Kopp Foundation for Diabetes Appoints Dr. Shin Mukai, PhD, as Founding Board Member for Research & Innovation and Founding Scientific & Mentorship Advisor

Philadelphia, PA — August 12,2025 — The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes (KFD) has appointed Dr. Shin Mukai, PhD, as Founding Board Member for Research & Innovation and Founding Scientific & Mentorship Advisor.

An internationally recognized physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and educator, Dr. Mukai brings over 15 years of expertise at the intersection of immunology, bio-organic chemistry, and translational medicine. His career includes leadership roles at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Sanofi, and Keio University School of Medicine, and he currently serves as Co-Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of New Wind Therapeutics.

“Dr. Mukai is not just joining our board—he’s helping shape the very foundation of how we approach Type 1 Diabetes research and youth empowerment,” said Max Kopp, Founder of KFD. “His leadership will accelerate our ability to bridge cutting-edge science with lived experience, and his mentorship will give young innovators the tools they need to change the future of diabetes care.”

Dr. Mukai has been recognized globally for his contributions, receiving the Global Recognition Award (2024) from The Enterprise World, inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, the Top Chief Scientific Officer of the Year (2024) honor from the International Association of Top Professionals, and recognition from Analytics Insight, The Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs, IndustryWired, and Fortune Business Review.

From the outset, Dr. Mukai will lead KFD’s research and innovation strategy, advancing initiatives such as iPSC-derived pancreatic β-cell regeneration resistant to autoimmune attack, immune evasion strategies for cell transplantation using advanced gene editing, non-viral gene editing platforms for enhanced safety, encapsulation technologies that protect transplanted cells without systemic immunosuppression, and youth-led projects in low-cost glucose monitoring and synthetic biology.

“The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes embodies a vision I deeply believe in—empowering young leaders to drive meaningful change,” said Dr. Mukai. “Together, we will pursue transformative scientific advancements in T1D, from regenerative medicine to novel therapeutic strategies, while fostering the next generation of scientists and advocates who will carry this mission forward.”

To ensure scientific rigor, Dr. Mukai will establish and chair a Research Advisory Group composed of leaders in stem cell biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, and digital health. In his mentorship role, he will design structured learning tracks for students, facilitate hands-on research experiences, and lead monthly “Innovation Clinics” where youth can refine ideas with expert guidance.

“What excites me most is Dr. Mukai’s rare ability to think big while creating practical, actionable pathways,” Kopp added. “This combination is exactly what KFD needs as we enter a period of growth and national expansion.”

“Type 1 Diabetes research is at a pivotal point,” Dr. Mukai noted, “and youth-led organizations like KFD can be the catalyst for breakthroughs. I am honored to help lead this work at such a critical time.”