Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) has announced the appointment of Catherine Owen Adams as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Steve Davis. Adams will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine Owen Adams as Acadia’s new CEO,” said Stephen Biggar, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Board of Directors. “Catherine is a highly accomplished global leader with a track record of driving growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Her strategic vision, deep expertise, and commitment to improving patient outcomes make her the perfect leader to guide Acadia through its next phase of growth. With Acadia nearing $1 billion in sales and boasting a robust pipeline of medicines in development, we are confident that under Catherine’s leadership, Acadia will expand its impact on treating central nervous system disorders and rare diseases.”
Biggar also expressed gratitude to outgoing CEO Steve Davis, acknowledging his leadership during a period of significant achievements for Acadia. “Steve’s contributions have been transformative, leading to the approval and commercialization of NUPLAZID and the development and launch of DAYBUE. His legacy will have a lasting impact on patients’ lives.”
Adams shared her enthusiasm for her new role: “I am excited to join Acadia at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s history of innovation and dedication to improving patients’ lives aligns with my own passion for advancing healthcare. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate growth, advance the pipeline, form new partnerships, and continue delivering therapies that push the boundaries of scientific discovery. I am eager to lead Acadia into its next chapter of success.”
Steve Davis also expressed his optimism for Acadia’s future under Adams’ leadership, stating, “Catherine’s extensive commercial and global expertise aligns perfectly with Acadia’s mission to improve the lives of underserved patients. I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Catherine Owen Adams brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry to her new role. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, U.S., at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), overseeing a $20 billion business that included a diverse portfolio of brands in Oncology, Cardiovascular, and Immunology. She led over 3,000 employees and directed major product launches in areas such as lung cancer and psoriasis. Prior to this, Adams held the position of Senior Vice President, Head of Major Markets at BMS, where she oversaw commercial operations in Europe, Japan, and Canada, managing 6,000 employees and spearheading nine product launches in Oncology and Immunology.
Before her time at BMS, Adams spent 25 years at Johnson & Johnson (J&J), holding various leadership roles across global and U.S. business units, with her final position as President of Janssen Immunology U.S. She has extensive experience in marketing, sales, R&D, and market access across the Pharmaceutical and Medical Technology sectors. Adams began her career in R&D and manufacturing at AstraZeneca after earning a BSc. in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. She is a qualified pharmacist and a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (MRPhS).
In addition to her new role at Acadia, Adams currently serves on the boards of Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and AssistRx. She has previously served on the boards of Optinose PLC and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospitals.
