Layton Smith

Layton Smith has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on preclinical development and pharmacology. Layton is currently the Vice President of Preclinical Development at Abilita Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to that, they served as a Senior Advisor at Calusa Chemical Biology Consultants, LLC. Layton also held the position of Vice President of Preclinical Pharmacology & Toxicology at Fate Therapeutics Inc from 2022 to 2023. Earlier in their career, they held various roles at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, including Executive Director, Head of Biology and Pharmacology and Director of Drug Discovery. Layton has also worked as an Associate Director of Pharmacology at The Scripps Research Institute and as a Research Instructor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Layton holds a strong background in scientific excellence, strategic leadership, and innovative drug discovery approaches.

Layton Smith obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University in 1996. Following this, they pursued a PhD in Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University from 1997 to 2001. They continued their education at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, earning a Master of Science degree in Clinical Investigation from 2002 to 2004.