Jorge Santiago-Ortiz

Dr. Jorge Santiago-Ortiz is the Vice President of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) and Regulatory Affairs at Apertura Gene Therapy. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, graduating with maximum honors, and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral research in Dr. David Schaffer’s laboratory focused on the engineering of lentiviral and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy applications. Dr. Santiago-Ortiz began his industry career at BioConsortia Inc., where he directed the fermentation, scale-up, and technology transfer of beneficial plant-associated microbes to enhance crop yields and plant health. He later served as Senior Director of Process R&D at BioCentriq, a cell and gene therapy CDMO, where he led the Process R&D group and oversaw technology transfer and process development for gene and cell therapy clinical products, contributions that directly supported the CDMO’s eventual acquisition. At Apertura, Dr. Santiago-Ortiz oversees internal and outsourced manufacturing operations and drives CMC and regulatory strategy, ensuring alignment with preclinical and operational priorities. Beyond his role at Apertura, he serves as the Co-Chair of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy’s Workforce Development Committee.