INDIANAPOLIS — Syndeio Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies to restore and enhance synaptic health in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has appointed Aaron Koenig, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Koenig brings more than a decade of experience in neuroscience drug development, clinical care, and translational research, and remains board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
“Aaron’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Syndeio as we continue enrolling patients in our Phase 2 studies of our lead oral synaptic modulator, zelquistinel, in major depressive disorder and prepare for an upcoming synapse biomarker study in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” said Derek Small, Co-founder and CEO of Syndeio Biosciences. “His strong track record in advancing early- and mid-stage neuropsychiatry and neurodegeneration drug portfolios, combined with his ability to build and lead high-performing clinical teams, will be critical as we execute our development strategy and advance a new class of therapies targeting the synapse.”
Before joining Syndeio, Dr. Koenig served as Chief Medical Officer at Delix Therapeutics, where he led the development of a portfolio of neuroplasticity-promoting drug candidates, including a novel biomarker study in major depressive disorder. He previously held leadership roles at Sage Therapeutics, where he oversaw several neuropsychiatry programs, including investigational NMDAR-targeted drug candidates for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Earlier in his career, Dr. Koenig was a clinical investigator at the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and a practicing clinician at the MGH Memory Disorders Unit in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“I am thrilled to join Syndeio as we pioneer synapse-targeted therapies across neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases with high unmet need,” said Dr. Koenig. “As a physician, drug developer, and researcher, I’ve seen the profound burden these conditions place on patients and families and the challenges of advancing effective treatments. I was drawn to Syndeio’s distinctive approach to synapse pharmacology and look forward to translating those insights into a new class of plasticity-enhancing therapies that may help to redefine patient care.”
Dr. Koenig earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a residency in adult psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. He later completed a clinical fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship in psychiatric genetics and translational research at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
