#United States #Providence #Lilac Biosciences #Adriana Coll De Peña #ModQuant

Lilac Biosciences Appoints New CEO to Revolutionize RNA Measurement

In a significant stride towards transforming RNA measurement methodologies, Lilac Biosciences Inc., a pioneering spinout from Brown University, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Adriana Coll De Peña as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic leadership change, effective from September 15, 2026, aims to further propel the company's mission of democratizing RNA measurement technologies across various laboratory environments.

Dr. Coll De Peña joins Lilac after an impressive tenure as a scientist at Moderna, where she specialized in high-throughput analytical methods. Throughout her career, she has made substantial contributions to biomedical engineering and has been recognized for her expertise with multiple prestigious awards, including the CASSS Next Generation Investigator Award. With a Ph.D. from Brown University, her academic background aligns perfectly with Lilac's commitment to advancing RNA research methodologies.

Under her leadership, Lilac Biosciences plans to expand its offerings beyond its inaugural product, the ModQuant™ RNA modification kit. This groundbreaking kit is already making waves in the laboratory community by facilitating quantitative RNA measurements using qPCR technology, all performed on the instruments labs currently possess. Dr. Coll De Peña underscores the importance of reliable RNA measurements saying, "Every RNA program, from basic research to therapeutic discovery, depends on measurements people can trust."

The ModQuant™ platform allows researchers to obtain quantitative readouts of RNA modifications from a mere 1 ng of mRNA within a single day, circumventing the need for extensive sequencing or complex bioinformatics. This efficiency positions Lilac Biosciences at the forefront of RNA research technology, reinforcing its role as a partner for both academic and commercial laboratories.

While Lilac's efforts began with quantitative assays for RNA modifications, the company envisions a more extensive suite of RNA research tools, including multiplexed panels for simultaneous measurement of multiple RNA modifications and RNA quality assays. These innovations will complement existing laboratory workflows, enhancing the research process while maintaining accuracy and speed.

"We aim to build the next kits in collaboration with the very researchers who will utilize them," adds Dr. Coll De Peña. The emphasis on collaboration reflects Lilac's openness to engagement with research labs, translational teams, and developers in the RNA medicine community as they seek to refine their product offerings through pilot studies and joint research initiatives.

Lilac has already garnered attention and recognition, being honored as Startup of the Year during Brown University's Innovation Showcase in 2026. This accolade not only spotlights the company's potential but also boosts its commitment to enhancing RNA science.

The ModQuant™ platform's first kit, which focuses on quantifying global N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is currently shipping, with plans for future kits already in development. Each product is meticulously designed and manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, ensuring quality and reliability throughout their offerings.

Research groups or organizations interested in collaborating with Lilac or participating in a pilot study are encouraged to reach out via [email protected] or consult their website at lilacbiosciences.com/services. It’s an exciting time for Lilac Biosciences as it embarks on this journey under new leadership, aiming to redefine RNA measurement in laboratories worldwide.

As Lilac Biosciences continues to innovate, the implications for RNA-based research and therapeutic discovery could prove monumental, paving the way for faster, more accurate insights that propel the scientific community forward.

About Lilac Biosciences

Lilac Biosciences Inc. is dedicated to revolutionizing RNA measurement technologies through their ModQuant™ platform. By enabling reliable quantification of RNA modifications with minimal sample requirements, Lilac aims to enrich every aspect of RNA-related research and therapeutic discovery. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Lilac officially operates under strict regulations for research use.

For further information on their cutting-edge products and collaborations, visit lilacbiosciences.com.