BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sensorium Therapeutics (Sensorium), a pioneering biotechnology company that draws inspiration from nature and human experiences to unlock groundbreaking therapeutics, has just announced a significant addition to its Board of Directors. Welcoming veteran life sciences executive David Southwell is more than just a strategic move; it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company.
Dick Simon, the Chief Executive Officer of Sensorium, expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome David to our Board. He is a seasoned life sciences executive with a track record of success that spans multiple therapeutic areas and development stages. David’s depth of experience will be a key asset as we advance our lead program, SENS-01, towards the clinic and expand our drug pipeline into additional high-value indications.”
David Southwell is a recognized leader in the biotechnology realm, as evidenced by his most recent role as Chief Executive Officer of TScan Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCRX), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company with a focus on T cell receptors. His illustrious career includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Inotek Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ITEK), a clinical-stage ophthalmology company that merged into Rocket Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage gene therapy company, in 2018.
David also held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Human Genome Sciences from 2010 until its acquisition by GSK in 2012. Notably, he served on the board of HGSI from 2008 to 2010. Prior to his role at Human Genome Sciences, David was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sepracor, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from June 1994 to March 2008. His journey in the field began with an impressive stint in investment banking at Lehman Brothers Inc. from August 1988 to 1994.
Mr. Southwell shared his excitement about joining Sensorium, stating, “As someone who has spent decades in this field, I am excited to join the Board of Sensorium. I believe the Company’s approach to drug discovery, which is target-agnostic and based on a documented history of human use, can yield new mechanistic treatment approaches that are both more efficacious and better tolerated than current standards of care. The CNS field, in particular, represents tremendous unmet need with standards of care developed decades ago.”
Beyond his role with Sensorium, Mr. Southwell currently serves on the Boards of Rocket Pharmaceuticals and PTC Therapeutics (NASDAQ: PTCT). He has also lent his expertise to the Boards of Spero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SPRO), THL Credit, and Inventiv Health, and served as Chairman of Biosphere Medical. David holds a B.A. in economics and managerial studies from Rice University and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
About Sensorium Therapeutics
Sensorium Therapeutics is no ordinary biotechnology company. It’s a visionary trailblazer on a mission to harness the wisdom of nature and human experiences, crafting a new era of therapeutics that are not only safer but also remarkably effective, especially in the challenging realm of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders.
Sensorium’s innovation journey is nothing short of groundbreaking. Armed with the world’s largest proprietary database of natural products validated for human efficacy, and powered by high-speed iPSC neuronal screening driven by an iterative AI data engine, they’re rewriting the playbook for drug discovery. Their approach is target-agnostic, uncovering unique mechanisms of action and swiftly identifying candidates that outshine current standards of care. This novel approach significantly boosts the odds of clinical success.
At the heart of Sensorium’s bold venture is their lead program, SENS-01—a next-generation therapeutic designed to tackle the formidable challenges of depression and anxiety head-on.
What sets Sensorium apart is its pedigree. Founded by a remarkable ensemble of world-class researchers, clinicians, and drug developers hailing from prestigious institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the company is backed by a robust foundation of expertise. In late 2022, Sensorium secured a transformative $31 million in Series A financing, spearheaded by Santé Ventures, and featuring notable participation from Route 66 Ventures, CU Healthcare Innovation Fund, and other strategic partners.
Sensorium Therapeutics is not just a biotech company; it’s a catalyst for change, ushering in a new era of healing by bridging the gap between nature’s wisdom and cutting-edge science.