MEET THE EXPERTS WHO WORK ON YOUR PROJECT
Get to Know Us
Via Therapeutics was founded by leaders in pharmaceutical formulation science. Our leadership team remains actively involved in the development of every program. Clients work directly with the scientists responsible for advancing the technology.
John Koleng, Ph.D., R.Ph.
President/CSO & Co-Founder
Dr. John J. Koleng is President, CSO, and Co-Founder of Via Therapeutics, and a pharmaceutical development leader with more than 25 years of experience in drug product development, manufacturing, and commercialization. He has led the advancement of innovative therapies across a broad range of dosage forms, delivery technologies and indications, with expertise spanning formulation development, scale-up, cGMP manufacturing, CMC regulatory strategy, and clinical supply production. Dr. Koleng has held executive leadership roles in both emerging biotech companies and pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations, including serving as Vice President of Product Development and Manufacturing at TFF Pharmaceuticals. He is also a co-founder of multiple life sciences consultancies and development companies focused on advancing novel therapeutics. An inventor on numerous issued patents and an author of multiple scientific publications, Dr. Koleng holds a B.S. in Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from The University of Texas at Austin, where he also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.
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Zachary Warnken PharmD, Ph.D.
Director, Pharmaceutical Development
Dr. Zachary Warnken is the Director of Pharmaceutical Development at Via Therapeutics and an experienced pharmaceutical scientist specializing in drug delivery, formulation development, and translational therapeutics. His work focuses on advancing innovative treatment platforms from early research through preclinical development, with expertise in nanotechnology, pulmonary and nasal drug delivery, and pharmaceutical process development. Dr. Warnken has contributed to multiple emerging biotechnology programs and collaborative research initiatives aimed at improving therapeutic performance and patient outcomes. He has authored numerous scientific publications and patents in the field of pharmaceutics and continues to support the development of next-generation therapies through both scientific leadership and strategic product development.
Hugh D.C. Smyth, Ph.D
Co-Founder & Consulting Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Hugh D. C. Smyth is an internationally recognized leader in drug delivery, inhalation science, and pharmaceutical formulation development. As Co-Founder of Via Therapeutics, his leadership contributes to the company’s therapeutic platforms and product development strategies. Dr. Smyth is widely known for his work in pulmonary and nasal drug delivery, particle engineering, and translational pharmaceutics, with extensive experience advancing novel therapies from early-stage research to clinical development. He has authored numerous scientific publications, patents, and presentations. He has led industry collaborations focused on improving drug delivery performance and patient outcomes. In addition to guiding scientific and formulation strategy across Via Therapeutics’ programs, Dr. Smyth serves as a Full Professor at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to Via Therapeutics, Dr Smyth founded Respira Therapeutics, and has leadership roles at Nob Hill Therapeutics and Cloxero Therapeutics. Dr Smyth received his Pharmacy and Ph.D. from the University of Otago and postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Robert (Bill) O. Williams III, Ph.D
Co-Founder & Consultant
Dr. Robert (Bill) O. Williams is a consultant to Via Therapeutics and a globally recognized expert in drug delivery and formulation science. With decades of experience advancing pharmaceutical innovation, he has made significant contributions to improving the performance and translational potential of therapeutics. His expertise helps guide the development of effective, scalable solutions.
Zhengrong Cui, Ph.D
Co-Founder & Consultant
Dr. Zhengrong Cui is a consultant to Via Therapeutics and an expert in pharmaceutics and advanced drug delivery systems. His work focuses on innovative approaches to vaccines, biologics, and cancer therapies, integrating cutting-edge science with practical application. He provides strategic insight to support the development of next-generation therapeutics.
Jamie E. Spahn, Ph.D
Compliance and Project Manager
Dr. Jamie Spahn is the Compliance and Project Manager at Via Therapeutics, supporting regulatory coordination and project execution. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences and drug delivery, she contributes scientific and operational expertise to advance innovative therapies.