Power of persistence: Richard Chipkin’s Journey in Science, Pharma, and Innovation
Nearly five decades after earning his Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology, Richard E. Chipkin, Ph.D., returned to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine campus to reflect on a career that has bridged cutting-edge science and global pharmaceutical leadership.
One of the first graduates of the department’s new doctoral program in the 1970s, Chipkin studied under William Dewey, Ph.D., and helped pioneer research into cannabinoids and opiates. After completing a post-doc and joining Schering-Plough, he played a pivotal role in developing ecopipam, the first drug to selectively block the D1 dopamine receptor.
Though shelved early, Chipkin later revived the drug through his startup Psyadon, focusing on Tourette syndrome. His persistence paid off: ecopipam has consistently reduced tic symptoms in trials and is now moving toward FDA approval with Emalex Biosciences.
Today, Chipkin serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at bwtech, mentoring startups on the long, complex path from lab discovery to market impact. His message to the next generation of scientists: be open, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to take bold chances.
“The path may be long, but it’s wide with possibility.”
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 2025, “Power of persistence: PharmTox alumnus bridges science and business,” Richard E. Chipkin, Ph.D., brings new hope for treating Tourette syndrome.