Show-Me State Times

Four researchers from Saint Louis University (SLU) have been named Senior Members by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The honorees are Enrico Di Cera, M.D., Koyal Garg, Ph.D., Nicola Pozzi, Ph.D., and Silviya Zustiak, Ph.D.

NAI Senior Members are recognized for their innovation in producing technologies that impact society's welfare. They also show success in patents, licensing, commercialization, and mentoring future inventors.

Enrico Di Cera is noted for his research on thrombin and pro-thrombin structures and functions. His work has led to patents used by Aronora, including a protein C activator enzyme targeting pathological blood clots. Aronora has completed Phase II clinical trials with this product for thrombosis treatment in end-stage renal disease patients during hemodialysis.

Koyal Garg focuses on regenerative solutions for bone, muscle, and soft tissue injuries. Her lab develops bio-inspired materials as templates for stem cells and pharmaceuticals to treat volumetric muscle loss (VML). This technology is licensed to GenAssist, which is developing MyoMatrix to replace lost muscle tissue after severe injuries.

Nicola Pozzi's research aims to understand thrombosis and hemostasis mechanisms. He has developed new diagnostic methods for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) used in clinical trials with APS Action. His work includes designing novel anti-thrombotic therapeutics licensed to Aronora.

Silviya Zustiak leads research on hydrogel biomaterials and soft tissue engineering. Her work includes nanocomposite biomaterials as cell scaffolds and drug delivery devices. She holds four patents related to hydrogel materials for drug discovery and delivery.

The 2025 class of Senior Members will be honored at the NAI’s 14th Annual Conference in Atlanta from June 23-26.