About Us
Founded by Professor Yun (David) Yung, PhD from The Scintillon Research Institute in San Diego, Pomelo Biosciences is dedicated to finding anti-aging solutions that help with inflammation, degeneration, and frailty. Aside from the currently available peptide products that promote anti-inflammation and tissue healing, PomeloBio is expanding its portfolio of state-of-the-art treatments. PomeloBio strives to improve human health through highly effective products that are safe and affordable.
About the Founder
Professor Yung earned his dual AB degrees in Molecular Cell Biology and Cognitive Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of California, San Diego. He subsequently continued his research at Scripps Research and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute prior to joining the Scintillon Institute. Dr. Yung’s research in numerous fields has led to key discoveries. First, key lipids released during bleeding can cause fetal and neonatal forms of hydrocephalus in children. Second, the development and use of single nuclei sequencing methodologies, including isolation of cell nuclei, RNAseq, and barcoding probes, can provide sufficient information to identify cell types of the brain; this strategy can be used for many tissues in the body and is a foundational approach for companies such as 10X Genomics. Third, altered genomics exist in normal brain cells and further imbalances can be linked mechanistically to neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome.
More recently, Professor Yung’s focus extends to translational medical studies on iPSCs and their use in the treatment of disorders such as type 1 diabetes, macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and generalized aging using mRNA-based directed differentiated iPSCs into beta cells, neurons, retinal cells, and fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Dr. Yung is currently an Assistant Professor at Scintillon Institute, a member of the Scintillon Institute Center for Aging Research (SI-CAR), and a consulting scientist for Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Inc, both in San Diego.
The Team
Jonathan W. Lockner, Ph.D., Scientist
Jonathan W. Lockner is a synthetic chemist with deep expertise in natural product synthesis, focusing on medicinal compounds that address neuroinflammation and cancer growth. He earned his Ph.D. at Scripps Research, where he trained as a postdoctoral fellow under Profs. Phil Baran and Kim Janda. More recently, he has served as Adjunct Faculty at University of San Diego, Miramar College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Palomar College.
Julia Ottewell, B.A., Research Assistant
Julia Ottewell is a research assistant specializing in regenerative medicine with a focus on stem cell therapies for diabetes. She trained through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), a state-funded agency dedicated to advancing stem cell research and regenerative treatments. Her work on the beta cell project explores the therapeutic potential of IPSC-derived beta cells for treating type 1 diabetes using genetic and disease-induced mouse models. She now helps lead in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing of compounds, peptides, and cell therapies to support the development of new regenerative treatments.
Halleck Cui, MBA, Branding & Public Relations
Halleck Cui specializes in 3D simulations, websites, animation, and branding for biomedical companies, helping them showcase products with high-precision visuals. He has led rapid prototyping for medical technologies, and launched My3DAnatomy.com to expand everyone’s access to interactive 3D anatomy, which works directly on the web browser. Now, he applies his expertise to Pomelo Biosciences, driving branding, marketing, and product visualization to position their peptide products in the the world of healthcare.
Alex Weitz, Business Development
Charles (Chas) Rodgers, Director of Operations in Product Outreach
Chas Rodgers began his career in fitness and athletic performance, earning multiple advanced certifications while leading shipboard fitness programs during his time in the US Navy. With over 25 years of experience, he has directed fitness programs, created a youth sports performance brand, and trademarked the FLEX 8 System for dynamic movement preparation and recovery. Also a Prostate Cancer survivor, Chas is now a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and serves on two advisory committees dedicated to improving patient outcomes. As Director of Operations in Product Outreach, he leverages his extensive network to expand Pomelo products into the Wellness and Cancer markets both domestically and internationally.
We are located at:
6868 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121