Richard Gaster

Richard Gaster, M.D., Ph.D., is a Partner at venBio with experience as a physician, entrepreneur, and life science investor. He currently serves on the board of Arrakis Therapeutics, Pharvaris, Aeovian Pharmaceuticals, NorthSea Therapeutics, and Stargazer Pharmaceuticals and served as a board observer for Akero Therapeutics and Harmony Biosciences. Prior to joining venBio, Richard served as the head of translational medicine at Pliant Therapeutics. As a key member of the initial management team, Richard participated in the formation and launch of Pliant Therapeutics from Third Rock Ventures. During his tenure at Third Rock Ventures, Richard was responsible for company creation to transform new areas of science into innovative drug discovery companies.

He began his career as a resident physician in Harvard’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program. Richard has published numerous articles in top-tier peer-reviewed journals including Nature Medicine and Nature Nanotechnology, holds more than a dozen patents, and was named one of Forbes “30 Under 30” in Science and Healthcare. Richard holds a BSE in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Stanford University in the Medical Scientist Training Program.