The People Leading Fedora

Christopher G. Micetich is one of Canada's most accomplished biotechnology entrepreneurs, having spent nearly four decades founding, building, and leading innovative life sciences and technology companies. Throughout his career, he has successfully translated world-class science into globally recognized businesses while mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Christopher is the Founder, President and CEO of Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company advancing novel therapeutics to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world's most pressing healthcare challenges. Under his leadership, Fedora achieved a milestone in Canadian biotechnology by securing what was then the largest licensing agreement in Canadian biotech history for its β-lactamase inhibitor program, validating the company's scientific excellence and global commercial potential.

Prior to founding Fedora, Christopher founded Naeja Pharmaceuticals Inc., growing the company into one of North America's leading contract drug discovery organizations. Under his leadership, Naeja expanded to approximately 160 employees and became Canada's largest employer of PhD chemists, attracting scientific talent representing 19 nationalities and supporting drug discovery programs for more than 100 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. Across his ventures, Christopher has recruited and led more than 1,000 highly skilled professionals while helping generate hundreds of patents, scientific publications, and multiple drug development programs.

Christopher's entrepreneurial journey began at SynPhar Laboratories, a pioneering Canadian–Japanese joint venture co-founded by his father, Dr. Ronald G. Micetich. Together, Ronald and Christopher later founded Naeja Pharmaceuticals, continuing a legacy of innovation that has contributed two globally marketed antibiotic medicines (tazobactam and nacubactam) and numerous breakthrough discoveries in infectious disease research.

Beyond biotechnology, Christopher is the Founder and CEO of Brass Dome Ventures Ltd., Brass Fund One, Brass Fund Two, and Kwan Business Ltd., where he focuses on investing in and mentoring high-growth technology companies while helping entrepreneurs accelerate commercialization and reduce execution risk.

Widely recognized as one of Alberta's most respected business mentors, Christopher has devoted thousands of hours to supporting entrepreneurs, founders, researchers, and emerging technology companies. He has served on numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards, including BioAlberta, Explore Edmonton, the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, and several high-growth technology companies. He also founded Innovation Masterminds Alberta, a mentorship initiative designed to help academic innovators successfully commercialize breakthrough technologies.

Christopher's leadership has been recognized through numerous prestigious honours, including induction into the BioAlberta BioIndustry Hall of Fame, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Special Citation for Entrepreneurial Perseverance, the ASTech Outstanding Commercial Achievement Award, the Canada 150 Award, and multiple BioAlberta Company of the Year awards.

A passionate advocate for innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship, Christopher continues to work at the intersection of science, business, and public impact, helping build organizations that improve human health while strengthening Canada's innovation economy.

Dr. Sameeh M. Salama is a Canadian scientist, inventor, biotechnology executive, and business development leader with more than 30 years of experience in antimicrobial drug discovery, biotechnology innovation, and public health policy. He serves as Chief Scientific Officer of Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Brass Dome Ventures Ltd., where he leads scientific strategy and pipeline development focused on novel antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr. Salama earned his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta. His scientific work spans the discovery and development of multiple classes of anti-infective agents, including β-lactams, β-lactamase inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, azoles, polyenes, and natural products. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations and is inventor or co-inventor on numerous patents, including FPI-2119 and other next-generation antimicrobial candidates.

He played a central role in Fedora's landmark licensing agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche for nacubactam, a transaction valued at up to US$750 million and regarded as one of the most significant biotechnology licensing deals in Canadian history. Nacubactam is set to launch in Spring 2027.

Dr. Salama is a recognized leader in Canada's AMR and life-sciences ecosystem. He is Chair and co-founder of the Canadian Antimicrobial Innovation Coalition (CAIC) and serves as an Advisor to the Public Health Agency of Canada's External Advisory Group on AMR. He has contributed to Canada's Pan-Canadian Framework and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (PCAP) and leads the CAN-AMR-Net training program, "Antibiotic Drug Discovery: From AI-Enabled Discovery to Successful Commercialization."

He is also Chair and co-founder of the Al Rashid Education Foundation, and has served in senior leadership roles across Canada's life-sciences ecosystem, including Co-Chair of the Board of BioAlberta, Executive Board Member of the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H), and Member of the Science & Business Advisory Board at the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute.

Dr. Renata Jankowska is Director of Research at Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc., where she leads medicinal chemistry programs focused on the discovery and development of innovative antibacterial therapies to address antimicrobial resistance. With over 25 years of experience in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry, she has built a career translating complex chemistry into promising therapeutic candidates.

Dr. Jankowska joined Fedora Pharmaceuticals in September 2016 as a Scientific Project Manager and was subsequently appointed Director of Research. In this role, she oversees chemistry activities across antibacterial research programs, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to design and synthesize novel small molecules and advance compounds through hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and preclinical development.

Prior to joining Fedora Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Jankowska spent 15 years at NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc., one of Canada's leading contract research organizations, where she served as Senior Principal Scientist and Project Team Leader. She led collaborative drug discovery programs for global pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Sanofi, GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, and Resverlogix, spanning infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, and pain management.

At Fedora Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Jankowska has contributed to advancing novel antibacterial drug candidates through discovery and pre-clinical development. She is an inventor on multiple international patents and has authored numerous scientific publications and conference presentations.

