Acadia Pharmaceuticals adds new board member

Julian Baker was recently appointed to the board of directors at Acadia Pharmaceuticals.

As a board member, Baker will help the biopharmaceutical company with its line of products, treating central nervous system disorders including its leading candidate Nuplazid. The drug has been granted priority review by the Food and Drug Administration for Parkinson's disease psychosis, and if approved, it would become the first FDA-approved drug for the condition that affects approximately 40 percent of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Baker, who became a fund manager more than two decades ago when he co-founded a biotechnology investing partnership, currently serves as a managing partner at Baker Brothers Investments. The firm specializes in investments for life sciences companies and provides funds for university endowments and foundations. Baker also is on the board of directors for numerous companies, including Idera Pharmaceuticals and Genomic Health.

“After more than 20 years as a professional investor, Julian has extensive experience in financing and building companies in the life sciences industry,” Acadia Board of Directors Chairman Leslie Iversen said. “We welcome Julian to our board and look forward to his insights as we advance Nuplazid through registration for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and position Acadia for strong growth."