Verge Genomics, a drug discovery company developing therapies for neurological diseases by integrating a unique all-in-human genomic platform with machine learning, announced today that Mario Saltarelli, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of U.S. Green Valley Pharmaceuticals, has been appointed to Verge’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Saltarelli is a neurologist, drug developer, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical sector, spanning all areas of pharmaceutical and regulatory science, from preclinical through post-market development with an emphasis on neurological diseases and rare autoimmune diseases.
“As we rapidly advance pipeline candidates for ALS and other neurology indications, we’ll greatly benefit from Dr. Saltarelli’s expertise in neuroscience and drug development as part of Verge’s scientific advisory board,” said Alice Zhang, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Verge Genomics. “Mario’s deep knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases and their underlying biology, along with his experience leading dozens of programs through clinical development, make him a wonderful addition to the team at this critical time.”
Dr. Saltarelli added, “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the accomplishments made by the team at Verge over the past several years to advance a pipeline of high-potential preclinical program candidates and by their all-in-human drug discovery approach. I’ve also been impressed with how the management team is building the company and the culture. I think Verge has great potential, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the company’s efforts in delivering meaningful treatment advancements for those affected by neurological disorders.”
Dr. Saltarelli is a biotechnology industry veteran with more than 30-years of experience in leading successful drug discovery and development efforts, with a focus on neuro-psycho therapeutics research and development. He has held executive roles at biotechnology companies including Green Valley, Neuron23, Entrada, Syntimmune, and Annexon. In addition, he has established and/or led neuroscience development departments at Pfizer, Abbott, Shire, and Vertex. He has overseen all aspects of the drug discovery and development process, including research, clinical trial design, operations, regulatory affairs, and translational development. Dr. Saltarelli currently serves as independent director of Bioasis Technologies, and as Assistant Professor in Neurology (Adjunct) at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Saltarelli earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biological psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and completed doctoral studies in Medicine, and in neuropharmacology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center and completed neurology residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
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