Richard founded Drug Discovery Solutions in March 2023.
An experienced DMPK scientist and entrepreneur, Richard founded XenoGesis in 2011 after spotting a gap and opportunity in the market.
His clear scientific rationale, business direction, vision and entrepreneurial approach were the driver behind XenoGesis successfully becoming the UK’s largest independent DMPK provider of experimental data, advice and PK predictions. Richard and his team worked on nine compounds across a range of therapeutic indications that entered clinical trials for a wide-range of diseases, with the most advanced clinical candidates in Phase 2b.
Having grown the company organically and through reinvestment, and building a team of over 40 skilled scientists, in September 2020, Richard successfully led the sale of XenoGesis to Sygnature Discovery, creating an enviable team of DMPK scientists. Following the acquisition, Richard moved into a new role within Sygnature focused on bridging the gap between discovery and development, improving the quality of compounds and getting closer to the clinic.
A highly motivated problem solver, Richard has provided consultancy support on multiple projects since 1997, and was keen to dedicate his time to support businesses by drawing on his own experience of running and growing a business, combined with his in-depth chemistry knowledge, extensive DMPK and broad R&D experience, to create the powerful platform of Drug Discovery Solutions.
Now with over 26 years’ experience, Richard originally gained a first-class honours degree in chemistry with awards for the best performance in every year, followed by a medicinal chemistry PhD with a Wellcome Trust scholarship at the University of Leicester and two subsequent postdoctoral positions at the Welsh School of Pharmacy. In 1997, Richard joined Astra Charnwood within Discovery DMPK, and progressed to Group and Project Leader at AstraZeneca.
Richard has always had a passion for creating opportunities and supporting the wider sector, including young scientists through regular lectures at King’s College London and other institutions.
In 2014, Richard was invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Richard has also authored and co-authored over twenty publications to date.
Richard brings strategic insight, energy and continuous drive to improve and offer help and advice by drawing on his own entrepreneurial approach to a growing clientele of drug hunters and investors.
