FLORENCE, Ky. – EPM Group Inc., a preclinical-stage biotechnology company doing business as (dba) epm Therapeutics, has announced the appointment of Duane Mancini, M.Sc., to its Board of Directors.
Mancini brings extensive experience in regulatory strategy, clinical trial design and commercialization to the epm team as it advances EPM301, an oral therapy for hyperphagia and other symptoms associated with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), toward clinical development.
“The transition from preclinical research to clinical development is where a lot of promising science can stall,” said Mancini. “I’m looking forward to helping the epm team align regulatory, clinical and commercial priorities early, with a clear focus on what it will take to bring EPM301 to patients.”
Mancini is the CEO, Board Chair and Co-Founder of Project Medtech, a consulting and advisory firm focused on accelerating medical technology to improve patient lives. Since its inception in 2020, Project Medtech has supported more than 100 startups in the medical space, providing guidance on everything from regulatory submissions and clinical trial design to fundraising and commercial launches.
His experience spans regulatory affairs, quality assurance, health economics and go-to-market strategy. In 2025, Mancini was named a Next25 honoree by Ohio Tech News and OhioX for his contributions to Ohio’s digital and medtech ecosystem. He was also recognized as a leader in Northeast Ohio healthtech by Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Mancini holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a focus on medicinal and biological chemistry, from the University of Toledo. His earlier roles included business development and technical advising positions at Labcorp and NAMSA, as well as chemistry roles at Anatrace Products LLC. He also hosts the Project Medtech Podcast, which has released more than 380 episodes and attracted over 121,000 listens across 114 countries.
“As we initiate the strategy to take EPM301 in to the clinic, we’re focused on making sound decisions across every stage of the program,” said Dr. Peter Welburn, President and CEO of epm Therapeutics. “Duane understands how regulatory strategy, clinical planning and commercial considerations need to be imbedded in the program from the outset. His experience advising early-stage companies will bring a valuable perspective to our Board, and I’m thrilled to welcome him.”
About epm Therapeutics
EPM Group Inc., doing business as epm Therapeutics, is a privately held biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of cannabinoid acid-based therapeutics for diseases with high unmet needs. Founded in 2017 in collaboration with Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, epm’s lead asset, EPM301, is a first-in-class oral therapy in development for the treatment of hyperphagia and other symptoms common in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). To learn more about epm, visit epmtherapeutics.com, or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA estimates that PWS occurs in one in every 15,000 live births. The defining symptom of PWS is hyperphagia, a chronic and life-threatening condition characterized by an intense, persistent sensation of hunger accompanied by food preoccupations, an extreme drive to consume food, food-related behavior problems, and a lack of normal satiety, which can severely diminish the quality of life for individuals with PWS and their families.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding epm Therapeutics’ future operations, development plans, and potential market opportunities. All statements other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the risk that the company may not receive required regulatory approvals, commercialize its product candidates, or realize the market potential of its pipeline. Actual results may differ materially.
