SpaceMD appoints former Merck PI, NASA tech director to bolster space pharma
LUNR•Redwire’s SpaceMD venture has appointed former Merck Principal Investigator Paul Reichert and ex-NASA technology director Niki Werkheiser to strategic advisory roles at SpaceMD. Reichert will lead identification of drug candidates and the build-out of an orbital research and manufacturing pipeline, while Werkheiser focuses on therapeutic concepts on the ISS and commercial platforms.
1. Strategic Advisory Appointments
SpaceMD, Redwire’s microgravity pharmaceutical venture, has named Paul Reichert and Niki Werkheiser to its strategic advisory board. Reichert brings experience as a Merck Principal Investigator and Werkheiser joins from her role leading technology maturation at NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
2. Defined Roles and Pipeline Development
In his advisory role, Reichert will identify and prioritize promising drug candidates while overseeing the development of an orbital research and manufacturing pipeline. This pipeline is intended to accelerate in-space biopharmaceutical processes and provide a foundation for commercial drug production.
3. Focus on Therapeutics and Commercial Platforms
Werkheiser will concentrate on developing novel therapeutic concepts and pharmaceutical research opportunities on the International Space Station and emerging commercial space platforms. Her expertise is expected to expand SpaceMD’s research scope and strengthen partnerships for in-orbit drug development.
