GenAssist
What is GenAssist?
GenAssist develops biomaterials to regenerate muscle after devastating traumatic injuries. Their lead innovation, MyoSponge, is a patented scaffold made of proteins that support muscle cells and guide the body to regrow functional tissue instead of scar. In preclinical studies across multiple animal models, it has rebuilt muscle fibers, increased muscle mass, and restored strength.
Medicine has no therapy that can regenerate lost skeletal muscle. Once it is gone, the body cannot replace it. GenAssist is changing that reality by advancing its scaffold toward the clinic, offering patients the first real chance to regain strength, mobility, and independence after catastrophic injury.
Company Leadership
Joe Beggs
Chief Executive Officer
Joe Beggs is the CEO and co-founder of GenAssist, leading development of a patented biomaterial that regenerates muscle after trauma. He previously ran a clinical trial at Washington University and BJC, has secured over $1.4M in funding, and received investment from multiple Fortune 500 companies. A MedTech Innovator alumnus, Joe has received the WashU McKelvey Engineering Emerging Leader Award, STL Inno Top Innovator Under 25, STL Startup Week Founder of the Year, and is a TEDx speaker.
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Gabe Haas
Chief Technology Officer
Gabe Haas is the CTO and co-founder of GenAssist. He served as Principal Investigator on the company’s NSF SBIR Phase I and leads regulatory affairs and the lab. He oversees preclinical study design and execution and prepares FDA materials. Gabe has 10 peer-reviewed publications and is a co-inventor of GenAssist’s IP. His academic training in biomedical research guides the company’s path from bench to clinic.
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Dr. Koyal Garg
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Koyal Garg is a co-founder of GenAssist and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University. She directs SLU’s Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Lab, developing biomaterial and rehabilitation therapies for muscle loss. An NIH R01-funded scientist, recent National Academy of Inventors inductee, and world-renowned expert in muscle regeneration with 40+ papers, she guides GenAssist’s preclinical strategy and clinical translation
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