Dr. Jankowska earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Alberta and completed an industrial postdoctoral fellowship at Metabolic Modulators Research Ltd. in collaboration with the University of Alberta. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Gdańsk, Poland.

Kelly Micetich is an operations professional with experience in organizational leadership, project management, strategic planning, and business development. As Vice President of Operations at Brass Dome Ventures Ltd., the administrative and operational arm supporting Fedora Pharmaceuticals, she leads key operational initiatives that help drive efficiency, growth, and organizational success.

Beyond her role at Brass Dome Ventures, Kelly serves on the Board of Directors of BioAlberta, supporting the growth and advancement of Alberta's life sciences and biotechnology sector. She previously served as Executive Director of Innovation Masterminds Alberta, where she worked closely with entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and community leaders to foster innovation and strengthen Alberta's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Kelly is also the President of Kwan Business Ltd., a platform focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses through practical support, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

Known for her collaborative approach and ability to connect people and ideas, Kelly brings expertise in operations, project management, stakeholder relations, and organizational development. She is passionate about supporting innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and helping organizations navigate growth and change while building strong foundations for long-term success.

Over the course of Gloria's career, she has worked with private and public companies in client advisory, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and education sectors. In these positions, she has managed financial reporting, completely overhauled budget processes, and led year-end audits.

She has helped leadership make decisions based on the data provided and supported strategic goals from start to finish. Gloria earned her Certified General Accountant designation and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta. She is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta (CPA Alberta).

Mark Pekar is a business development and investment professional with experience in investment evaluation, strategic partnerships, fundraising strategy, market research, investor relations, and commercialization planning. As Director of Business Development for Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Brass Dome Ventures Ltd. (the administrative and operational arm supporting Fedora), he supports key initiatives that help drive growth, external engagement, and long-term strategic opportunities.

In his role, Mark works closely with company leadership, investors, government partners, industry stakeholders, and potential collaborators to support Fedora's business development and corporate strategy. His work includes advancing funding initiatives, strategic partnerships, investor communications, market positioning, and commercialization planning.

With a foundation in both business and science, Mark brings a combination of commercial, technical, and financial perspective to company development and commercialization. He has experience supporting companies across life sciences, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, wireless communications, and emerging technologies, helping translate complex scientific opportunities into clear business strategies and actionable partnership pathways.

Known for his analytical and collaborative approach, Mark brings expertise in business development, investment analysis, stakeholder relations, and strategic planning. He is focused on supporting innovation, advancing strategic growth opportunities, and helping companies build strong foundations for sustainable growth.

Anh brings experience in cross-border transactions, business development, market research, and financial analysis. At Fedora Pharmaceuticals, she supports management in developing and executing commercialization strategies, funding initiatives, investor relations, and operational improvements. Her responsibilities include market and partner research, investor communications, financial forecasting and valuation, process and policy analysis, and the preparation of business materials that support Fedora's sustainable growth.

Anh holds an MBA from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance from Australia. She has supported organizations in scaling, successfully closed M&A and fundraising deals across Canada and Asia, and led a variety of market research and expansion projects. Anh is passionate about empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to reach their full potential, and believes that multi-perspective thinking and continuous learning are key to both business and personal growth.

Alia Flintoft is a marketing strategist, creative leader, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences. As the Founder, Owner and Creative Director of Whatever Else Marketing, Alia works with businesses, startups, and organizations to develop compelling brand strategies, engaging content, and marketing campaigns that drive awareness, growth, and lasting impact.

With extensive experience in brand development, digital marketing, communications, and creative direction, Alia has built a reputation for combining strategic thinking with creative execution. She excels at translating complex ideas into clear, authentic messaging that resonates with customers, stakeholders, and communities.

Throughout her career, Alia has partnered with organizations across a variety of industries, helping them strengthen their brands, expand their reach, and achieve their business objectives. Her collaborative approach and commitment to understanding each client's unique story have made her a trusted advisor and valued partner to businesses at every stage of growth.

As an entrepreneur, Alia understands the challenges and opportunities of building a successful business. Through Whatever Else Marketing, she is dedicated to helping organizations stand out in competitive markets, elevate their brand presence, and create marketing strategies that deliver measurable results.

Known for her creativity, professionalism, and ability to turn ideas into action, Alia is committed to empowering businesses and organizations through thoughtful marketing, innovative storytelling, and strategic communications.

Julianne Poirier serves as Executive Assistant to Christopher Micetich, Chief Executive Officer of Fedora Pharmaceuticals, providing high-level executive and administrative support. In this role, she is a trusted partner to executive leadership, facilitating efficient communication, managing complex schedules, and supporting strategic priorities across the organization.

Julianne brings more than a decade of experience in operations, administration, bookkeeping, and business management within the manufacturing and production sectors. Her diverse background has equipped her with a strong foundation in organizational efficiency, financial administration, and cross-functional coordination, making her a valuable contributor to both operational and executive functions.

A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree, Julianne is recognized for her professionalism, attention to detail, and collaborative approach. Her ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and precision has earned her a reputation as a dependable and highly effective executive support professional.

Committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement, Julianne plays an important role in supporting Fedora Pharmaceuticals' leadership team.