Rafael Aquino, PhD, MBA, holds extensive expertise as a glycobiologist, senior research project manager, and innovation specialist. He plays a crucial role in overseeing the company's daily operations and in guiding its strategic direction. Before joining Heptech, Rafael served as a Project Manager at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) think tank, where he led a variety of public health projects. Previously, he was a Senior Researcher at Hygeia Biotech, focusing on drug discovery, product development, and technology transfer for the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry. Rafael earned his PhD and Master's degree in Biochemistry, along with an MBA from COPPEAD at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, further enhancing his expertise in the field.

Eduardo Vilanova, PhD, is a highly skilled biologist/biochemist with a strong focus on the research and development of innovative heparin-based products. With a wealth of experience in the field, he has made significant contributions that have advanced scientific knowledge and driven advancements in the industry. Eduardo holds a Master's and PhD degree from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and has completed a postdoctoral program at the Instituto de Bioengenharia de Catalunya in Spain. During his postdoctoral research, he conducted cutting-edge studies that have been published in prestigious international journals. These publications not only showcase his dedication to scientific excellence but also highlight his valuable insights into the field of heparin research. Additionally, Eduardo brings valuable industry experience to his role at Heptech. Prior to joining our team, he worked at the biotech accelerator Biozeus, where he analyzed and conducted drug discovery projects. This experience has nurtured his passion for innovation, which remains a driving force in his work.

Stephan Oliveira, PhD, is an industrial pharmacist with extensive expertise in the landscape of heparin-related products. With a solid educational background, including two post-doctorates from UFRJ, he worked for over 10 years with antithrombotic and antitumor agents, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role at Heptech. Throughout his career, he also served as a professor at UFRJ, worked in hospital settings, and dealt with high-cost medications at the State Department. Additionally, he held various management positions in his military career. With a lifetime dedicated to heparin analysis and new product development, he is recognized for his profound understanding of quality requirements and standards in the pharmaceutical industry, actively collaborating in this context.

Ana Selvatici, BSc, MBA, brings extensive experience in new business development, marketing, and innovation to her role at Heptech. With a proven track record at companies such as Diagonal Minds, Globo Group and Oi, she excels in marketing strategies and management, business operation, and business transformation. Ana is skilled in managing teams to achieve strategic goals. She holds a degree in economics from UFRJ, an Executive MBA from COPPEAD, a postgraduate degree in Corporate Finance from PUC-RJ, and specializations in Analytical Marketing from Insper and Negotiation Techniques from HBX (Harvard Business School).

Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine from Universidade Federal Fluminense (2004), a Master’s in Animal Production from Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (2006), and a Ph.D. in Biosciences and Biotechnology from the same institution (2010). Her academic work focused on biochemistry and animal reproduction, particularly on bovine oviduct fluid metabolism, in vitro embryo production, cell culture, and microscopy techniques, which led to a patent for a modified medium to enhance bovine embryo production. During a postdoctoral fellowship at Hokkaido University (2012–2013), Helga developed a tick vaccine, resulting in a patent for antigens and two scientific publications. From 2014 to 2018, she was a postdoctoral fellow at UFRJ-Macaé, where she studied disease vectors such as Aedes mosquitoes, Rhodnius kissing bugs, and ticks, and conducted ecotoxicology research using zebrafish as a model. At SENAI-CETIQT’s ISI Biosynthetics and Fibers, Helga contributed to molecular diagnostics, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development, and projects involving marine organisms. Currently, as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at UFRJ, she is developing methods to extract and purify polysaccharides from marine organisms (e.g., algae and mussels) and evaluating their antitumoral and antimetastatic properties.

Graduate in Pharmacy, Master and PhD in Biological Chemistry (Institute of Medical Biochemistry), all of them on Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ. Postdoctoral fellow at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry of the Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, with Associate Prof. Eleonora Kurtenbach. Experience field: Biochemistry with emphasis on Proteins, peptides and small molecules. Skill: production, purification and characterization of recombinant proteins; study of structural and function of proteins by UV-VIS spectrodcopy, High Performance of Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Circular Dichroism, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Surface Plasmon Resonance e others. Last occupation: Senior Researcher I in the Hygeia R&D Biotecnologia Aplicada SA, sector - synthesis and purification of biotechnological products, mainly biopharmaceuticals in solid phase peptide system.