Thomas Wessel

Thomas C. Wessel, MD, PhD is an experienced drug developer with over 25 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, specializing in CNS drug development.1 He is currently a Clinical Development Consultant (self-employed) and Acting Chief Medical Officer at NurrOn Pharmaceuticals.16

Dr. Wessel is a board-certified neurologist with extensive experience in all stages of CNS drug development.4 He has been the medical lead for three CNS products approved in the United States: Razadyne®, Lunesta®, and Ampyra®.2

Career Highlights

• Acting CMO at NurrOn Pharmaceuticals (2021-present)6
• CEO at Cognesy Therapeutics (June 2022 - April 2023)1
• Executive VP, R&D at Relmada Therapeutics (March 2020 - December 2020)12
• Chief Medical Officer at Asceneuron SA (November 2018 - November 2019)15
• Chief Medical Officer at Flex Pharma (December 2014 - October 2018)1
• Chief Medical Officer at Acorda Therapeutics (November 2008 - September 2011)13
• SVP, Clinical Research at Sepracor (March 2002 - October 2008)1
• Executive Director at Janssen-Cilag (1995 - 2002)1

Education

• PhD in Neurobiology from Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry, Martinsried (1981-1984)1
• MD from Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich (1975-1981)1
• Neurology residency at Cornell University Medical College (1985-1988)1

Dr. Wessel's expertise in CNS drug development, particularly with optical isomers, has been crucial in his roles at various pharmaceutical companies.2 He has led clinical development and regulatory activities for multiple drug candidates throughout his career.24