About Us

Acomhal Research is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted therapies for treatment-resistant cancers.

Pioneering Oncology Solutions

With a mission to transform cancer care and improve patient outcomes, we leverage cutting-edge technologies and a multidisciplinary approach to develop breakthrough cancer therapies. Our novel peptide therapeutic is designed to target and disrupt specific tumorigenic features involved in cancer progression. By interfering with the signaling mechanisms that promote tumor resistance and metastasis, we offer a targeted approach to cancer treatment.

Research

Pipeline

Our Leadership

Harnessing the scientific creativity and expertise of our team and partners, we are poised to revolutionize the battle against cancer. Our team comprises a dynamic mix of experienced biotech entrepreneurs, renowned scientific leaders, pharmaceutical experts, and clinicians. United by a common mission, we are committed to advancing oncology science and improving patient outcomes globally.

Samy Lamouille, Ph.D.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Bio

Dr. Samy Lamouille is a biotech leader with over 20 years of expertise in cancer research, specializing in cancer progression and metastasis. A molecular and cellular biologist, Dr. Lamouille earned his Ph.D. from the University of Grenoble, France, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco. His research has been published in top journals, including Nature Biotechnology and Cancer Research, establishing him as a thought leader in oncology.

In 2016, Dr. Lamouille co-founded Acomhal Research with the goal of creating innovative cancer therapies targeting tumor recurrence and metastasis. Under his leadership, Acomhal was selected for the University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2017, and joined Johnson and Johnson JLABS @ Washington, DC to support their research. Dr. Lamouille has led multiple SBIR/STTR grants and secured seed funding with Virginia Investors to further Acomhal’s mission.

Robert Gourdie, Ph.D.

Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer

Bio

Dr. Robert Gourdie is a leading cardiovascular scientist and Director of the Center for Vascular and Heart Research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech. As the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund Eminent Scholar in Heart Reparative Medicine, Dr. Gourdie has dedicated over 30 years to studying intercellular communication, with significant contributions to therapies for heart damage, chronic wounds, surgical scars, and cancers, including glioblastoma.

Dr. Gourdie’s research has advanced an understanding of gap junctions and intercellular channels that regulate heartbeats, and his work has informed new drug developments to reduce heart attack damage. He co-founded FirstString Research, advancing the peptide drug alphaCT1 for wound healing in clinical trials, and Acomhal Research Inc., focusing on cancer stem cell-targeting therapies to prevent tumor recurrence. His latest venture, The Tiny Cargo Company, innovates drug delivery through milk-derived exosomes, offering new ways to deliver medications.

Board of Directors

Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D.

Board Chair

Bio

Dr. Craig Ramey is a Professor and Distinguished Research Scholar at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, specializing in developmental psychology with a focus on early experience and causal modeling. As an expert in research methodology and statistics, Dr. Ramey has led eight research teams dedicated to preventive and early intervention treatments for children. His work, supported by extensive NIH funding, has produced large-scale, multi-site randomized controlled trials and programmatic studies, reflecting his skill in complex research design and analytics. His work integrates longitudinal and epidemiological data to explore how various conditions affect developmental outcomes. Renowned as a statistical reviewer and consultant for NIH, DHHS, and other agencies, Dr. Ramey’s contributions have shaped early intervention strategies and developmental psychology, establishing him as a prominent leader in his field.

Kevin Bloomfield

Board Member

Bio

Kevin Bloomfield is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic leader with deep expertise in cloud software and a focus on building exceptional teams, cultures, and products that prioritize customer satisfaction. Kevin’s journey began with NetVentures, a cloud platform for non-profits, which he led from startup to market leader before its acquisition by Pamlico Capital in 2014. At NetVentures, Kevin grew the client base to over 500, processing nearly a billion dollars in transactions. Following this success, he founded Bloomfield Partners and co-founded the Commonwealth Angel Network, solidifying his role in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Currently overseeing a diverse portfolio of companies through Bloomfield Partners, LLC, Kevin also serves as a board member at Carter Bankshares (NASDAQ: CARE).

Ralph Whatley, M.D.

Board Member

Bio

Dr. Ralph Whatley is a distinguished professor, board-certified physician, and clinical educator specializing in internal and pulmonary medicine. His career at Carilion Clinic includes key leadership roles, such as Chair of the Department of Medicine for eight years and Interim Co-Chair of Pediatrics for one year, where he has helped guide institutional growth and strategic direction through his contributions on various boards and committees. Dr. Whatley’s research, supported by private and federal grants, has produced over 20 peer-reviewed publications, along with several reviews and book chapters. Known for his commitment to clinical excellence and education, Dr. Whatley is a respected leader who continues to influence both medical practice and the next generation of physicians.

Want to learn more about our research?

Our novel, patented peptide stops cellular proliferation and the biological transitions underlying cancer metastasis. We’re also developing new peptide drug delivery methods using biodegradable nanoparticles and viral gene therapy.