting the clinical team. She works closely with clients to ensure the successful execution and delivery of trials. 

Amy holds a degree in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol and has a diverse background in clinical operations, medical communications, and medical affairs. With experience across multiple therapeutic areas, she is passionate about advancing healthcare through research and patient-centred solutions.

As a Clinical Trial Coordinator, Amy is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of clinical studies and supporting the clinical team. She works closely with clients to ensure the successful execution and delivery of trials. 

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Inês joined Virtus Respiratory Research as a Senior Scientist in December 2024, bringing extensive expertise in molecular virology and immunology.

She obtained her BSc in Biology, followed by an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology, and later completed a PhD in Molecular Virology. Her doctoral research focused on viral-host interactions, particularly the mechanisms by which influenza A viruses modulate innate immune responses. She then pursued postdoctoral research in T cell signalling, dendritic cell biology, and tumour models, further expanding her expertise in immune regulation and cellular responses to infection.

Throughout her career, Inês has developed extensive proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, virology, and immunology. Her work has contributed to understanding how viruses evade immune detection and influence inflammatory pathways.

As a Senior Scientist at VirTus, Inês is involved in laboratory research, experimental design, and data interpretation, ensuring scientific rigour and innovation in respiratory virus research.

Inês joined Virtus Respiratory Research as a Senior Scientist in December 2024, bringing extensive expertise in molecular virology and immunology.

She obtained her BSc in Biology, followed by an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology, and later completed a PhD in Molecular Virology. Her doctoral research focused on viral-host interactions, particularly the mechanisms by which influenza A viruses modulate innate immune responses. She then pursued postdoctoral research in T cell signalling, dendritic cell biology, and tumour models, further expanding her expertise in immune regulation and cellular responses to infection.

Throughout her career, Inês has developed extensive proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, virology, and immunology. Her work has contributed to understanding how viruses evade immune detection and influence inflammatory pathways.

As a Senior Scientist at VirTus, Inês is involved in laboratory research, experimental design, and data interpretation, ensuring scientific rigour and innovation in respiratory virus research.

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