Baltimore, MD — Autica Bio, a leading start-up in autism therapeutics, has announced the formation of a new advisory board comprised of highly respected experts in biotechnology, regulatory strategy, and scientific research. This distinguished group of advisors will play a vital role in guiding the company’s scientific and strategic initiatives, accelerating its mission to develop transformative therapies for autism patients with unmet clinical needs.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an esteemed group of advisors to our team,” said Michael W. Nestor, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Autica Bio. “Their extensive experience and insights across science, clinical research, and biotech commercialization will be instrumental as we advance our pipeline and broaden our impact in autism research and therapeutic development.”

The newly appointed scientific advisory board includes:

• David Beversdorf, M.D. – Beversdorf is a neurologist specializing in autism, dementia, and the cognitive effects of stress, with significant research in cognitive neuroscience and pharmacological modulation of cognition. He is a professor at the University of Missouri across multiple departments, including Radiology, Neurology, and Psychology, and actively participates in the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Beversdorf’s work on gene-stress interactions in autism has been widely published and funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Defense. His expertise in neuroimaging and treatment biomarkers will enhance Autica Bio’s autism research initiatives.
• Darryl Carter, M.D. – Carter is a seasoned biopharmaceutical leader and co-founder of Nora Therapeutics, where he helped develop NT100, a therapy addressing recurrent miscarriage. With extensive experience in biomarker research and clinical strategy, Carter has raised over $50 million in venture funding for innovative health solutions. His background includes positions at Johns Hopkins and the NIH, with 14 issued patents in diagnostics. Carter’s insights in therapeutic discovery and commercialization will support Autica Bio’s strategic growth in autism therapeutics.
• Ivy Dick, Ph.D. – Dick is an electrophysiologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in the regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels. Her research examines Ca2+ channelopathies related to neurological disorders, including Timothy syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Dick’s studies, which utilize CRISPR and stem cell models, aim to uncover mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions. Her deep expertise in ion channel regulation aligns with Autica Bio’s efforts in identifying treatment pathways for autism.
• Michael Tangrea, Ph.D. – Tangrea brings over a decade of experience in translational oncology and molecular diagnostics from the National Cancer Institute, where he developed innovative diagnostic platforms. His focus on biomarker discovery and precision medicine led him to establish a BioIncubator supporting early-stage biomedical startups. Tangrea’s entrepreneurial background and insights into diagnostics provide Autica Bio with strategic advantages in developing autism-specific therapeutic models. His experience in commercialization complements Autica Bio’s mission to transform autism research into actionable therapies.
• Richard L. Wilson, Ph.D. – 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. He specializes in applied ethics, with extensive publications in medical, engineering, and cyberethics. Wilson’s expertise in anticipatory ethics supports Autica Bio in responsibly navigating ethical considerations in autism research. His interdisciplinary approach will help guide Autica Bio’s commitment to ethical practices in biotechnology and patient-centered research.
• Gabsang Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D. – Lee is a professor in the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, recognized for his pioneering work with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in disease modeling and therapeutic discovery. His research focuses on neurological diseases and muscular dystrophies, where his lab develops iPSC-based models to accelerate drug discovery. Lee’s contributions have led to multiple startup ventures, including Vita Therapeutics, advancing novel therapeutic approaches. His expertise in cellular modeling will play a key role in shaping Autica Bio’s autism research strategies.
• Michael Finley, Ph.D. – Finley has over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals, with expertise in small molecule drug discovery across neurological, oncology, and immunology indications. He has held leadership roles at Wyeth, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Janssen R&D, focusing on target validation and high-throughput screening for multiple therapeutic areas. Currently Science Director at the CHDI Foundation, Finley is devoted to finding treatments for Huntington’s disease. His vast experience in drug discovery and therapeutic target identification will strengthen Autica Bio’s pipeline in autism-related therapeutics.

The board will work closely with Autica Bio’s executive team to shape scientific strategy, evaluate emerging technologies, and drive the company’s commitment to addressing critical needs in precision medicine. Board members will also support efforts to navigate the regulatory landscape and build partnerships to accelerate the commercialization of Autica Bio’s therapeutic candidates.

“This Advisory Board brings together a remarkable breadth of knowledge and vision that aligns with our mission of innovating life-changing therapies,” Nestor said. “With their guidance, we are well-positioned to address some of the most complex and urgent challenges in healthcare today.”

For more information, please visit www.auticabio.com or contact:
Michael W. Nestor, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer and Founder
Autica Bio
Email: mnauticabio@gmail.com