Amy Lightner

Background

About Amy Lightner

As the Chief Medical Officer at Direct Biologics, a regenerative medicine biotech, and a Professor of Surgery at Scripps Clinic, I have over 10 years of experience in clinical and academic leadership, stem cell biology, and inflammatory bowel disease. I am passionate about advancing the field of regenerative medicine and bringing novel cell and gene therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. I lead the clinical and medical affairs for a groundbreaking extracellular vesicle technology derived from mesenchymal stem cells, with a clinical pipeline that includes phase 3 for ARDS, phase 2 for Crohn's perianal fistula, phase 1 for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and expanded access for solid abdominal organ transplantation. This industry experience has added to my academic clinical trial foundation obtained through my experience as Direct of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Cleveland Clinic and Medical Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic. I also currently oversee the medical education, treatment, and surgery for patients with complex inflammatory bowel disease at Scripps Clinic, where I hold a professorship. My academic interests include stem cell based therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disease both locally and systemically, and I have published multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on this topic. I am driven by the mission to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with chronic and debilitating conditions.