RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Merakris Therapeutics has named Roger Ilagan, PhD as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Responsible for guiding the biologic drug development of first-in-class wound care technology that leverages the regenerative healing properties of cell-free amniotic fluid, Dr. Ilagan, will begin serving as CSO immediately. Dr. Ilagan joined Merakris Therapeutics in 2023 and previously served as the Vice President of Research and Development.
Dr. Ilagan has more than 18 years of experience in biotechnology and regenerative medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Ilagan has been involved in all stages of product development, from the discovery phase to clinical trials, particularly in the areas of cell and gene therapies, extracellular vesicle therapies, biological mimetics, and tissue-engineered organs. He specializes in advancing regenerative medicine products from basic research into Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production, through Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies, and into clinical trials.
鈥淩oger is an expert in biological mechanisms and therapeutic action, particularly within the field of regenerative medicine. This is critical to securing intellectual property and advancing therapies through the regulatory approval process. With a proven track-record of bringing our novel, cell-free investigational drug product and lead clinical asset, MTX-001, into a highly scalable GMP operation to support our ongoing clinical trials, Roger will be tasked with overseeing clinical study strategies, manufacturing technologies, and product pipeline expansion,鈥� said Chris Broderick, CEO of Merakris Therapeutics.
鈥淚 am excited to accept this new role at Merakris Therapeutics and continue our work pioneering cell-free regenerative medicine to patients in need. By leveraging the extraordinary healing capabilities of human amniotic fluid, we are developing products that transform the standard of patient care,鈥� said Dr. Roger Ilagan, CSO at Merakris Therapeutics.
An inventor on multiple issued patents for biological product innovations, Dr. Ilagan earned his PhD in Cell Biology from Duke University, after receiving his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri.
About Merakris Therapeutics
Merakris Therapeutics is a leading innovator in regenerative medicine focused on developing and commercializing biologically derived products for wound healing and other complex conditions. Leveraging advanced biologic manufacturing capabilities and a robust research pipeline, Merakris is committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing the science of regenerative therapies.