Chas Bountra

Chas is currently Chief Scientist, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford; Associate member of Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford and Visiting Professor in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Imperial College. Also serves on Wellcome Trust Seeding Drug Discovery and MRC Development Pathway Funding Committees, chairs and sits on Scientific Advisory Boards and consults for biotech/pharma and venture capital groups.

His current research focus is elucidation of 3D structures of therapeutically relevant human proteins and chemical probe identification for epigenetic proteins and clinical target discovery.

In his previous role as Vice President and Head of Biology at GlaxoSmithKline he progressed several molecules into clinical studies in AD, MS, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, RA, OA, migraine, IBS, Functional Dyspepsia and acid related disorders. He played a major role in the development and launch of a novel treatment for IBS (Alosetron), and was the first to show the potential of neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonists as anti-emetics.

Chas has published more than 80 papers, 10 patents and has given more than 100 invited lectures on pain mechanisms, GI diseases, Drug Discovery, target validation, translational challenges, structural biology and epigenetic science. He has previously been visiting Professor in Translational Medicine and College lecturer in Physiology, University of Oxford and Visiting lecturer at University of Helsinki, Singapore and Surrey.

Chas, along with Tom McCarthy, sets the overall focus of the EMA401 development program and helps design critical non-clinical studies to support the clinical and commercial development of this compound.

Chas Bountra is the Chair at Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, based in Europe. With a background in Biotechnology, Chas Bountra has a rich history of leadership and innovation. Explore their detailed professional journey, key connections, and contributions to the industry on our platform.