Avatara Co-Founders
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Innovators and Doers Come Together to form Avatara
Dr. Semir Beyaz
Dr. Beyaz is the scientific and operational architect of Avatara Bio. He is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in organoid biology, particularly in endometrial cancer and hormone-driven malignancies. His research has established foundational methods for generating physiologically relevant human organoids and translating these systems into drug discovery and precision medicine applications. As Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Beyaz oversees scientific strategy, platform development, and execution across both CRO and internal discovery programs.
Dr. David Tuveson
Dr. Tuveson is a globally recognized leader in pancreatic cancer research and organoid technology. His laboratory developed patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids and launched one of the first clinical trials using organoids to prospectively predict chemotherapy response in patients. This ongoing trial provides critical clinical validation of the organoid approach that underpins Avatara Bio’s platform. Dr. Tuveson serves as a strategic scientific advisor, guiding translational applications and clinical alignment.
Charles Prizzi
Mr. Prizzi leads business development, strategic partnerships, government engagement, and philanthropic relationships. He brings extensive experience in building institutional partnerships, securing public and private funding, and translating scientific innovation into sustainable enterprises. At Avatara Bio, he is responsible for commercial strategy, partner relationships, and long-term growth initiatives, including collaborations with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and foundations.
Our Mission
At Avatara Bio, we aim to transform drug research and patient care.
Avatara Bio is founded on the premise that drug discovery has long suffered from a fundamental mismatch between preclinical testing and human biology. Traditional animal models and two-dimensional cell cultures frequently fail to predict patient response, contributing to high attrition rates, rising development costs, and prolonged timelines. Avatara Bio addresses this challenge by using patient-derived organoids as living “avatars” of human disease, enabling direct testing of therapeutic hypotheses in systems that faithfully recapitulate human tissue architecture, genetics, and functional response.
Transforming research into tangible health solutions.
Our Vision
Why Choose Us?
Scientific Expertise
Our team has unparalleled expertise in organoid biology and drug development.
Clinical Validation
Our methods are backed by significant clinical validation and research.
Comprehensive Services
We offer tailored services to meet both academic and industry needs.
