Frank D. Yocca

Frank D. Yocca has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on neuroscience. Frank D. began their career at Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1984, where they held various scientific and management positions, including Executive Director of Neuroscience. During their time at Bristol-Myers, they gained expertise in 5-HT and melatonin receptors.

In 2005, Yocca joined AstraZeneca as Vice President and Head of the Wilmington Discovery, where they were responsible for all Psychiatry Discovery activities. Frank D. also served as Vice President of External Science for the CNS & Pain Innovative Medicine Unit and Vice President and Head of the Strategy Unit for the CNS and Pain Innovative Medicine Unit. Frank D. played a key role in developing the concept for the Virtual Neuroscience iMed and contributed to the implementation of the Virtual Neuroscience iMed in 2012.

In 2012, Yocca transitioned to the role of VP Strategy and Externalization for the Neuroscience Virtual Innovative Medicine Unit at AstraZeneca. Frank D. contributed to the development of the vision and direction for successful strategy, as well as supporting all externalization and in-licensing activities.

In 2015, Yocca joined BioXcel Corporation as Senior Vice President of CNS Research and Development, where they led all CNS Repositioning and Orphan Drug Development Programs. Frank D. utilized BioXcel's big data technology solution to identify therapeutic opportunities for CNS diseases with high unmet medical need.

Currently, Yocca is serving as the Chief Scientific Officer at BioXcel Therapeutics, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. The company focuses on drug re-innovation and research areas such as immune oncology and neuroscience.

Throughout their career, Yocca has demonstrated a strong expertise in neuroscience research and development, strategic planning, externalization, and leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Frank D. Yocca obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry from Manhattan College, where they studied from 1973 to 1977. Frank D. later pursued higher education at St John's University from 1977 to 1983, earning both a Master of Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmacology and Neuroscience, respectively.