TheoremRx

Chairman & CEO

Kenneth A. Sorensen PhD is the Chairman and CEO of TheoremRx and a Managing Partner at Array Capital Management in New York.

Ken is a noted biotechnology entrepreneur, investor, financier and research scientist whose many successful ventures make a significant impact on patient care today. Ken is a recipient of a dual BS in Molecular and Organismal Biology from the University of Kansas and a PHD in Developmental Neurobiology from the University of Arizona. Beginning his research career early with a recombinant DNA high school project at Bayer AG, Ken joined the Salk Institute after receiving his PHD doing independent research as a Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fellow and an Amgen Fellow. Ken approaches biotechnology with an emphasis on robust translational research and combines a data-driven analytic approach with talented business development team members to achieve his long-term vision to unlock new areas of biotechnology innovation. A gifted leader, Ken’s high standards in science and business operations serve as an example and impetus to others and to the formation of successful new biotechnology companies. Ken has successfully raised more than $1 billion of capital to support translational research and to enable new biotechnology companies to move from scientific concept to commercialized products.

Ken is a co-founder of Nonpareil Biotechnologies LLC, a company that translates early groundbreaking biotechnology that is impactful on human health. Nonpareil combines the unique contributions of the research scientist, philanthropist and biotech entrepreneur to advance and validate biotechnology.

Previously, Ken founded Array Capital Management LLC in 2000, a life sciences merchant bank with two do novo investment funds: one, a private equity biotechnology fund; and two, a multi-strategy fund focused on global life sciences. Each of these fund’s investment returns significantly outperformed all relevant life sciences indices. From 2010 onward, Array Capital Management shed outside investors and became a solely family investment vehicle continuing merchant banking activities in life sciences.

Prior to founding Array, Ken was the portfolio manager of the Ariane Fund, an investment fund focused on the life sciences (making investments in both private and public companies). Ken was responsible for the turnaround of Ariane by reorganizing the fund and raising all new investment monies while generating double-digit returns each year as portfolio manager. While at Ariane, Ken also founded a new merchant banking group which led and participated in funding numerous biotechnology companies.

In 1996 while at the Salk Institute, Ken was recruited to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by commissioner Bruce A. Lehman to work on the Human Genome policy steering body and to serve as a biotechnology Patent Examiner. Ken’s input regarding the non-patentability of human genes was instrumental in developing constructive patent policy that has preserved incentives to discover and develop new biotechnologies and has fueled research efforts ever since. These rulings on the patentability of human genes were recently upheld by the US Supreme Court. Ken added to his achievements at the USPTO by successfully passing the Federal Bar Exam for patent law as a designated Patent Agent.

Ken lives in New York City with his wife Rachelle and their son and daughter.

Independent Director

Dr. Chandra Panchal serves as an independent director to TheoremRx and is a distinguished figure in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries with a profound impact on innovation, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering from the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Panchal’s career has been marked by his pioneering spirit and strategic vision. His journey began at John Labatt Ltd., where as a senior scientist and group leader from September 1978 to May 1988, he led efforts in yeast genetics, fermentations, and product development, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.

In February 1989, Dr. Panchal co-founded Procyon Biopharma Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to developing products in wound healing, cancer therapy, and diagnostics. Under his leadership as CEO and CSO, Procyon not only went public on the Alberta Stock Exchange in 1998 and the TSX in 2000 but also underwent significant growth, acquiring three companies and engaging in major M&A activities with a European company. Procyon later evolved into Ambrilia Biopharma Inc., where Dr. Panchal continued to influence the industry as Senior Executive Vice-President of Business Development, Licensing, and Intellectual Property until February 2008. His strategic foresight was instrumental in steering the company through out-licensing, in-licensing, and M&A activities.

In 2001, Dr. Panchal founded Axcelon Biopolymers Corporation, showcasing his commitment to innovation in biomaterials for wound care, drug delivery, and medical prostheses. His leadership as Chairman and CEO since January 2010 has positioned Axcelon at the forefront of the biomaterials sector.

Dr. Panchal's expertise and leadership have also benefited other organizations. He has been a Chairman of the Board at Avicanna Inc. since July 2019, a Lead Director at Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. since March 2017, and served on the board of Canadian Oil Recovery & Remediation Enterprises Ltd from January 2011 to May 2021. His role as a Strategic Advisor to DISTINCT Capital Partners from July 2012 to January 2018 and his involvement as a Founding Director of MaRS Innovation from March 2009 to September 2016 underscore his wide-reaching influence.

An esteemed academic, Dr. Panchal has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Ontario, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs. His contributions to science are also evident in his authorship of over 50 scientific papers and the editing of the book "Yeast Strain Selection."

Dr. Panchal's career is characterized by his roles across a spectrum of senior positions, from scientific research to executive leadership. With decades of experience, he has demonstrated a unique ability to drive company growth from startup to successful publicly listed entities, serve on the boards of TSX/NASDAQ companies, and contribute significantly to the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector. His leadership style, marked by innovative problem-solving and an ability to inspire confidence and pride among colleagues, has made him a visionary in his field.