Lynn Kirkpatrick, the CEO of Ensysce Biosciences (La Jolla, California), oversees the development of novel medicines to reduce or eliminate prescription drug abuse.
Its oxycodone prodrug candidate PF614 is now in a Phase 2 clinical trial. It is designed to offer similar pain relief as current prescription opioids with a limited risk of drug abuse and addiction.
Kirkpatrick has helped the company win FDA’s Fast Track designation for PF614.
She became President and CEO of Ensysce Biosciences Inc. in January 2009.
In the following interview, Kirkpatrick provides an overview of the company’s approach to combat opioid abuse and offers advice on how to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Could you provide an overview of your background and what led you to Ensysce?Lynn Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick: My background started in pharmacy, then medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. …