Vernal Biosciences Inc., a leader in mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development, manufacturing, and analytics, has appointed Jim Petrilla as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Director.
 
Petrilla succeeds founding CEO Christian Cobaugh, Ph.D., who will continue with the company as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Board Director, focusing on advancing Vernal’s scientific and technological capabilities to further excellence in innovation.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Vernal Biosciences,” says Cobaugh. “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.”

About Jim Petrilla

With over 30 years of commercial experience across the biopharma and clinical research sectors, Petrilla brings a strong track record of transformative leadership and operational excellence. He will lead Vernal in its mission of advancing mRNA technology to reshape modern healthcare.
 
Petrilla previously served as the Founding CEO of BioAgilytix Labs where he established partnerships with prominent pharma and biotech companies, driving significant growth and earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list. He has held senior roles at major industry players such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Becton Dickinson, managing complex projects and leading global teams generating up to $500 million in annual revenue.
 
Commenting on his new role, Petrilla remarks, “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.”