NuvOx People

Evan C. Unger, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Co-founder / Chief Executive Officer/ President

Dr. Unger is a practicing clinical radiologist with appointments at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center as Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering.  In the early 90’s Dr. Unger founded ImaRx Pharmaceutical and led the development of three FDA approved contrast agents and one medical device, including Definity™, the #1 ultrasound contrast agent in North America. After successful sale of ImaRx Pharmaceutical to DuPont, Dr. Unger founded ImaRx Therapeutics to develop a new technology for treating vascular occlusions and led introduction of the technology into multi-center clinical trials to treat ischemic stroke. Continuing his passion for innovation he founded NuvOx Pharma to develop a new oxygen delivery technology with applications for treating critical ischemia and cancer. He is an inventor on over 100 issued US patents and Member of the NIH Gene and Drug Delivery Study Section and Associate Editor of Radiology.

Jennifer L.H. Johnson, Ph.D.
Co-founder / Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Johnson is a formulation chemist with an emphasis in intravenous drug delivery and extensive experience in emulsion technology. She earned her doctorate from the University of Arizona under the mentorship of the well known Pharmaceutics Professor, Dr. Samuel H. Yalkowsky. Dr. Johnson also holds an adjunct professor position in the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and teaches a portion of a 'Solubility and Solubilization on Aqueous Media' short course offered every spring at La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. An overview of her experience in drug development includes combined microbubble and ultrasound technology for drug delivery, targeted and non-targeted micro and nano-emulsion formulation and oral and topical formulation of novel anti-cancer compounds. Dr. Johnson oversees the day to day operations of NuvOx.

Terry O. Matsunaga, PharmD, Ph.D.
Co-founder / Consultant

Dr. Matsunaga has a Pharm. D. in Clinical Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of California San Francisco and was at Post-doctoral fellow in Peptide Chemistry at the University of Arizona. Along with Dr. Unger, he played a key role in the successes of both ImaRx Pharmaceuticals and ImaRx Therapeutics. Dr. Matsunaga holds a full time position as a Research Professor at the University of Arizona in the department of Radiology. He currently sits on study section review panels for both the NIH and DOD. Dr. Matsunaga plays an important role at NuvOx as a general consultant.

Jay P. Johnson, MBA
Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Arizona. Jay is accountable for the Company's financial and accounting policies, systems and processes, tax and grant regulatory requirements, payroll systems and processes, general business controls, ongoing financial modeling and annual business planning. He is also responsible for the development and growth of new business opportunities and strategic relationships.