Bright Minds Biosciences Appoints Pharmaceutical Leader, Stephen Collins, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG) has appointed Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately. Dr. Collins brings extensive experience in drug development and clinical expertise in epilepsy, replacing Mark A. Smith M.D., Ph.D., who will retire as Acting CMO but continue in an advisory role.
The appointment comes as the company advances its BREAKTHROUGH Study, a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating BMB-101 in adult patients with classic Absence Epilepsy and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE). Dr. Collins previously served as CEO of Biscayne Neurotherapeutics and Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. His track record includes leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, and Ovation Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to the development and approval of multiple anti-convulsant therapies.
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG) ha nominato Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., come Chief Medical Officer (CMO), con effetto immediato. Il Dr. Collins porta un'ampia esperienza nello sviluppo di farmaci e competenze cliniche in epilessia, sostituendo Mark A. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., che andrà in pensione come CMO ad interim ma continuerà in un ruolo consultivo.
La nomina arriva mentre l'azienda avanza con lo studio BREAKTHROUGH, uno studio clinico di fase 2 che valuta BMB-101 in pazienti adulti con epilessia assente classica e encefalopatia epilettica dello sviluppo (DEE). Il Dr. Collins ha precedentemente ricoperto il ruolo di CEO di Biscayne Neurotherapeutics e Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, che è stata acquisita da Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Il suo curriculum include ruoli di leadership presso Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories e Ovation Pharmaceuticals, dove ha contribuito allo sviluppo e all'approvazione di diverse terapie anticonvulsivanti.
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG) ha nombrado a Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., como Director Médico (CMO), con efecto inmediato. El Dr. Collins aporta una amplia experiencia en el desarrollo de fármacos y experiencia clínica en epilepsia, reemplazando a Mark A. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., quien se retirará como CMO interino pero continuará en un papel de asesor.
El nombramiento se produce mientras la compañía avanza con el Estudio BREAKTHROUGH, un ensayo clínico de fase 2 que evalúa BMB-101 en pacientes adultos con epilepsia de ausencia clásica y encefalopatía epiléptica del desarrollo (DEE). El Dr. Collins anteriormente se desempeñó como CEO de Biscayne Neurotherapeutics y Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, que fue adquirida por Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Su trayectoria incluye roles de liderazgo en Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories y Ovation Pharmaceuticals, donde contribuyó al desarrollo y aprobación de diversas terapias anticonvulsivas.
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG)는 Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.를 최고 의료 책임자(CMO)로 즉시 임명했습니다. Collins 박사는 약물 개발과 간질 분야에서 풍부한 임상 경험을 가지고 있으며, Mark A. Smith M.D., Ph.D.를 대신하여 임시 CMO로서 은퇴하겠지만 자문 역할은 계속 수행할 것입니다.
이번 임명은 회사가 BREAKTHROUGH 연구를 진행하는 가운데 이루어졌으며, 이는 성인 환자의 고전적인 간질 및 발달성 간질 뇌병증 (DEE)을 평가하는 2상 임상 시험입니다. Collins 박사는 Biscayne Neurotherapeutics와 Biscayne Pharmaceuticals의 CEO로 재직했으며, 후자는 Supernus Pharmaceuticals에 인수되었습니다. 그의 경력에는 Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Ovation Pharmaceuticals의 리더십 역할이 포함되어 있으며, 여러 종류의 항경련제 치료제의 개발 및 승인을 지원했습니다.
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG) a nommé Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., en tant que Directeur Médical (CMO), avec effet immédiat. Le Dr Collins apporte une vaste expérience dans le développement de médicaments et une expertise clinique en épilepsie, remplaçant Mark A. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., qui prendra sa retraite en tant que CMO par intérim mais continuera dans un rôle consultatif.
Cette nomination intervient alors que l'entreprise fait progresser l'étude BREAKTHROUGH, un essai clinique de phase 2 évaluant BMB-101 chez des patients adultes atteints d'épilepsie de type absence classique et d'encéphalopathie épileptique développementale (DEE). Le Dr Collins a précédemment été CEO de Biscayne Neurotherapeutics et Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, qui a été acquise par Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Son parcours inclut des rôles de leadership chez Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories et Ovation Pharmaceuticals, où il a contribué au développement et à l'approbation de plusieurs thérapies anticonvulsivantes.
Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ: DRUG) hat Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., sofort zum Chief Medical Officer (CMO) ernannt. Dr. Collins bringt umfangreiche Erfahrung in der Arzneimittelentwicklung sowie klinische Expertise in der Epilepsie mit und ersetzt Mark A. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., der als amtierender CMO in den Ruhestand geht, aber weiterhin in beratender Funktion tätig sein wird.
Die Ernennung erfolgt, während das Unternehmen die BREAKTHROUGH-Studie vorantreibt, eine Phase-2-Klinikstudie zur Bewertung von BMB-101 bei erwachsenen Patienten mit klassischer Absence-Epilepsie und Entwicklungs-Epileptischer Enzephalopathie (DEE). Dr. Collins war zuvor CEO von Biscayne Neurotherapeutics und Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, die von Supernus Pharmaceuticals übernommen wurden. Seine Erfolgsbilanz umfasst Führungspositionen bei Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories und Ovation Pharmaceuticals, wo er zur Entwicklung und Zulassung mehrerer Antikonvulsiva beigetragen hat.
- Appointment of experienced CMO with proven track record in CNS drug development
- New CMO's previous company (Biscayne) successfully sold to Supernus Pharmaceuticals
- Ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial (BREAKTHROUGH Study) for BMB-101
- Previous CMO remains involved in advisory capacity, ensuring continuity
- None.
