Atsuko Sakurai-Sangria, Ph.D.

Director, CMC

Atsuko is a molecular biologist with over 12 years of experience in vaccine development within the industry. She received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Kitasato University in Tokyo, Japan. She completed her postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) in Dr. Silvio Gutkind’s laboratory, where she investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck cancer development and metastasis.

Following her transition from academia to industry, Atsuko gained extensive hands-on experience in vaccine development for emerging infectious diseases. Her areas of expertise include biologics process development, technology transfer, and CMC. She has played a pivotal role in advancing multiple vaccine candidates—including mRNA/LNP-based products—from the discovery phase to the clinic during her time at VLP Therapeutics, GSK Vaccines, and RVAC Medicines.