Vernal Biosciences, a leading company in mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development, has announced the appointment of Jim Petrilla as its new Chief Executive Officer and Board Director. Petrilla, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience in biopharma and clinical research, takes over from founding CEO Dr. Christian Cobaugh. Cobaugh will continue in his role as Chief Scientific Officer and Board Director, where he will focus on advancing the company’s scientific and technological capabilities to strengthen its innovation pipeline.
The leadership transition marks a significant step forward for Vernal, as the company seeks to scale its mRNA manufacturing processes to support drug developers working on pioneering therapies. Petrilla’s extensive commercial experience and expertise in bioanalytical testing and operational growth align well with Vernal’s ambitions. His track record of transformational leadership includes his previous role as Founding CEO of BioAgilytix Labs, where he forged high-profile partnerships with top pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms and drove substantial growth, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.
Petrilla has held senior roles at global pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Becton Dickinson, where he managed large teams and multi-million-pound projects. In these roles, he oversaw initiatives that generated up to $500 million in annual revenue, establishing him as a leader with a strong grounding in both strategic management and innovation.
Speaking on his new appointment, Petrilla said: “Vernal has developed uniquely valuable technologies anchored in scalable, high-purity manufacturing that tackle challenges from concept to clinical trials. As a leader in solving complex problems—particularly in manufacturing, analytical technologies, and targeted mRNA delivery—Vernal is positioned to deliver meaningful solutions. I look forward to working with our customers to accelerate their journeys to clinical success.”
Dr. Christian Cobaugh, who led the company since its inception and established its foundations, welcomed the new CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Vernal Biosciences. His proven ability to deliver innovative and impactful solutions in the life sciences sector aligns perfectly with our customers’ needs. We are confident Jim’s leadership will enable Vernal’s expansion of mRNA offerings and expertly scale our operations, enhancing our approach to addressing customers’ R&D challenges and accelerating the delivery of transformative therapies,” Cobaugh said.
With Petrilla at the helm, Vernal is positioned to leverage its mRNA and LNP manufacturing capabilities to serve an expanding clientele in the biopharma sector, offering solutions that facilitate the development of innovative therapies. The company is recognised for its high-purity production methods, which meet stringent regulatory requirements, making it a reliable partner for pharmaceutical developers aiming to expedite clinical trials.
The mRNA industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, spurred by the success of mRNA vaccines and their potential applications in various medical fields. Vernal Biosciences is part of this wave, providing a combination of advanced manufacturing and analytical technologies that are crucial for bringing mRNA-based therapies from the research phase to clinical reality. Under Petrilla’s leadership, the company aims to enhance its manufacturing operations and refine its approach to addressing complex R&D challenges, helping customers meet regulatory and clinical milestones more efficiently.
The transition of leadership at Vernal comes as the company prepares to expand its product offerings and solidify its standing as a leader in mRNA and LNP technologies, ultimately aiming to reshape the landscape of modern healthcare through scientific innovation.