Scientific advisory board
Helge Rask-Andersen, Chairman
Helge is Professor at the Department of Surgical Sciences, Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. He directs the Uppsala Cochlear Implant and Auditory Brain Stem Implant teams as well as the Uppsala Inner Ear Research Unit.
He specializes in the treatment of inner ear disorders, especially cochlear implantation, skull-base surgery, and Menière’s disease.
As a cell biologist he has focused on inner ear anatomy and physiology. He was involved in the European Commission Concerted Action on nanoparticle-targeted drug and gene delivery to the inner ear. Currently he is involved in the European Commission Concerted Action on nanotechnology based cochlear implant with gapless interface to auditory neurons named NANOCI.
Helge is on the editorial board of several international journals and has lectured and written extensively on inner ear anatomy and disease.
He was a visiting Professor at Innsbruck University and a Research Consultant at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles in 1988-1989.
In 2006 he was awarded the Franz Escher Medal by the Swiss Society of Otolaryngology, in 2007 the Gordon Smyth Medal by the British Society of Otolaryngology and in 2011 The Holmgren Medal from the Swedish Association for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. In 2012 he was the recipient of The Prosper Menière’s Society’s Gold Medal Award and The Hearing Prize from The Swedish Association of Hard of Hearing People (HRF).
Helge originated the idea of using a connective tissue modulating agent as a treatment for Menière’s disease.
Helge earned his MD and PhD in 1976 and 1979, respectively, at Uppsala University, Sweden.
Mikael Karlberg
Mikael is Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at Lund University, Sweden. He is consultant otorhinolaryngologist at several hospitals and private practices within the southern region of Sweden.
He specializes in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments of inner ear disorders, vertigo and balance disorders, especially Menière’s disease.
Mikael is a member of the Barany Society and scientific secretary of the Swedish Association of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. He was chairman of the Swedish Association of Neuro-Otology for several years. He serves as a reviewer for several international journals within his field of interest and is a renowned lecturer. He has published extensively on investigations of vestibular function and treatment of vertigo and balance disorders.
In 1999-2000 he was fellow of neuro-otology at the Balance Clinic, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney and at Sydney University and worked extensively with professor Michael Halmagyi and professor Ian Curthoys.
Mikael received his MD in 1985 and his PhD in 1995 at Lund University, Sweden.
Johan Stjernschantz, CSO
Johan was as mentioned under “Company history” a driving force behind the development of Xalatan® during his tenure with Pharmacia. Before joining the company he worked as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University from 1981 to 1982. He has also served as Adjunct Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology from 1996 to 1999 and a Professor of Pharmacology and Drug development from 1999, both at Uppsala University, Sweden.
Johan has received numerous awards for his achievements in drug research and development; Pharmacia & Upjohn: ”Achievements in Science & Medicine” Award 1997, Swedish Project Academy: “Swedish Project Leader of 1997”, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology: “Proctor Award 2000”, International Congress of Eye Research Geneva: “Ernst H. Bárány Prize 2002”, Swedish Pharmaceutical Society: “Prize in Medicinal Chemistry, 2004”.
Johan earned an MD (1974) and a PhD degree (1976) from the University of Helsinki, Finland.