Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Gary Harlem is a respected healthcare entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in health and wellness. Known for his integrity, strategic vision, and deep commitment to improving lives, Gary has dedicated his career to helping people achieve healthier lifestyles. In 1989, Gary founded Body Breakthrough, Inc., a herbal tea company serving health food stores nationwide. The following year, he launched Action Labs, a nutritional supplement company that quickly established a presence in major health food chains and was later acquired by a public company. In 1995, Gary founded USA Nutritionals, expanding into mass retail, drug chains, and private pharmacies both domestically and internationally. Today, Gary brings his entrepreneurial drive and healthcare expertise to the forefront in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes.
Chief Science Officer, Altucell
Dr. Riccardo Calafiore is a renowned endocrinologist and Director of the Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplant and Bio-Hybrid Organs at the University of Perugia, Italy—a position he has held since 1987. A pioneer in cell encapsulation technologies for diabetes, Dr. Calafiore has led groundbreaking research in the transplantation of microencapsulated Sertoli cells for patients with Type 1 Diabetes. His work addresses the critical challenge of limited human islet donors and represents a transformative step toward long-term therapeutic solutions.
Co-Director, Research & Development, Altucell
Dr. Giovanni Luca is an endocrinologist with a focus on diabetes and cellular therapies. Since 1996, he has led significant advancements in Sertoli cell isolation and encapsulation technologies.He coordinates Altucell's Islet Xenotransplantation and Sertoli Cell Program and has authored more than 53 peer-reviewed publications and over 65 presentations at national and international conferences. His research spans cell microencapsulation, pancreatic stem cells, and non-immunosuppressed transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes.
Co-Director, Research & Development, Altucell
Dr. Giuseppe Basta is a specialist in endocrinology and diabetes, overseeing the Islet Transplantation, Microencapsulation, and Stem Cell Division at Altucell’s R&D laboratory.
An author of over 60 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Basta has been instrumental in developing ultrapure, clinical-grade alginate and innovative encapsulation methods. His pioneering work includes the use of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic models, paving the way for future clinical applications.
Senior Medical Director, Research & Development, Altucell
Dr. Michael DiGiovanna is a Certified Physician Investigator with extensive experience in clinical research, having served as Principal Investigator in over 350 trials.
He has chaired several Family Practice Departments, served on the Board of the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society, and represented osteopathic medicine to the NY State Medicare Carriers Advisory Committee. Dr. DiGiovanna is also the author of An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Business Development Officer
Anthony Dolisi is a seasoned executive and proven business leader with deep expertise across the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and diagnostics sectors.
With a successful track record in C-level roles, Anthony has led market expansions, boosted profitability, and managed large-scale launches in both startup and Fortune 500 environments—including American Home Products, GlaxoSmithKline, Agouron, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. At Altucell, Anthony oversees operations, corporate strategy, business development, pipeline growth, partnerships, and go-to-market execution.
Legal Affairs
Jura Christine Zibas is a seasoned intellectual property attorney with a strong background in science and technology. Her practice focuses on IP strategy, licensing, and complex commercial litigation, particularly in the life sciences and medical device industries.
With a B.S. in Chemistry from Tulane University and a J.D. from Capital University School of Law, Jura serves as general counsel to biotech and medical equipment companies. She is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, California, and with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.