2A Biosciences is advancing novel serotonergic therapies to transform degenerative and inflammatory disease treatments.
We are developing first- and best-in-class small molecules that modify disease, beginning with neurodegenerative eye diseases.
Our Mission
The Genesis of 2A Biosciences
In 2007, Dr. Charles Nichols made the pivotal discovery that certain serotonin 2A agonists, commonly known as psychedelics, can drive potent anti-inflammatory effects. Working alongside his father Dr. David Nichols, a pioneer whose research laid the foundation for modern psychedelic science and CNS therapeutics, the two uncovered how 2A receptor activation mediates anti-inflammatory and neuroplastic effects without inducing hallucinogenic effects.
Meet the Team
-
Alex Speiser
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
-
Charles Nichols, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer
-
David Nichols, PhD
Co-Founder & Head of Chemistry
-
Tim Foster, PhD
Co-Founder & Head of Translational Discovery Research
-
Allan Shepard, PhD
Chief Development & Operations Officer
-
Gerald Billac, PhD
Director of Preclinical Operations
-
Marina Crowe, MBA
Vice President of Corporate Development
Team Track Record
Aggregate accomplishments of founding scientists & executives
490+
Peer-review publications
& book chapters
50+
Patents filed & issued
4
IND enabling
development programs
10
Clinical trials run
10
Drug approvals
3
IPOs
Advisors
Development
Chris Crean
CEO of Xyzagen
External Advisor for PK/PD
Jim Chastain, PhD
Former Ophthalmology Unit Head (PK Sciences), Novartis & Alcon
External Advisor for DMPK
Chris Verbicky, PhD
President, PharmaLogic Development
Head of CMC-DS
Rose Verhoeven, PhD
Former Toxicology Director, Aerie
Head of Toxicology
Alan Weiner, PhD
Former Sr. Director of Pharmaceuticals, Alcon External Advisor for CMC-DP
Clinical & Commercial
Rayaz Malik, MBChB, PhD, FRCP
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
External Diabetes and Corneal Neuropathy Clinical Advisor
Gary Sternberg, MD, MBA
Former CMO, Aerie (acq. by Alcon)
Chief Medical Advisor
Founder and former Medical Director of Pepose Vision Institute External Cornea & Ocular Disease Clinical Advisor
Jay Pepose, MD, PhD
Former Commercial / BD Head at Shire (acq. by Takeda)
External Commercial Advisor
