SAN DIEGO, Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermata Therapeutics, LLC, a biotechnology company developing innovative medical dermatology products for dermatologists and their patients, today announced the appointment of Wendell Wierenga, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Wierenga joins Dermata's Board of Directors with broad R&D experience in all therapeutic categories in both small and large companies, extensive Board and leadership experience and a diverse functional background in Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Analytical Science and Formulation Sciences. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in over 70 INDs, 15 NDAs, 16 marketed products and been awarded 30 patents.

"We are very excited to have Wendell be part of our Board of Directors. I have worked with Wendell for many years and believe he will be an invaluable asset in helping with the development of our programs from his years of experience in biotech," said Gerry Proehl, President, CEO and Director of Dermata.

In his most recent position, Dr. Wierenga served as Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company in San Diego, CA that was acquired by Salix Pharmaceuticals in January 2014 for $2.6 billion. Prior to joining Santarus, he held the position of Executive Vice President, Research and Development at both Ambit Biosciences and Neurocrine Biosciences. Before joining Neurocrine, Dr. Wierenga served as CEO of Syrrx, Inc., a private biotech company who was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals in 2005.

Dr. Wierenga earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University and his B.A. from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Cytokinetics, Ocera Therapeutics, and SRI Int'l and most recently was on the Board of Directors for Anacor Pharmaceuticals and XenoPort, Inc. prior to their sales to Pfizer and Arbor Pharmaceuticals, respectively. He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Concert Pharmaceuticals, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and aTyr Pharma, Inc.

About Dermata: Dermata is a development-stage biotechnology company focused on making major advancements in the treatment of serious diseases treated by dermatologists. Dermata has a team of experienced individuals who are currently focused on progressing four programs for the treatment of acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and ocular rosacea. To learn more about Dermata and its pipeline of treatments, please visit www.dermatarx.com.

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SOURCE Dermata Therapeutics, LLC