Board of Directors

David M. Jackson, PhD is the CEO of Ceria Therapeutics and brings more than 25 years of experience specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative healthcare technologies addressing unmet market opportunities. He has led multiple product development efforts, fundraising campaigns, regulatory engagements and corporate transactions. Dr. Jackson earned a doctorate in the medical sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine; trained and experienced as a Patent Agent and Securities Analyst.

Board of Directors

Dr. Liechty is the Company founder and inventor of the product. He is Professor of Surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, Director of Pediatric Surgery Basic and Translational Research, and is Co-Director of the Colorado Fetal Care Center, and is the Sandy Wolf Chair in Maternal Fetal Surgery.

Dr. Liechty has a strong interest in healing. He is currently the 2019-2020 Vice President of the Wound Healing Society and will be President-Elect of the Society in 2020-2021. Dr. Liechty is currently the 2019-2020 Vice President of the Wound Healing Society.

Dr. Liechty’s research team has pioneered the role of dysregulated microRNAs in the diabetic wound healing impairment, and the mechanisms of the correction of this healing impairment with stem cell and gene therapy. The Liechty research team is developing novel treatment paradigms using small molecule therapeutics including the microRNA conjugated nanoparticles, as well as stem cells and gene therapy strategies to promote healing and tissue regeneration in multiple tissues by modulating the inflammatory response, angiogenesis, the composition of the extracellular matrix, macrophage polarization, and progenitor cell content.

Board of Directors

Garrett Vygantas, MD, MBA, is a seasoned venture investor, CEO, and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience funding and building companies across precision medicine, healthcare, and life sciences.

He has led investments globally through corporate and institutional venture capital funds and has extensive Board of Director experience. As the CEO of three startups, including NewBridge Pharma, he successfully scaled operations, secured $65 million in financing, and created significant market value. Garrett has also contributed to the commercialization of biotech innovations at Genentech and Cowen. He frequently lectures at UCSF’s Center for BioEntrepreneurship and has advised numerous biotech startups.

Leadership

David M. Jackson, PhD is the CEO of Ceria Therapeutics and brings more than 25 years of experience specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative healthcare technologies addressing unmet market opportunities. He has led multiple product development efforts, fundraising campaigns, regulatory engagements and corporate transactions. Dr. Jackson earned a doctorate in the medical sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine; trained and experienced as a Patent Agent and Securities Analyst.

Leadership

Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS, is the Chief Scientific Officer of Ceria Therapeutics, leading the development of its drug platform pipeline for inflammation-driven diseases. A recognized leader in biopharmaceutical innovation with 20+ years of experience, he has driven drug development, translational research, and strategic R&D initiatives, advancing novel therapies from discovery to commercialization.

Dr. Zgheib holds a PhD in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology and trained at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. An award-winning scientist, inventor, and biotech executive, he has authored numerous publications and holds multiple U.S. and international patents, accelerating innovation in regenerative medicine and next-generation biologics.

Leadership

Dr. Ed O’Mara is a licensed physician with 26 years of experience in therapeutic development, spanning early-stage research to commercialization. He has contributed to 7 recent INDs, 2 successful NDAs, and 6 marketed products.

He has also helped secure private bridge financing and contributed to a Series A campaign. Dr. O’Mara has led regulatory interactions with agencies like the FDA, EMA, and PMDA. He is highly skilled in designing innovative, patient-centric trial methodologies and collaborating with key opinion leaders and advocacy groups. A strategic leader, he has also played a critical role in securing funding and investor relations for biotech companies.

Leadership

Jordan Hoffman is an accomplished operations executive with a track record of building high-performing teams and scaling startup organizations. As a COO of a $5M/year startup, he recruited experts across regulatory affairs, quality assurance, finance, clinical affairs, and commercialization strategy.

He has extensive experience in vendor management, product development, and competitive research. Previously, as a lead engineer, Jordan played a key role in developing a novel medical device, optimizing prototyping processes, and supporting Phase 2 clinical trials. His expertise spans regulatory compliance, manufacturing, and strategic operational leadership, making him a vital force in advancing medical innovations.

Key Team Member

Merle Waterman is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience as a public company CFO and operational leader. He has successfully guided companies through IPOs, secondary stock offerings, and private equity investments.

With a strong global perspective, he has established and managed business units across Europe and Asia while overseeing foreign currency hedging strategies. Merle has also led investor relations for public companies and managed stock buyback programs. His expertise in financial strategy, capital markets, and international operations makes him a key asset in driving corporate growth and stability.

Key Team Member

Dr. Heidi Nelson-Keherly is a seasoned expert in pharmaceutical development with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, clinical trials, and biotechnology. She specializes in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) across vaccines, biologics, and life sciences.

With a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has held leadership roles, including Vice President of Drug Discovery and Development at CSSI LifeSciences. Dr. Nelson-Keherly brings deep expertise in FDA regulations and a strong track record in advancing therapeutic innovations from discovery to development.

Key Team Member

Colleen Janczak is a skilled scientist with over a decade of experience spanning academic research, industrial operations, and entrepreneurial development. She has played a key role in developing nanoparticle-based sensor technologies.

With expertise in both research and commercialization, Colleen brings a deep understanding of nanotechnology and its applications in life sciences. Her diverse background bridges innovation and industry, making her a valuable asset in advancing cutting-edge scientific solutions.

Key Team Member

Rob Clayborough is a globally experienced pharmaceutical Program and Project Director with a proven track record in drug development, business growth, and commercialization. He has successfully led over 15 development programs to high-quality regulatory filings, specializing in clinical and CMC drug product development.

With expertise in both originator and generic products, Rob has a core focus on orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDPs). His leadership in innovative business and technical solutions has driven sustainable growth for both large corporations and niche pharmaceutical ventures.

Key Team Member

Aidan Curran is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive specializing in nonclinical and translational science, with a focus on pulmonary and inhalation therapeutics. As the Principal Consultant at Curran Nonclinical Consulting, he has extensive experience in defining disease targets, identifying therapeutic approaches, and developing strategies for drug evaluation.

He has led research and translational activities, particularly in the development of inhaled formulations, ensuring effective preclinical and early clinical assessment. Aidan’s expertise in inhalation drug development makes him a key contributor to advancing respiratory therapeutics.