Company Profile

Guided by a shared vision, our team of neurobiologists, geneticists, and cellular biologists uses advanced brain organoid technology to explore the genetic and cellular pathways that shape autism.

Welcome to
Autica Bio

Welcome to
Autica Bio

At Autica Bio, we are dedicated to revolutionizing autism treatment research with science-driven solutions. Founded on the principle that every individual’s biology tells a unique story, Autica Bio harnesses advanced stem cell technology and precision medicine to develop targeted, life-enhancing therapies for autism spectrum conditions. Despite the increasing prevalence of autism, with one in 36 children diagnosed today, there are still no therapeutics specifically designed for this condition. Autica Bio is committed to bridging this gap.

Leveraging human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology, Autica Bio creates highly specific brain organoid models that capture the neurobiological and genetic diversity seen in autism. By stratifying patients based on detailed cellular and clinical profiles, we can pinpoint biomarkers, discover new targets, and test therapeutic compounds with remarkable precision. Our unique high-throughput screening platform enables us to evaluate potential treatments in an environment that mirrors the complexity of the human brain, providing an unparalleled level of insight into autism’s cellular mechanisms.

Autica Bio’s technology and methodology are built upon over a decade of pioneering research and a strong foundation of peer-reviewed publications and grants. Our approach offers a transformative solution to autism research by:

  • Integrating brain organoid models: Our serum-free embryoid bodies platform reflects the neurophysiological characteristics of autism, providing unmatched insights into early cortical development.
  • Utilizing personalized medicine: By aligning treatment paths to patient-specific profiles, we can address the unique needs of each individual on the autism spectrum.
  • Accelerating discovery: Our high-throughput neurophysiological screening techniques identify early biomarkers and therapeutic intervention points, positioning us at the forefront of autism drug discovery.

With over $2.4 billion invested annually in autism-specific treatment research, the demand for innovative therapies continues to grow. Autism affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet effective treatments are scarce.

Autica Bio aims to address this unmet need, harnessing state-of-the-art scientific tools to develop solutions poised to make a meaningful impact in the autism research landscape.

Leadership
& Advisory Board

Autica Bio’s team is composed of leaders in stem cell research, neurobiology, and drug discovery. Under the leadership of Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Michael W. Nestor, a pioneer in autism research and brain organoid development, our team is setting new standards in autism research innovation. Alongside Dr. Nestor, Head of Research Operations and Co-Founder Jonathan Nestor brings expertise in high-throughput phenotypic screening and stem cell-derived neuron modeling. Our advisory board includes prominent scientists and clinicians dedicated to advancing therapeutic discovery and shaping the future of autism treatment.

Michael Nestor, Ph.D., Autica Bio

Michael W. Nestor, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer and Founder

Dr. Michael Nestor is a neuroscientist and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience bridging research, business, and venture funding. He recently played a key role in establishing Johnson & Johnson’s JLABS site in Washington, D.C., supporting early-stage biotech commercialization. Formerly, he directed Neural Stem Cell Research at The Hussman Institute for Autism, where his lab developed pioneering brain organoid models for autism research. Dr. Nestor also founded Synapstem, served as a venture advisor, and was an AAAS SPT Fellow at the Department of Energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with postdoctoral training at NIH, Rutgers University, and The New York Stem Cell Foundation.

Jonathan Nestor, Autica Bio

Jonathan Nestor, B.S.

Head of Research Operations and Co-Founder

Jonathan Nestor, B.S., is a Lead Biologist at ATCC, specializing in primary cancer organoid research as part of the Human Cancer Model Initiative. He has extensive expertise in organoid culture and drug screening, with prior roles at Genecopoeia and The Hussman Institute for Autism, where he developed high-throughput screening platforms. His technical skills include protocol optimization for CRISPR screening, Lenti/AAV production, and quality control for cell lines. Mr. Nestor is a Navy veteran with a B.S. in Biological Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Darryl Carter, M.D., Autica Bio

Darryl Carter, M.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Darryl Carter co-founded Nora Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company addressing reproductive health, where he spearheaded NT100, a treatment for recurrent miscarriages. In addition to his role in securing over $50 million in venture capital, he led biomarker research for Nora’s drug development. Dr. Carter completed his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, with postdoctoral fellowships at NIH and Johns Hopkins University. An experienced researcher and innovator, he holds 14 patents in diagnostic immunology and pathology.

