Daniel has a background in science and business. After completing a master’s degree in science at Auckland University in the mid 1990’s he went on to work as an environmental scientist for a number of companies. In 2006 Daniel founded a natural health company which was recently sold to a New Zealand fund. During his time as CEO and owner, the company was responsible for two human clinical trials conducted at Auckland University. Daniel has an understanding of the complex regulatory framework in the health sector, as well as the potential benefits of researching new treatment options for patients.

Scott has a background in heath and business. After completing an undergraduate degree in science and business studies, he then went on to complete a master’s degree with a thesis in health deliverables.

Scott initially started his career with an investment bank before starting out on his own. Recently he contracted out his services to an Australian multinational to turn around its New Zealand operations. Throughout his involvement in business he has maintained three core values: honesty, transparency and trust that has ensured continuity in business dealings with other parties.

Gareth is a neurologist by profession, who initially received his medical degree in New Zealand. He has worked for more than 40 years in the USA with a focus on peripheral neuropathy. He has extensive experience in clinical trials (phase 2, 3 and 4) in a number of disease states and has been appointed Principal Investigator for Plantonin’s Study Protocol.  He also works in a research role at NMIT and teaching neurology trainees at Wellington Hospital. Emeritus Professor Gareth Parry also received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to neurology. He has written two books on peripheral neuropathy and contributed numerous scientific papers to medical journals. A full description of his achievements and awards is included in his CV that is attached to the Study Protocol.

Laurence Eyres has a PhD in industrial chemistry and an MBA in business management. Since starting his career in clinical chemistry he has been involved with science and technology of natural products, especially lipids which include food oils, nutraceuticals and specialty antioxidants. He is seen as one of the most experienced scientists in NZ in the field of oils and fats (lipids).

Past directorships include NZ Dairy Foods, Food and Nutrition at Auckland University, FSANZ and Associate Professor of Food Technology at Massey University. He is the current chairman of the NZIC oils and fats specialist group. He is a fellow of the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology. He has also published papers on fats, antioxidants, squalene, flaxseed lignans and has experience with extraction and purification of bio actives. 

Dr Willem Van Der Merwe is an experienced Emergency Doctor, working within the Emergency Department of Auckland Hospital. He provides chronic pain relief to patients. Over the years he has noticed many patients, including patients with mental health issues that have been discharged from their GP's care or hospital, representing with poorly controlled pain. First and second line medications appear to have little to no effect on these patients and believes further research is warranted into other options.

Jason is a Pharmaceutical Scientist. His research experience spans molecular and pharmacological sciences (B.Sc. in pharmacology from the University of California Santa Barbara) and clinical sciences (PhD from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). Jason has worked in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries and currently focuses on clinical strategy and experimental design. He is an author on five peer-reviewed publications. Jason, together with Gareth Parry, has been appointed to Plantonin’s Study Data Safety and Monitoring Board.