Former Merck and NASA Veterans Join SpaceMD as Space Pharma Momentum Builds

By Karen Roman

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) said it designated Paul Reichert and Niki Werkheiser to serve at strategic advisory roles at Space Microgravity Development (SpaceMD), Redwire’s venture company focused on the microgravity environment in space.

Mr. Reichert is a former Merck & Co. Inc. Principal Investigator while Ms. Werkheiser is a former Director of Technology Maturation at NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, the company stated.

Mr. Reichert will identify promising drug candidates and support the development of an orbital research and manufacturing pipeline, and Ms. Werkheiser will focus on developing new therapeutic concepts and pharmaceutical research opportunities on the International Space Station and new commercial platforms, it said.

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“SpaceMD’s mission is to unlock new pharmaceutical drugs through cutting-edge, space-based research. Bringing Paul and Niki onto our advisory team significantly advances that mission,” said John Vellinger, SpaceMD CEO. “Their unparalleled expertise in drug development and go-to-market strategy, biopharmaceutical research, and space technology will bolster the momentum already underway as SpaceMD continues to lead the industry in in‑space pharmaceutical research.”