I am a Neurologist with a background of over 30 years of drug development and clinical trials experience in academia, biotechnology, large and small pharmaceutical companies. My focus has been therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) neuromuscular disorders (ALS, peripheral neuropathies) and ophthalmological disorders, and is represented in a body of over 130 peer-reviewed publications. I have led cross-functional teams developing small molecule, protein and antisense therapeutics in all stages of the development process, including preclinical development, Phase 1, translational and “Proof of Concept” studies, Phase 3 clinical studies. I have played key roles in the development of several marketed products, including Sinemet CR for treatment of motor response fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease, and Eyelea for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration and other retinal vascular conditions.
I obtained my MD from Yale Medical School, where I am currently Professor Neurology and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry. After residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center I joined the Cornell faculty and led the Parkinson and Movement Disorders program there from 1983-1990. I then joined the pharmaceutical industry, holding leadership positions at Regeneron Elan, Cytokinetics, Bristol-Myers Squib and Biogen. In 2024 I joined the faculty of Yale School of Medicine, where I lead a clinical team investigating the potential of immune system modification to alter the course of PD.
