Christian Cobaugh | CEO
Vernal Biosciences

Christian has been at the cutting edge of mRNA drug discovery for over fifteen years. He has extensive experience leading teams in mRNA technology and was the first Alexion Pharmaceuticals scientist working on their partnership with Moderna Therapeutics to develop mRNA therapeutics. He has directed critical discovery, delivery, development, manufacturing, and quality control in the mRNA sector, having led mRNA R&D at Arcturus Therapeutics and Translate Bio; and served as Vice President of Process Development and Manufacturing at Omega Therapeutics. 

With 15 mRNA patent applications, Christian brings strong scientific expertise in mRNA and LNP with broad experience in all phases of mRNA therapeutic development and regulatory requirements. He has also authored CMC sections for briefing books and developed ICH Q7-compliant quality management systems.

Christian holds a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Texas-Austin and completed a postdoctoral fellowship for Applied Biosystems in Redwood City, CA. In his spare time, Christian enjoys all that Vermont’s Green Mountains have to offer, including mountain biking, alpine and Nordic skiing with his family, and volunteering to build and maintain the local trail networks.