Dr. Darryl Davis is recognized for his bold creativity and original thinking in cardiovascular research and innovation. He is the Founder and CEO of Rhythm Biotherapeutics Inc. (RBI)—a biotechnology company developing the world’s first heart-derived exosome therapy to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia worldwide. His work exemplifies how scientific creativity and disciplined translation can transform discovery into patient impact.
As a Tier 1 uOttawa Research Chair in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Dr. Davis has repeatedly challenged convention and advanced novel concepts in cardiac repair and inflammation. He developed the world’s first acquired model of cardiac sarcoidosis, now used internationally to investigate inflammatory cardiomyopathies. Building on this, he pioneered the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—nanoscale, cell-secreted messengers—as a first-in-class acellular biologic for cardiac repair. His team’s discoveries account for over 80% of all published literature on EVs in AF, positioning UOHI as a world leader in this field. Beyond AF, this platform holds promise for treating fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and myocardial injury, representing a scalable therapeutic class with global reach.
Dr. Davis’ research redefines regenerative medicine by targeting the upstream inflammatory mechanisms that trigger arrhythmia, rather than simply controlling rhythm or rate. As a result, RBI’s vision extends beyond postoperative AF, positioning its technology to transform management of inflammation-driven AF in broader clinical settings. Dr. Davis has developed a well-defined development plan that includes navigating clinical trials and regulatory pathways with Health Canada and the U.S. FDA. He’s established GMP-compatible manufacturing within Ottawa’s Biomanufacturing Centre, and secured $4 million in combined dilutive and non-dilutive funding to enable first-in-human trials and early commercialization and developed strategic engagements with key global pharma leaders. Numerous distinctions have recognized RBI as one of the world’s most promising early-stage biotherapeutic companies.
Dr. Davis is continuing to drive the field, from securing over $2 million in competitive funding, to training more than 25 highly qualified personnel under his current Chair term, and Chairing of the 2025 American Association of Extracellular Vesicles Annual Meeting. His integrated approach—from discovery to regulatory execution—embodies how translational research drives real-world change.