Kaerus Bioscience is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing targeted therapeutics for rare genetic syndromes of neurodevelopment. Kaerus’ lead program is focused on Fragile X syndrome, the most common genetic cause of intellectual disabilities and autism globally.

Established in 2016, Autós provides consultancy and advisory services to clients across the life sciences ecosystem, including biopharma, newcos, non-profit foundations, private investors, philanthropists and venture funds. Autós draws on extensive experience with psychiatric and neurological disorders, and specializes in rare (orphan) diseases of the CNS, including the autism spectrum and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

As CSO, led the science mission at Autism Speaks, a global patient foundation responsible for over $300M in research funding and investment since its founding in 2005. As CSO, responsible for overseeing the foundation's team of 30 and portfolio of grant and research programs. Key achievement during tenure include:- Collaborative partnership with Google (now Verily) and SickKids (Toronto) to launch MSSNG, an open-access database of over 10K whole genome sequences collected from multiplex families with autism and related disorders. - Launch and leadership of the foundation's Venture Arm, DELSIA, which enabled the foundation to support and invest in entrepreneurs and start-ups working on science-based products (eg therapeutics, assistive tech, medical foods, etc) for individuals with autism.- Role in EU-AIMS, a precompetitive research consortium of over 30 industry, academic and patient groups working across the EU to accelerate therapeutics development for autism.

Led Pfizer's groundbreaking new therapeutic area research unit focused on the discovery and development of medicines for neurodevelopmental disorders: At the time, among large pharma's earliest dedicated units invested in pursuing therapeutic opportunities across the autism spectrum, including a focus on rare CNS disorders (e.g. Fragile X, Phelan-McDermid, and Rett syndromes). Member of Pfizer's Neuroscience Leadership team, and as therapeutic area head responsible for portfolio of both discovery and development opportunities extending from basic target identification through early phase 2 proof-of-concept studies.

TA lead, responsible for the management of Wyeth's preclinical mood disorders portfolio, which included overseeing cross-functional, drug-hunting teams prosecuting targets for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Direct managerial oversight of three labs (behavioral pharmacology, in vitro pharmacology, assay development) totaling 12 FTEs (+2 post docs). During period, also served as team leader for Wyeth's mGluR5 NAM program, which discovered and advanced GRN-529 into pre-clinical development. Characterization of GRN-529 as a therpaeutic candidate for autism spectrum disorders can be found in our Science Translation paper (Silverman JL Science Trans Med 2012). While at Wyeth, spearheaded internal initiative aimed at developing the research and business strategy for launching a new therapeutic area research program in neurodevelopmental disorders (focus on autism).

As a Principal Scientist, served as Group Leader and responsible for managing Wyeth Neuroscience's molecular neurobiology group, a group focused on leveraging systems biology approaches, expertise and technology, responsible for supporting target ID campaigns for all CNS therapeutic area portfolios (psychiatry, neurodegeneration and pain). Scope of responsibilities included management of a team of 7 FTE (+ 2 Post Docs) focused on the evaluation, optimization and application of omics-based profiling platforms (e.g. DNA/RNA sequencing, microarray, MALDI MS, SNP discovery) in drug hunting campaigns. Specific experience working with viral-mediated (lenti, adeno) approaches to target validation and the development of high-throughput assay platforms focused on synaptic plasticity readouts (e.g. neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth). Research expert in neuropeptide systems of the CNS, with a specific focus on oxytocin and vasopressin. During period, served as team leader for Wyeth's oxytocin receptor agonist (OxtR) and vasopressin receptor programs (V1a, V1b). Advanced several targets through successful HTS, lead ID & optimization campaigns and into clinical candidate selection. Led team the advanced the field's first small molecule oxytocin receptor agonist WAY-267464 (Ring RH Neuropharm 2010).

Position since 2008 | Associate Professor and member of adjunct and currently serves as a volunteer instructor in the department's degree granting program in Drug Discovery and Development.

Position held since 2007 | Associate Professor and member of adjunct.

After completing my undergraduate degrees in both fine art and biology, and before I would choose a path in neuroscience, I worked endeavored to establish myself as professional artist. During this period, I worked from studios in Santa Barbara and Claremont, exhibited my paintings in both solo and group shows across the southwest. Examples of my work from this period can be found at( www.robringart.com/paintings).