-- Dr. Collins brings extensive drug development and clinical expertise in epilepsy --
NEW YORK and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Minds Biosciences, Inc. (“Bright Minds,” “BMB” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DRUG), a pioneering company focused on developing highly selective 5-HT2 agonists for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that Stephen D. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., will join the Company as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately. The Company also announces that Mark A. Smith M.D., Ph.D., will retire from his role as Acting CMO, but will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.
“As Bright Minds continues to evolve its focus to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Collins at this pivotal time. Throughout his distinguished career as an R&D leader, Steve has a demonstrated track record of leadership and strategic oversight from pre-clinical development through successful commercialization of several drugs across therapeutic areas. His experience advancing novel therapeutics in the CNS space aligns perfectly with our mission to develop the next generation of serotonin drugs to improve patient outcomes,” said Ian McDonald, CEO and Co-founder of Bright Minds Biosciences.
“I am delighted to join the Bright Minds team and to continue investigating new chemical entities to treat rare epilepsies, an important and underserved area of therapeutics. With the recent initiation of the BREAKTHROUGH Study, an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of BMB-101 in adult patients with classic Absence Epilepsy and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE), I look forward to bringing my experience to guide the Company through its next phase of clinical development,” stated Dr. Collins.
Prior to joining Bright Minds, Dr. Collins simultaneously served as CEO of Biscayne Neurotherapeutics, a small molecule clinical stage company focused on CNS disorders, and CEO and President of Biscayne Pharmaceuticals. Biscayne was sold to Supernus Pharmaceuticals in October of 2018 for future development.
Before heading the two Biscayne companies, Dr. Collins held several top leadership positions at companies targeting CNS disorders, including as CEO of Neurotherapeutics Pharma and Chief Scientific Officer & VP for Clinical Affairs of Ovation Pharmaceuticals, a CNS-focused biopharmaceutical company acquired by Lundbeck A/S for US
Prior to Ovation, Steve served as a Global Director at Johnson & Johnson, overseeing early-stage development of a variety of CNS agents and as a member of the global in-licensing advisory team. Prior to Johnson and Johnson, he worked in Abbott Laboratories’ Pharmaceutical and Hospital Products Divisions, where he developed drugs for a range of CNS indications, including Depakote, Depakote ER, Depacon, and Gabitril, as well as a range of older seizure medicines. He was responsible for all preclinical and clinical programs supporting the successful approval of multiple NDA and sNDA submissions.
Dr. Collins has served on several Boards of companies that have developed epilepsy drugs, including Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Novartis, and Engage Therapeutics, which was sold to UCB S.A.
Prior to industry, Dr. Collins served on the faculty of medicine at Case Western Reserve University and the University of California-San Francisco and was principal investigator or investigator on over 40 drug and device trials. He earned his MD and PhD at Case Western Reserve University after completing undergraduate studies in Biophysics at the University of California, Berkeley.
About Bright Minds Biosciences
Bright Minds Biosciences is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our pipeline includes novel compounds targeting key receptors in the brain to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders. Bright Minds is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies that can transform patients’ lives.
Bright Minds Biosciences has developed a unique platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists exhibiting selectivity at different serotonergic receptors. This has provided a rich portfolio of NCE programs within neurology and psychiatry.
About BMB-101
BMB-101 is a novel scaffold 5-HT2CGq-protein biased agonist developed using structure-based drug design. It was explicitly designed for chronic treatment of neurological disorders where tolerance and drug resistance are common issues. Biased agonism at the 5-HT2C receptor is one of its key features and adds another layer of functional selectivity within a well-validated target. BMB-101 works exclusively via the Gq-protein signaling pathway and avoids beta-arrestin activation, which is crucial to minimize the risk of receptor desensitization and tolerance development. This provides a novel mechanism, anti-epileptic drug designed to provide sustained seizure relief in hard-to-treat patient populations. In preclinical studies, BMB-101 has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of Dravet Syndrome and numerous models of generalized seizures.
In Phase 1 clinical studies, BMB-101 was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated at all doses. No Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) were observed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were mild in nature and in line with on-target effects for serotonergic drugs. An extensive target-engagement study was conducted using both fluid biomarkers (transient prolactin release) and physical biomarkers (Quantitative Electroencephalogram, qEEG). Both methods confirmed robust central target engagement. A qEEG signature typical for anti-epileptic drugs was observed, with a selective depression of EEG power at frequencies observed during epileptic seizures. Furthermore, a potentiation of frontal gamma-power was observed in this study which could indicate the potential for improved cognition.
On September 12th, Bright Minds Biosciences announced the initiation of the BREAKTHROUGH Study, an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of BMB-101in adult patients with classic Absence Epilepsy and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information”. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include progress, and completion of the BREAKTHROUGH Study, future clinical development of BMB-101, and future intended use or therapeutic benefit of BMB-101 to treat epilepsy disorders. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These factors include the company’s financial position and operational runway, regulatory risk to operating in the pharmaceutical industry, and inaccuracies related to the assumption made by management relating to general availability of resources required to operate the studies noted in this news release. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Contact Information
Alex Vasilkevich
Chief Operating Officer
Bright Minds Biosciences Inc.
T: 414-731-6422
E: alex@brightmindsbio.com
Website: www.brightmindsbio.com
Investor Relations
Lisa M. Wilson
T: 212-452-2793
E: lwilson@insitecony.com
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