Alto Neuroscience Appoints Raymond Sanchez, M.D., to Board of Directors, Strengthening Leadership as Company Advances Late-Stage Precision Psychiatry Pipeline
Alto Neuroscience, Inc. (“Alto”) (NYSE: ANRO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of novel precision medicines for neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced that Raymond Sanchez, M.D., a distinguished physician, scientist, and biotech executive, has joined its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr. Sanchez brings over two decades of experience in clinical development, strategic leadership, and the commercialization of innovative therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, making him a highly valuable addition to Alto’s governance team during a period of significant growth and momentum.
The appointment comes as Alto is preparing to advance multiple clinical-stage programs in its precision psychiatry pipeline, including the planned initiation of a potentially pivotal Phase 2b trial for ALTO-207, the company’s lead therapeutic candidate. ALTO-207 represents a novel approach to the treatment of depression and other mood disorders, aiming to move beyond the limitations of the long-standing trial-and-error paradigm in psychiatric care.
Leadership’s Perspective
“We are delighted to welcome Ray to our Board of Directors as we continue advancing multiple clinical-stage precision psychiatry programs,” said Amit Etkin, M.D., Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Alto Neuroscience. “Ray brings an impressive track record in guiding the successful development of numerous CNS therapies, and his strategic insights will be instrumental as we prepare to initiate our potentially pivotal, Phase 2b trial of ALTO-207.
“Throughout his career, Ray has demonstrated a deep understanding of the clinical, regulatory, and commercial dimensions of neuroscience drug development,” Etkin continued. “His perspective as both a physician and an experienced biotech leader aligns perfectly with Alto’s mission to bring biologically informed, targeted treatments to patients living with psychiatric disorders. We believe his dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovation in psychiatry will contribute meaningfully to our work and our future success.”
Dr. Sanchez’s Perspective
In accepting the appointment, Dr. Sanchez highlighted his personal and professional alignment with Alto’s mission.
“As a psychiatrist by training, I’ve witnessed firsthand the lack of innovation in the field, even as it remains one of the most urgent areas of unmet medical need,” said Dr. Sanchez. “Too often, treatment decisions in psychiatry have been guided by trial and error, leading to prolonged suffering for patients and frustration for clinicians.
“What excites me about Alto is its commitment to overturning this outdated model by applying a precision medicine approach to psychiatry—an approach rooted in biological markers and data-driven patient selection,” he continued. “The company’s robust late-stage pipeline, combined with a strategic vision that integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with real-world clinical application, positions it to redefine the standard of care. I’m honored to join Alto’s Board at such a pivotal moment and look forward to contributing to the company’s mission of delivering novel therapeutic solutions to the patients who need them most.”
Career Achievements and Industry Leadership
Dr. Sanchez is recognized as a seasoned executive in the life sciences sector, with a career spanning leadership roles at both emerging biopharmaceutical companies and global pharmaceutical enterprises. His work has consistently focused on bringing transformative therapies for CNS disorders from early-stage research through late-stage clinical development and regulatory approval.
Bain Capital Life Sciences
Since September 2024, Dr. Sanchez has served as a Senior Advisor at Bain Capital Life Sciences, a global investment firm with a portfolio that includes several high-profile biotech and pharmaceutical companies. In this role, he has provided strategic guidance on portfolio investments, particularly in neuroscience, psychiatry, and other therapeutic areas where innovation is rapidly evolving.
Cerevel Therapeutics
From January 2019 to August 2024, Dr. Sanchez served as Chief Medical Officer of Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing therapies for CNS disorders. During his tenure, he oversaw the advancement of multiple late-stage programs, guiding them through critical development milestones. His leadership was instrumental in shaping Cerevel’s clinical strategy, which ultimately contributed to its acquisition by AbbVie Inc., a transaction that underscored the value of its pipeline and scientific approach.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization
Earlier in his career, from November 2007 to January 2019, Dr. Sanchez held various roles of increasing responsibility at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., culminating in his position as Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development beginning in November 2013. At Otsuka, he played a central role in advancing key CNS programs, managing multinational clinical trials, and contributing to the successful launch of therapies that have since become important tools in psychiatric treatment.
Avanir Pharmaceuticals
From June 2018 to January 2019, Dr. Sanchez concurrently served as Chief Medical Officer of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company later acquired by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. In this capacity, he managed the company’s medical strategy and development programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and commercial objectives.
Board and Advisory Roles
Dr. Sanchez currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPP), a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company, a position he has held since November 2024. In addition, he sits on the boards of several privately held biotech companies, advising on clinical development, regulatory strategy, and corporate growth. His governance experience is complemented by his service in industry organizations, including his tenure as executive co-chair of the International Society for CNS Drug Development from November 2017 to January 2022.
Beyond his corporate and industry involvement, Dr. Sanchez is committed to advancing mental health through contributions to academic and charitable organizations, such as the Connecticut Mental Health Center Foundation and the Yale School of Medicine.
Academic and Clinical Foundations
Before transitioning into the life sciences industry, Dr. Sanchez trained in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, where he distinguished himself as Chief Resident. He also completed a fellowship and served as an instructor at Yale, building a strong foundation in academic medicine that continues to inform his approach to drug development.
Dr. Sanchez holds two degrees from Northwestern University:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.
- Doctor of Medicine from the Feinberg School of Medicine.
His combination of academic rigor, clinical expertise, and industry acumen uniquely equips him to contribute to Alto Neuroscience’s strategic direction and its efforts to transform psychiatric care.
Alto Neuroscience: Pioneering Precision Psychiatry
Founded by Dr. Amit Etkin, Alto Neuroscience is at the forefront of developing a new generation of psychiatric medicines informed by objective biological measures. The company’s platform integrates biomarkers, cognitive assessments, and digital tools to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from specific therapies—an approach designed to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the trial-and-error nature of current psychiatric practice.
Alto’s pipeline spans multiple late-stage clinical candidates targeting major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. With ALTO-207 advancing toward a potentially pivotal Phase 2b trial, the company is preparing for a period of significant clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones over the next 12 to 24 months.
The addition of Dr. Sanchez to the Board of Directors further strengthens Alto’s leadership at a time when precision psychiatry is gaining traction across both the scientific community and the investment landscape. His deep experience in CNS drug development, from early-stage research to global commercialization, is expected to be a key asset as Alto navigates the complex regulatory environment and prepares for potential future product launches.
With Dr. Sanchez’s appointment, Alto Neuroscience reinforces its commitment to building a leadership team capable of driving both scientific innovation and sustainable business growth. His expertise will be particularly valuable as the company engages with regulators, clinicians, and patient communities to bring targeted therapies to market.
“Alto’s approach represents the future of psychiatry—one that is rooted in data, driven by biology, and focused on the individual patient,” said Dr. Sanchez. “It’s a privilege to contribute to this vision and to work alongside a team dedicated to transforming how we understand and treat mental health disorders.”
As Alto continues its mission to redefine the treatment paradigm in psychiatry, the company believes that strategic leadership appointments like this one will be essential in achieving its long-term goals: delivering more effective, personalized treatments, improving quality of life for patients, and setting a new standard in mental health care.
