Dr. Richard Chipkin

  • Entrepreneur in Residence, bwtech@UMBC
  • Specialty: Bio Life Sciences
  • Chipkin Pharmaceutical Consulting

With a career spanning over four decades in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, Dr. Richard Chipkin’s professional journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing medical science, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

As President/CEO of Psyadon Pharmaceuticals, Rick successfully secured $15 million in funding and oversaw the completion of a Phase 2 proof-of-efficacy trial for Ecopipam, a pioneering, first-in-class drug for treating Tourette Syndrome. Under his leadership, the company was acquired in 2018, and Ecopipam is currently undergoing Phase 3 registration trials.

Before joining Psyadon Pharmaceuticals, Rick was the President/CEO of Psychiatric Genomics, where he secured two rounds of venture capital financing totaling $25 million and closed several academic licensing agreements. 

His distinguished career in big pharma includes a tenure at Merck/Schering-Plough, where he served as Senior Director of Global Business Development. During his time there, Rick successfully negotiated multiple product licenses, including INTEGRILIN®, which boasted peak sales exceeding $250 million.

Rick is an expert in neuropharmacology research, with significant contributions to both preclinical and clinical research initiatives. He is credited with over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals and holds six patents, notably for his discovery and development of Ecopipam, the world’s first selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist.

Educated at The State University of NY at Albany (BA) and the Medical College of Virginia for his PhD in Pharmacology, Rick’s specialties encompass central nervous system pharmacology, drug development, Phase 1 (safety) and 2 (efficacy) clinical trials, business development, in- and out-licensing, and FDA regulatory experience. 

At bwtech, Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an Entrepreneur in Residence. Through mentorship and guidance, he helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the startup landscape, from securing funding to developing go-to-market strategies. Rick’s insights into drug development, regulatory affairs, and business development enable him to provide invaluable guidance to startups looking to translate their innovative ideas into commercial successes.

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