Doug Drysdale
Founder
Doug is a globally recognized thought leader and transformative strategist with over 35 years in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Known for driving innovation and growth, he has chaired a NASDAQ-listed board, taken a biotech company public, and, as CEO for 18 years, built and turned around four companies - two public and two private. His visionary leadership has delivered 17 acquisitions across three continents, raised over $4.5 billion in capital, and built top-tier operating teams.
At Cybin, Doug led the company’s strategy and operations, taking it from molecule inception to Phase 3 trials in just 3 years. Phase 2 trials for deuterated psilocin demonstrated remarkable efficacy, achieving a 100% response rate and 71% remission rate in MDD patients, earning it FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation to expedite development. Cybin also progressed a deuterated DMT asset into Phase 2, for GAD. Doug is known as a vocal advocate for revolutionizing mental healthcare through numerous speaking engagements, panel participations, media interviews, and articles.
As Founding CEO of Alvogen, Doug grew the company from inception to $500 million in revenues across 35 countries in 5.5 years, establishing R&D in New Jersey, a CRO in India, and a 50-product U.S. pipeline. In 2008, he transformed Norwich Pharmaceuticals, enhancing its manufacturing and R&D. Alvogen sold to Lotus for around $2bn.
In 2014, as Chairman and CEO of Pernix Therapeutics, he recapitalized it with $65 million, rebuilt its leadership, and grew its enterprise value from $80 million to $800 million, raising $465 million to support the turnaround. From 2017–2020, as CEO of Tedor Pharma, he achieved 60% revenue growth in 2019, landing it on the 2020 Inc 5000 list.
Earlier, as Head of M&A at Actavis Group (2004–2008), Doug led 15 acquisitions, raised $3 billion, and navigated a high-profile hostile takeover attempt in Eastern Europe. Actavis sold for €4.25 billion in 2012.
With a degree in Microbial and Molecular Biology from the University of East Anglia, Doug blends science and strategy. Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012, he’s traveled to 70+ countries, enriching his global perspective.
Doug’s expertise and proven record make him a trusted voice shaping healthcare’s future.
See Doug’s posts on Substack: