EB Research Institute Establishes Strategic Advisory Board to Accelerate Development of Therapies for Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa
Renowned experts from clinical medicine, biotechnology, intellectual property, research, finance and corporate governance appointed to support the Institute's long-term scientific and strategic development.
Salzburg, Austria – 18 August 2026 – EB Research Institute (EBRI), a leading non-profit research organization and a joint venture between DEBRA Austria and SALK (Salzburger Landeskliniken), dedicated to developing innovative therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), today announced the establishment of its Strategic Advisory Board. The newly formed board brings together distinguished leaders from clinical research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, intellectual property, corporate governance, and academic medicine to provide independent strategic guidance and support EB RI's mission of translating scientific discoveries into treatments for patients living with EB.
The Advisory Board has been established in accordance with the shareholder agreement of EB Research Institute and will serve as an independent body providing strategic, scientific, and operational advice to the management team. The Board will review research strategy, assess development opportunities, contribute external perspectives on risks and challenges, and support the Institute's long-term growth and impact in rare disease research.
The Advisory Board is chaired by Professor Martin Laimer, Professor of Dermatology and Deputy Head of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at University Hospital Salzburg, and internationally recognized expert in Epidermolysis Bullosa and rare diseases. Other members include Peter Llewellyn-Davies, President of Biotech Austria and experienced biotech executive; DrBernd Muehlenweg, biotech and pharmaceutical business development leader; Dr Daniela Schoegl, leading intellectual property and patent attorney; Dr Barbara Wolff-Winiski, translational scientist and biotechnology entrepreneur; and Professor Annemarie Weissenbacher, Rector of Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg.
Leadership Commentary
Dr Rainer Riedl, Founder of EB Research Institute, commented:
“It is fantastic that the EB Research Institute has succeeded in taking top-class academic EB research to a new level. The new focus is clearly on the development of medicines and therapies, embedded within an international network of academic institutions and industry partners. The Strategic Advisory Board that has now been established plays a crucial role in this endeavor. As the father of a butterfly child and founder of the patient organization DEBRA Austria, I feel very encouraged by this development.”
Dr Hana Cernecka, Managing Director of EB Research Institute, commented:
"The establishment of our Strategic Advisory Board marks an important milestone in the development of EB Research Institute. We are honored to bring together such an accomplished group of experts whose collective experience spans clinical care, scientific innovation, biotechnology development, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Their guidance will strengthen our ability to advance promising research into meaningful therapeutic opportunities for patients affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa."
Professor Martin Laimer, Chair of the Advisory Board, added:
"EB Research Institute has established itself as a highly respected organization within the international EB community. The Advisory Board brings together complementary expertise that can support the Institute's scientific excellence and strategic ambitions. I look forward to working with my fellow Advisory Board members and the management team to help accelerate the development of innovative therapies for patients living with EB."
Advisory Board Members
Professor Martin Laimer (Chair)
Professor Martin Laimer is Professor of Dermatology and Deputy Head of the Department of Dermatology & Allergology at University Hospital Salzburg. He has worked both clinically and scientifically in the field of rare diseases, with a particular focus on Epidermolysis Bullosa, for more than two decades. He leads clinical research activities at EB House Austria and serves as Co-Chairman of the Executive Board of the Salzburg Centre for Rare Diseases.
Peter Llewellyn-Davies
Peter Llewellyn-Davies is an experienced biotechnology executive with more than forty years of international experience in company formation, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic growth. He is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Accellerate Partners and serves as President of Biotech Austria. His career includes senior leadership positions at Apeiron Biologics, invIOs and multiple listed and private biotechnology companies.
Dr Bernd Muehlenweg
Dr Bernd Muehlenweg brings more than twenty-five years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical business development, strategic alliances, and corporate growth. He currently serves as Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Cellbox Solutions and previously held senior leadership roles at Evotec, Nanobiotix, and Panoptes Pharma.
Dr Daniela Schoegl
Dr Daniela Schoegl is an Austrian and European Patent Attorney with more than twenty-five years of experience in intellectual property protection, litigation, and innovation strategy within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics sectors. She is Partner at Fabian & Schögl Patentanwälte and provides extensive expertise in protecting and commercializing scientific innovation.
Dr Barbara Wolff-Winiski
Dr Barbara Wolff-Winiski is a translational scientist and biotechnology entrepreneur with more than thirty-five years of experience spanning academia, pharmaceutical research, and biotechnology development. She is Co-Founder, Co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Akribes Biomedical and previously held senior scientific leadership positions at Novartis, where she advanced multiple therapeutic programs in dermatology and oncology.
Professor Annemarie Weissenbacher
Professor Annemarie Weissenbacher is Rector of Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg. A surgeon and academic leader, she has held positions at the Medical University of Innsbruck and completed research training at the University of Oxford. Her expertise in medical research, education, and healthcare leadership contributes valuable strategic insight to the Advisory Board.
About EB Research Institute
EB Research Institute GmbH (EBRI) is a Salzburg-based research organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa and related rare diseases. Working closely with leading academic institutions, clinicians, patient organizations, and industry partners, EBRI's mission is to translate scientific discoveries into innovative therapeutic solutions that improve the lives of patients worldwide.
Media Contact
Dr Hana Cernecka, PharmD
Managing Director
EB Research Institute GmbH
Müllner Hauptstraße 48
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Email: hana.cernecka@eb-ri.org
Website: www.eb-ri.org