# Dave Bearss

**Type:** person
**Status:** Draft
**Confidence:** Medium
**Focus:** drug discovery, oncology, inflammation, university translational programs, Utah life sciences
**Location:** Salt Lake City, UT
**Updated:** 2026-06-19

## Summary

Dave Bearss is a Utah drug-discovery scientist and entrepreneur who spans academic translational programs and venture-backed clinical-stage companies. He serves as senior managing director of the University of Utah Therapeutic Accelerator Hub (U2TAH) — a $22.5M initiative bridging laboratory discoveries to clinical development across HCI, the College of Pharmacy, and the PIVOT Center — and is the founder and driving scientific figure behind [Halia Therapeutics](halia-therapeutics.md), a Lehi-based company targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in aging and inflammatory disease.

## Impact

Bearss represents a connective tissue role in Utah life sciences: he works in the academic-to-venture translation layer that most ecosystems lack. U2TAH's mandate covers all disease areas, giving Bearss broad influence over which early university discoveries become venture-backed programs. Halia Therapeutics's lead candidate, ofirnoflast (HT-6184), is a first-in-class allosteric NEK7 inhibitor in clinical development — a tangible output of his scientific drug-discovery work.

## What They Offer

Deep experience in academic drug discovery at the University of Utah, oncology and inflammation expertise, and network connections across Utah's life-sciences ecosystem — particularly the HCI, PIVOT Center, and U2TAH triangle. For therapeutics founders, Bearss represents a potential pathway into U of U resources, collaboration, and commercialization infrastructure.

## What They Are Looking For

Not known from public sources. Inference: most likely interested in scientifically credible drug programs with university roots, particularly those targeting chronic inflammation, aging biology, or cancer.

## Proof of Work

- Senior Managing Director, U2TAH (University of Utah Therapeutic Accelerator Hub, $22.5M commitment)
- Founder, [Halia Therapeutics](halia-therapeutics.md) — lead program ofirnoflast (HT-6184), first-in-class allosteric NEK7 inhibitor in clinical trials
- Publicly affiliated with [Huntsman Cancer Institute](huntsman-cancer-institute.md) translational work

## Good Fits

Early-stage U of U therapeutics spinout founders seeking translational guidance; founders in inflammation, oncology, or aging biology looking for academic-ecosystem connections; researchers translating laboratory programs into IND-enabling studies.

## Public Connection Path

University of Utah Therapeutic Accelerator Hub and Halia Therapeutics public channels; conference appearances at Utah life-sciences venues.

## Evidence

- [Halia Therapeutics](halia-therapeutics.md)
- [Huntsman Cancer Institute](huntsman-cancer-institute.md)

## See Also

- [Halia Therapeutics](halia-therapeutics.md)
- [Huntsman Cancer Institute](huntsman-cancer-institute.md)
- [Curza](curza.md) — another U of U therapeutics spinout

## Open Questions

- What is Bearss's current primary affiliation balance between U2TAH leadership and Halia operations?
- Is there a public intake path for founders seeking U2TAH support?
- What are the current criteria and stage requirements for U2TAH engagement?