Haro Hartounian

Haro Hartounian is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive with more than two decades of success in positions at start-up biotechnology firms, large pharmaceutical companies, and medical device companies. Hartounian boasts an impressive record of meeting goals by positioning capital, people, intellectual property, and systems to ensure successful long-term growth.

From 2008 to 2011, Haro Hartounian held the position of President and CEO of Vyteris, Inc., where he oversaw a reorganization and infrastructure redesign, increasing the company's performance and profitability. Hartounian was responsible for all aspects of research and development, operations, business development, strategic partnering, product development and commercialization, and investor relations. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors. Hartounian's efforts revitalized Vyteris, bolstering the firm's reputation as a key player in the transdermal drug delivery market.

Prior to joining Vyteris, Inc., Haro Hartounian was Director and CEO of Protagenic Therapeutic, Inc., a biotechnology company he founded based on therapeutic technology aimed at treating disorders of the central nervous system. As Director, Hartounian was responsible for the company's strategic direction and business plans, and he also secured financial support from well-known industry investors.

From 2000 to 2006, Haro Hartounian was President and COO of Microislet Inc., a company which he co-founded and established as a leader in the market of cell therapy treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Earlier, as Director of Process Development for Monsanto, Hartounian directed an 18-member team and oversaw a $3 million annual budget.

Hartounian holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (minor: Biochemistry) from the University of Delaware, Newark, as well as an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Arya-Mehr (Sharif) University of Technology, Tehran.