Biopharmaceutical executive and scientist.
Twenty-five years moving medicines from the bench toward patients — first as a medicinal chemist, then as an operator and chief executive. Focused on protein therapeutics, clinical development strategy, and the regulatory and manufacturing groundwork that turns early science into human trials.
Background
Kent Pryor began his career as a medicinal chemist — at Corvas International, where he led research on serine-protease inhibitors for oncology, and at Kémia, advancing small-molecule programs from discovery through Phase 2. Over time his work shifted from the molecule to the enterprise: corporate strategy, capital formation, regulatory engagement, and the operational discipline of building a clinical-stage company.
At ZZ Biotech he led the full development lifecycle of 3K3A-APC, an engineered variant of recombinant human activated protein C, from GLP toxicology and GMP biologics manufacturing through Phase 1 and Phase 2 in acute ischemic stroke, and secured FDA Fast Track designation. As Co-Founder and CEO of Dermatherix, he now leads the independent development of the same molecule in wound healing. His experience spans FDA and NINDS engagement, cross-border operations, M&A, intellectual-property strategy, and board governance.
Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology · M.B.A., Rady School of Management, UC San Diego · B.A., Chemistry, magna cum laude, Rice University
Current Roles
Advancing 3K3A-APC toward a Phase 2 trial in diabetic foot ulcers, built on an intellectual-property portfolio originally acquired from the University of Sydney. Leads corporate strategy, clinical and regulatory planning, and board governance.
Led 3K3A-APC from preclinical work through Phase 1 and the multicenter Phase 2 RHAPSODY stroke trial, run in the NIH NeuroNEXT network; principal investigator on the supporting NINDS X01 infrastructure grant. Secured FDA Fast Track designation for acute ischemic stroke.
Pre-clinical development of APC-derived peptide mimetics for community-acquired pneumonia, including investor materials, partnering, and scientific advisory coordination.
Selected Work
Named inventor on 15+ U.S. patents and PCT applications across combinatorial chemistry, protein therapeutics, and anti-inflammatory biologics.
In the Press
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