Covalt Bio Launches to Transform Drug Delivery
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Brianna Vickerman Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and Launches Covalt Bio to Transform Drug Delivery
Chapel Hill, NC, May 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rising biotech innovator Dr. Brianna Vickerman presented at the Forbes Under 30 Summit 2026, spotlighting her pioneering work at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and next generation medicine. The invitation follows her inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list, which recognizes young leaders shaping the future of scientific innovation. In tandem with this national recognition, Vickerman has officially launched Covalt Bio, a biotechnology company advancing a breakthrough light activated drug delivery platform designed to fundamentally redefine how medicines are deployed in the body.
Dr. Vickerman was recognized by Forbes for co-inventing a novel light-activated therapeutics platform—a technology designed to precisely control when, where, and how much of a drug is released in the body. By activating drugs only at diseased tissue and only when needed, the technology has the potential to significantly enhance efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and side effects.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful,” said Vickerman. “Our goal has always been to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact—helping patients receive safer, more effective treatments.”
From Breakthrough Research to Real-World Impact
Originally developed during her doctoral research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Vickerman’s platform enables drugs to be activated using light, offering unprecedented control over location, timing, and dosage.
With support from Eshelman Innovation and Kickstart Venture Services (part of Innovate Carolina), the platform advanced from early-stage research into a scalable therapeutic approach, attracting millions in funding and national recognition.
ABOUT COVALT BIO
Covalt Bio is a biotechnology company developing innovative drug delivery technologies that improve patient outcomes by maximizing efficacy and minimizing side effects. Through its proprietary light-activated platform, the company aims to enable safer, more targeted therapies across a broad range of diseases.
Media Contact
Logan Zwerneman, PhD