About Us

David Jackson, PhD

CEO & Chairman of the Board

Dr. Jackson is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in developing and commercializing innovative healthcare technologies. He earned his Doctorate in Medicine and Physiology from the Boston University School of Medicine and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications while holding numerous patents. Dr. Jackson also holds training as a Patent Agent and previously held several SEC licenses. Since 2020, he has led Ceria Therapeutics as CEO, focusing on life-threatening and debilitating conditions driven by cytokine overproduction. His leadership experience includes CEO roles at Neuraptive Therapeutics, Darwin Bio, and Spinomix, raising over $100 million in funding and overseeing multiple regulatory engagements and product development efforts.

Kenneth Leichty, MD, FACS, FAAP

Board Member & Chief of Pediatric Surgery, University of AZ

Dr. Liechty is a globally recognized expert in fetal medicine and wound healing. He serves as Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Arizona and Director of Fetal Medicine at Banner University Medicine. He holds a medical degree from the University of Utah and completed advanced training at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Liechty's research lab has received continuous funding for 18 years, resulting in multiple patents and company spin-offs. His work has significantly advanced research in regenerative medicine and tissue repair.

Carlos Zgheib, MS, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer, University of AZ

Dr. Zgheib is the Chief Scientific Officer of Ceria Therapeutics, leading the development of its drug platform pipeline for inflammation-driven diseases. He is also the lead developer of DuraDerman. 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.

Garrett Vygantas, MD, MBA

Board Member & Managing Partner, Rivervine Ventures

Dr. Vygantas 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.

Turner Solheim, MS

Director of Operations

Turner is a biotech operator with experience across six startups spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. Advancing 20+ assets from concept through MVP and preclinical planning, he has supported $20M+ in non-dilutive funding strategies, structured clinical and manufacturing pathways, and led investor diligence, IP assessment, and competitive strategy. His background uniquely bridges R&D engineering, operations, and corporate development, with hands-on execution in drug and device development, CDMO planning, biotech corporate strategy, and data-driven market intelligence to move medical assets efficiently toward greater value.

Jessica Bishop, CRA, MBA, LSSGB

Director of Corporate Strategy

Jessica is a healthcare operations and clinical research professional with more than two decades of experience supporting clinical development, regulatory compliance, and healthcare innovation. She has served as a Senior Clinical Performance and Digital Innovation Analyst at a Fortune 5 healthcare organization, contributing to strategies and large-scale operational initiatives before returning to the startup ecosystem, where her passion lies. Jessica has extensive experience working with early-stage healthcare and life sciences companies on clinical development planning, operational strategy, investor readiness, supporting diligence preparation, capital-raising efforts, and strategic positioning to advance innovative technologies toward regulatory and commercial milestones.