Dr. Jan Simoni

Dr. Jan Simoni, a distinguished leader in biomedical innovation and translational research, passed away July 7, 2025 at the age of 74. A retired Research Professor of Surgery, Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, and Visiting Professor of Pathology, Dr. Simoni leaves behind a profound legacy of scientific achievement, entrepreneurship, and dedication to improving human health.

Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Simoni held several prominent roles in both academia and industry. He served as Executive Vice President for Research & Development and Clinical Research, and later continued to shape the field as a consultant at Immutrix, Inc. He also held key executive roles including Vice President for Manufacturing at AntiRadical Therapeutics, LLC; Co-Founder and Vice President of Hemobiotherapeutics, Inc.; and Founder and CEO of Texas HemoBioTherapeutics and BioInnovation Center as well as starting up many other smaller Biotechnology Companies.

Dr. Simoni was a trailblazer and well known leader in the development of artificial blood substitutes, extracorporeal blood purification technologies, and novel therapeutic platforms at the interface of surgery, nephrology, interventional cardiology, ophthalmology, biotechnology, and molecular biology. His inventive spirit is evident in over 100 issued and pending patents and an exceptional publication record comprising over 700 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and conference presentations. Dr. Simoni also served on the editorial board of numerous prestigious scientific journals for over 30 years to help shape research direction and standards in biomedical engineering and organ support technologies.

As a respected mentor, collaborator, and visionary, Dr. Simoni’s work garnered substantial grant support and shaped numerous advancements in both clinical and laboratory settings. His contributions have laid the foundation for continued breakthroughs in medicine and will continue to save lives and inspire future generations of scientists and clinicians.

Dr. Jan Simoni will be remembered not only for his brilliance and strong entrepreneurial drive, his unwavering commitment to translating discovery into meaningful therapies, his travel throughout the entire world, his most generous and gregarious personality but most importantly for his exceptional love and dedication as a forever faithful Husband, an extraordinary Father and most involved and loving Grandfather. He is survived by his beloved Daughter Dr. Paula Simoni and Husband Aaron Taft, Grandchildren Henry and Sophie Taft; Sisters Judge Marta Simoni and Dr. Sofia Simoni-Miedlar; Brother Judge Adam Simoni; Brother-in-law Dr. Andrew Miedlar; Sisters-in-law Attorney Dorota Misior-Simoni, Alicia and Sofia; numerous Nieces and Nephews, God Children, Extended Family, closely cherished Friends, Colleagues and Co-workers.

Dr. Simoni’s life was more than just a blessing to all who knew him. His memory will continue to live in the hearts of all who loved him, and his profound legacy, dedication and hard work will continue to inspire us and future generations forever.

I love you Daddy!

A memorial service will be held on Monday July 14, 2025 at 10 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.