Iter Investments, a venture capital firm that deploys capital primarily in businesses operating in and around the burgeoning psychedelic industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of John M.H. Gregg and Rayyan Zafar to its advisory board.
“John’s deep expertise in leading biotech companies in central nervous system (CNS) drug development and Rayyan’s background in designing and conducting clinical trials for psychedelic medicines will prove to be key assets to Iter Investment’s future success and forging the path forward for the psychedelic industry,” said Dustin Robinson, co-founder and managing principal of Iter Investments. “We are excited to welcome John and Rayyan to the Iter Investments team.”
Gregg, a start-up and pharmaceutical industry veteran, has extensive experience in forming, guiding, and successfully exiting infectious disease companies. His expertise is in worldwide clinical development and commercialization of psychiatric drugs, anti-infectives, immunology therapeutics, and oncology products – most recently with Solosec (Secnidazole) that received FDA approval in September 2017. He is an industry leader in biotech company development, serving as CEO of specialty infectious disease start-ups such as his current company, BalinBac Therapeutics, focused on developing direct antivirals for COVID-19.
Gregg established his reputation in senior marketing research, marketing, and new product planning roles at leading drug companies including Pfizer, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. In big pharma, Gregg led global development planning teams for pipeline compounds, including antivirals and respiratory drugs, at all phases of development. He has worked on developing compounds with new mechanisms for treating resistant depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and a variety of pain, brain and neurology diseases.
Gregg holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.B.A. from New York University. He is a member of the American Society of Microbiology, the American Chemical Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Zafar is a medical research council PhD fellow at the Centre for Psychedelic Research and Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. He works alongside Professor David Nutt and his team in clinical and brain imaging studies to assess the efficacy of psychedelics and mechanisms of action of these medicines across addiction and psychiatric disorders.
He is also an honorary research assistant at DrugScience, the leading international independent committee on the science of drugs, where he publishes policy and peer-reviewed reports on medical cannabis, and it’s use in clinical populations. In addition to his work at Imperial College London, Zafar has acted on scientific advisory boards for companies developing drugs in the medical psychedelic and cannabis space.
“Iter Investments is committed to building a multi-disciplinary, world-class team to both diligence our investments and add value to our portfolio companies,” said Robert Velarde, co-founder of Iter Investments. “Combining John and Rayyan’s background and expertise with our current team’s knowledge and skills allows Iter Investments to properly navigate this emerging industry and create value for our portfolio companies and the psychedelic industry at-large.”
Iter Investment’s advisory board assists the team with opportunity identification, diligence, and portfolio management. Additional members of Iter Investments’ world-class advisory board include:
- Dr. Scott Fisher, MD, is the Psychiatric Lead for Iter Investments. He has his Certificate in Psychedelic Therapy Research from California Institute of Integral Studies; and he is the Lead Facilitator with Segal Clinic in the Usona FDA Phase 2 clinical trial assessing effectiveness of psilocybin for major depressive disorder.
- Dr. Michelle Weiner, DO, MPH, is the Clinical Lead for Iter Investments. Her practice includes psychedelic-assisted therapy through ketamine.
- Edgar Asebey, Esq., is the FDA Lead for Iter Investments. He has over two decades of experience in federal regulation of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- David Wood, Esq., Ph.D., is the Intellectual Property Lead for Iter Investments. He specializes in patents and other intellectual property in the psychedelic space.
- Andrew Hall, Ph.D., is the Scientific Lead for Iter Investments. He has his PhD in Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy; and he is the Chief Science Officer of Green Scientific Labs.
- Matthew Savarick is a mental and behavioral health executive and is an expert in coaching high-performing individuals and teams to reach even higher levels of success.
This press release (i) is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or investment, and (ii) does not constitute tax, legal or investment advice.
About Iter Investments
Iter Investments is an investment firm that deploys capital in and around the burgeoning psychedelic industry. Iter Investments invests with the mission of re-imagining how the mental health and wellness industry delivers care. For more information, visit www.iterinvestments.com or email contact@iterinvestments.com.
