Paramus-based PsychoGenics Inc., a drug discovery company, announced Monday it has appointed Mark A. Varney as chief scientific officer.
The appointment, PsychoGenics said, reflects growth in its Central Nervous System drug discovery and clinical development.
“We are very excited that Mark has joined PsychoGenics, which reflects our dedication to drug discovery,” Emer Leahy, CEO and president, PsychGenics, said. “Mark’s leadership, track record and extensive knowledge of CNS R&D and translational research will help drive our internal and partnered discovery programs forward.”
Varney, who has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently served as CEO and member of the board of directors at Neurolixis. Before that, he was CEO and president of Cortex Pharmaceuticals. he’s also held senior R&D roles at Sepracor, Bionomics and Merck. At PsychoGenics, Varney will be responsible for heading the company’s drug discovery and development efforts.
“I am delighted to join PsychoGenics, an innovative company with a track record of delivering novel compounds such as SEP-363856 now in Phase III for schizophrenia, discovered in partnership with Sunovion using the Company’s phenotypic discovery platform, SmartCube,” said Dr. Varney. “I am impressed with the approach to drug discovery and the quality of the research at PsychoGenics and eager to employ the company’s novel platforms and extensive capabilities in the pursuit of new treatments for debilitating CNS disorders.”