Ivy Dick, Ph.D., Autica Bio

Ivy Dick, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Ivy Dick is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where her research focuses on calcium channelopathies and neurological disorders. Her lab uses CRISPR and stem cell technology to investigate mutations related to Timothy syndrome and ASD, aiming to understand calcium channel regulation. Dr. Dick completed her BME Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins and postdoctoral fellowship there, advancing her work in Ca2+ channel research with implications for cardiac and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Gabsang Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D., Autica Bio

Gabsang Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Gabsang Lee is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in iPSC-based disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. His pioneering research on neurological diseases and muscular dystrophies has led to several biotech ventures, including Vita Therapeutics. Dr. Lee earned his degrees in Veterinary Medicine from Seoul National University and completed postdoctoral training at the Sloan Kettering Institute, opening his Johns Hopkins lab in 2011 to advance iPSC applications in translational medicine.

David Beversdorf, M.D., Autica Bio

David Beversdorf, M.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. David Beversdorf is a researcher in cognitive neuroscience, specializing in autism and dementia, with extensive publications in Neurology, PNAS, and The Lancet. His work on stress and cognition has garnered funding from NIH, DOD, and other notable institutions. Dr. Beversdorf is affiliated with the University of Missouri’s Brain Imaging Center, focusing on pharmacofMRI as a treatment marker and gene-stress interactions in autism. He completed his medical training at Indiana University and Dartmouth, with a fellowship in Behavioral Neurology at the University of Florida.

Michael Tangrea, Ph.D., Autica Bio

Michael Tangrea, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Michael Tangrea is an expert in translational research with a focus on advancing molecular diagnostics in cancer. With over 12 years at the National Cancer Institute, his work emphasizes biomarker discovery for early metastatic detection. At Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Dr. Tangrea directed oncology research, gaining insights into patient care needs that drive his lab’s innovative molecular techniques today. He also led LifeBridge Health’s BioIncubator, supporting over 15 biomedical startups since 2016. Dr. Tangrea actively collaborates with the BioHealth Capital Region to foster career opportunities and commercialization in the biohealth sector.

Richard L. Wilson, Ph.D., Autica Bio

Richard L. Wilson, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Richard L. Wilson is a Professor of Philosophy and Computer and Information Sciences at Towson University and Senior Research Scholar at the Hoffberger Center for Professional Ethics. His expertise spans applied ethics, including cyber warfare, business, engineering, media, and medical ethics. A proponent of interdisciplinary ethics education, Dr. Wilson’s work emphasizes “anticipatory ethics” across his research and teaching. His publications and scholarly contributions reflect a commitment to ethical foresight in emerging technologies.

Michael Finley, Ph.D., Autica Bio

Michael Finley, Ph.D.

Scientific Advisory Board Member

Dr. Michael Finley has over 20 years of expertise in small molecule drug discovery, working across Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth, Merck, and Janssen R&D on drug targets in oncology, neuroscience, and immunology. Currently Science Director at CHDI, he leads target validation for Huntington’s disease treatments. Dr. Finley earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University, his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University.

Support Our Research

With a focus on precision and patient relevance, we’re pioneering a data-driven approach to bridge genetic insights with neurodevelopment, setting the foundation for meaningful breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of autism. Join us in supporting Autica Bio’s promising research to bring hope to patients and their families.

Support Our Research

With a focus on precision and patient relevance, we’re pioneering a data-driven approach to bridge genetic insights with neurodevelopment, setting the foundation for meaningful breakthroughs and a deeper understanding of autism. Join us in supporting Autica Bio’s promising research to bring hope to patients and their families.