By Ann Frances –

Irvine-based Hans Keirstead, CEO of Aivita Biomedical, has been recognized for its efforts in developing a personal vaccine for the treatment of cancer and that could help prevent COVID-19 infection. AIVITA is currently advancing a personalized COVID-19 vaccine toward clinical investigation.

As a result, Keirstead has been named to the “20 in 2020” by the Consulate General of Canada. This year the list recognizes 20 individuals for contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

“The global response to COVID-19 has been unprecedented, with researchers working aggressively to find new ways to treat and prevent infection by the virus affecting all of us. With our personalized vaccine technology showing promising safety and efficacy in clinical trials in multiple cancer types, we moved quickly to apply it to COVID-19 and are excited to start a clinical trial soon,” said Dr. Keirstead. “I am honored to be recognized by the Canadian Consulate General alongside others who are working to address the pandemic in various areas of society.”

Before AIVITA, Keirstead founded and was CEO of California Stem Cell. He founded and served as CEO of Ability Biomedical. Dr. Keirstead was also a professor at the University of California at Irvine, where he founded and directed the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center.