Our mission
The complete removal of all antibiotics in animal feed. Why? because animals, not humans, account for the majority of antibiotics consumed each year.
We live in One World. The risk of disease transfer between animals and humans is well-recognised. As is the need to nourish a growing population.
Our belief set
Less understood is the increase in antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMR) - antibiotic resistant superbugs that have directly developed as a result of antibiotic over-use.
Even less understood is the scale of this risk.
As scientists, we are passionate about both fully removing antibiotics from the foodchain and improving livestock productivity to meet the world’s growing food needs. We believe endolysins hold the key.
Our Senior Team
Dr Kane Miller
Founder & CIO
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Dr Kane Miller obtained his Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Biochemical Engineering from University College London (UCL) having earned a Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering from the same academic institution - a leading UK and European biotech research centre. It was during his postdoctoral research studies into the commercial applications of algal biotechnology as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UCL that the genesis for the concept of applying endolysin biotechnology to manage pathogens in animal agriculture was formed. Dr Kane Miller subsequently authored and co-authored two successful Innovate UK government grant proposals that initially funded the business and spearheaded the development of Axitan’s first products and initial drive into the US poultry market. As the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), Kane is responsible for the ongoing development of Axitan’s endolysin delivery platform and Axitan’s product pipeline focusing on delivering material performance benefits to the livestock industry.
Alfred Zimmerman
CEO
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Al brings a wealth experience from the biotech and animal feed additive industries to Axitan. He was previously with Novus International from 2015–2023 which culminated in his leading innovation growth strategy, business development, acquisitions and alliances. Prior to Novus, Mr. Zimmerman established and led the Dietary Supplement Finished Format Business at DuPont (now IFF). During his tenure at DuPont, which was focused on the development of probiotics for humans and animals, he oversaw the development of the probiotic manufacturing platform within the US and the finished format manufacturing platform globally. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas, an MBA from Texas Christian University and an Executive Certificate from the University of Wisconsin.
Gonzalo Prat
VP Sales & Marketing
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Gonzalo brings a wealth of experience from the feed additives industry to Axitan. Prior to joining the company, Gonzalo was Senior Managing Director Americas at Novus International. In this role, he successfully led and implemented Novus’s Go-to Market strategy for its speciality business unit in North and South America. Throughout his 18 year career at Novus, Gonzalo was recognised for consistently delivering outstanding commercial outcomes for both the company and its customers. Gonzalo is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & holds a Bachelor in Livestock Science from Universidad de Chile and MBA from Universidad Europea de Madrid.
Dr Francisco Navarro
CSO
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Francisco is a molecular biologist with extensive experience in cell physiology and gene expression regulation of eukaryotic microorganisms. He carried out a PhD in methylotrophic yeast, and postdoctoral work in fission yeast and in the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, for which he developed tools for synthetic biology and biotechnology. Francisco has worked in a number of prestigious institutions, such as The Rockefeller University (US), Cancer Research UK and the University of Cambridge (UK), and brings broad scientific experience to the Axitan team. At Axitan, he streamlined strain construction and characterization, and implemented fast robust assays for product development. Francisco leads the R&D team to improve and expand Axitan’s product portfolio. In addition, he has been involved in the design and execution of the regulatory and IP strategies of the company, and has co-authored a successful Innovate UK grant.
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Dr Richard Lewis
Sr Scientist (UK)
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Alex Diffley
Manufacturing Manager (US)
Our Board Members
Dr. Kane Miller
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Kane obtained an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Biochemical Engineering from University College London (UCL). He earned his BSc in Mathematical Physics at the University of Nottingham, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering at UCL. Kane’s doctoral studies focused on algal production systems. After graduating, he spent a year as a Postdoctoral Research Associate where he investigated the commercial applications of algal biotechnology. It was during this time that the concept of applying algal biotechnology to animal agriculture came into focus. As the founder of Axitan, he is closely involved in all aspects of the business. Whilst his role has evolved, from a bioprocess engineering focus at Axitan’s conception, he still is actively involved in the scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory decision-making process. Kane has overseen Axitan’s strategy and its execution, in addition to providing guidance, management and motivation to the rest of the team. He also authored and co-authored both of Axitan’s successful Innovate UK grant proposals, and has spearheaded Axitan’s fundraising activities.
Alan Temple
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Alan is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in a broad range of business functions within the fresh produce industry. He has over 10 years experience as a successful President and COO, where he was responsible for strategic planning, business plan development and implementation, full P&L responsibility, recruiting and development, and capital expenditure management including design and construction of two state of the art processing facilities. He is a proven leader with the highest ethics and integrity and track record of success.
Mark Deleo
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Mark joined the B&W Quality Growers advisory board in 2010 and became CEO in September, 2012. Prior to joining B&W, Mark had a successful 25-year business advisory career working with startups to Fortune 100 companies and serving in a variety of capacities from a business advisory role to interim management positions of CEO, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer. Mark began his business advisory career in the late 1980’s, spending 10 years with Proudfoot-Crosby Consulting, an international leader in productivity and quality management consulting. His focus the past 10 years prior to joining B&W was working with PE firms and banks, successfully completing over 20 assignments. Mark has significant international experience, having worked in North America, Central America, Asia, and Europe
Our Advisors
Clinton H. Severson
Business advisor
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Prior to its acquisition by Zoetis for approximately $1.9 billion in 2018, Clint served as the Chief Executive Officer and one of the directors of Abaxis since June 1996. From February 1989 to May 1996, Clint served as President and Chief Executive Officer of MAST Immunosystems, Inc., a privately-held medical diagnostic company. Since January 2015, Clint has served on the Board of Directors of Cutera. From November 2008 to November 2016, Clint served on the Board of Directors of Trinity Biotech, a biotechnology company, prior to its acquisition. In addition, Clint has been growing grapes in Sonoma county for 38 years and has an ownership interest in Hook & Ladder Winery.
Professor Saul Purton
Scientific advisor
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Saul is Professor of Algal Biotechnology at UCL. He obtained his PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of Cambridge in 1988, and was then awarded a long-term EMBO Research Fellowship to study algal molecular-genetics at the University of Geneva before joining UCL as a lecturer in 1991. Saul is also Director of ALGAE-UK, a BBSRC-funded UK network in algal biotechnology, and has served on various BBSRC Committees and review panels. He is a member of Council for the British Phycological Society and sits on the editorial boards for the journals Eukaryotic Cell, Microbiology, Protist and Perspectives in Phycology.