Sean Ainsworth
About Sean Ainsworth
Sean Ainsworth is a seasoned professional in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors, currently serving as Chairman at Ray Therapeutics, Inc. He has over 25 years of experience and has held significant roles at various companies, including founding RetroSense Therapeutics and leading advancements in optogenetic therapies.
Work at Ocuphire Pharma
Sean Ainsworth has served as Director at Ocuphire Pharma since 2018. In this role, he contributes to the strategic direction and operational management of the company, which focuses on developing innovative treatments for eye diseases. His extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors supports Ocuphire's mission to advance therapies that address unmet medical needs in ophthalmology.
Current Role at Ray Therapeutics, Inc.
Since 2021, Sean Ainsworth has held the position of Chairman at Ray Therapeutics, Inc. He has played a crucial role in steering the company towards developing novel optogenetic approaches aimed at restoring vision in patients with degenerative retinal diseases. His leadership is instrumental in guiding the strategic vision and operational execution of the company's initiatives.
Previous Experience in Pharmaceuticals
Sean Ainsworth has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. He served as Executive Director of Clinical Development at Allergan from 2016 to 2017 and as CEO and Founder of RetroSense Therapeutics from 2009 to 2016. At RetroSense, he led the team that initiated the first clinical trials for non-human optogenetic gene therapy and advanced the company into human clinical trials, culminating in a significant acquisition by Allergan.
Education and Expertise
Sean Ainsworth earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy and Finance from Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied from 2000 to 2002. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Microbiology from the University of California, San Diego, obtained from 1992 to 1996. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in corporate development, strategic planning, and the life sciences sector.
Founding and Leadership Roles
Ainsworth founded Ainsworth BioConsulting in 2004, offering strategic and business planning services to the life science community. He was also deeply involved in the launch of Compendia Bioscience, Inc., and GeneVivo, LLC. His leadership at Immusoft as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board contributed to pioneering advancements in engineered B cell therapies.