John Puisis has more than 25 years of expertise in turning technology-based companies into product-driven organizations. His career is defined by a combination of strategic vision, financial acumen, talent management and operational expertise. These skills have enabled him to identify unmet medical needs and build organizations that translate cutting-edge research into life-changing therapies.
Established in 2015 by Puisis, COUR Pharmaceuticals is a pioneering biotech firm dedicated to developing first-in-class therapies that reprogram the immune system to address the root causes of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company’s mission is to provide disease-modifying solutions for patients who suffer from autoimmune disorders, offering a transformative alternative to traditional immune suppressants.
“We believe that we are tackling the most difficult to address immune diseases with patients who are woefully underserved and where large Pharma is making billions on less-than-ideal solutions — we will change that landscape with a more effective solution,” said Puisis.
Before founding COUR Pharmaceuticals, Puisis co-founded and led Tolera Therapeutics as chief executive officer, overseeing its journey from startup to clinical trials and regulatory milestones, including filing a Phase 3 Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant milestones, such as orphan drug designations and robust intellectual property protections.
Earlier in his career, Puisis served as president and chief executive officer of Third Wave Technologies, a publicly traded biotech company. There, he steered the company through a pivotal transformation from a struggling research tools business to a thriving molecular diagnostics leader. This strategic shift culminated in the sale of Third Wave for $600 million. Puisis also contributed to the success of DEKALB Genetics Corporation, which was later acquired for $2.8 billion.
At COUR Pharmaceuticals, Puisis has led the development of a groundbreaking nanoparticle platform that has achieved a first-of-its-kind demonstration of antigen-specific immune tolerance for autoimmune diseases. The firm’s lead product for celiac disease, developed in partnership with Takeda, exemplifies this innovation. Under Puisis’ guidance, COUR Pharmaceuticals has advanced multiple investigational new drug applications, clinical studies and high-profile collaborations. The company recently closed a $105 million funding round, further solidifying its position as a leader in the autoimmune treatment space.
Looking forward, Puisis envisions a bright future for COUR Pharmaceuticals, aiming to address the most challenging immune-mediated diseases with solutions that outperform existing therapies in both safety and efficacy. COUR is expanding its pipeline to include treatments for Type 1 diabetes and Myasthenia Gravis, with plans for clinical advancements and potential public offerings in the coming years.
“John’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping COUR into the organization it is today,” said Robert F. Carey, lead independent director of the COUR board of directors.