I am thrilled to welcome Steve Paul to Between the Biotech Waves.
With nearly 50 years of experience as a physician-scientist, Steve has made significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience, molecular neuropharmacology, and CNS drug discovery and development. He is the scientific co-founder of Sage Therapeutics, where he played a key role as the interim head of Research and Development during its formative stages which ultimately led to the approval of the first drug for postpartum depression. Additionally, he co-founded Voyager Therapeutics, a pioneering company in CNS gene therapy, and served as its president and CEO.
Steve’s leadership extends to Karuna Pharmaceuticals, where he served as CEO and chairman, developing groundbreaking treatments for schizophrenia and dementia-related psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative work culminated in the company’s sale to Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2023 for an impressive $14 billion.
Previously, Steve directed the Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medical College and is currently a professor of psychiatry and neurology at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. His distinguished career also includes 17 years at Eli Lilly, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Executive Vice President for Science and Technology and President of Lilly Research Laboratories. Before his time at Lilly, he spent 18 years at the National Institutes of Health, serving as the scientific director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
Steve's remarkable contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, and he has actively participated in many committees and advisory boards throughout his career. He is the author or co-author of over 550 scientific papers and book chapters, solidifying his impact on the field.
Currently, Steve serves as a Venture Partner at Third Rock Ventures and is the recent founder of Seaport Therapeutics.
Join me as we explore Steve’s extraordinary journey and gain insights into the future of neuroscience and drug development.