About Us

Richard is a Distinguished Professor and the Founding Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the UCSD School of Medicine. He is a leading medical scientist in the human immunology and skin microbiome space. Richard’s groundbreaking research discovered the existence of antimicrobial peptides in mammalian skin, revolutionizing our understanding of the function of the skin microbiome in human health and advancing our understanding of diseases including atopic dermatitis, rosacea and acne. MatriSys’ discovery platform is built upon his pioneering research at the Gallo Laboratory at the University of California San Diego. Richard has received major awards from the Society of Investigative Dermatology, the Japanese Society of Investigative Dermatology, and the European Societies of Investigative Dermatology. He has also been elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of Microbiology, the American Association of Clinical Investigation, the American Association of Professors and the American Dermatology Association. He completed his Dermatology Residency at Harvard Medical School and holds an MD and PhD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

John’s 40-year career has focused on management and leadership of both small and large pharma companies, including Agouron (acquired by Pfizer in 2000), Ardea (acquired by AstraZeneca in 2015) and COO/Co-founder of Aristea Therapeutics. He has been directly involved in the development and approval of four medicines for the treatment of several serious diseases and has managed hundreds of programs throughout the development lifecycle. John has a degree in Microbiology/Immunology from the University of Washington. He is also an active investor, deal lead and advisor for NuFund Venture Group and sits on several Boards in the life science field.