NRx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:NRXP) Names Veteran in Neuroscience, IT, and MedTech to Board

NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced the addition of Dr. Dennis McBride to its Board of Directors. Dr. McBride brings a wealth of expertise in Neuroscience, Medical Technology, and digital therapeutics, which he will utilize to support the company's mission of developing advanced treatments for central nervous system disorders.

Dr. Jonathan Javitt, Chairman and Chief Scientist of NRx Pharmaceuticals, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. McBride's appointment, highlighting his unique background and the value he will bring to the company. Javitt mentioned their previous collaboration on a successful digital therapeutic project, emphasizing the high-quality contributions that Dr. McBride is expected to make.

Dr. McBride also shared his excitement about joining NRx Pharmaceuticals, noting the exceptional opportunities in Neuroscience for advancing novel therapies. He is eager to contribute his extensive experience to help propel the company's strategic initiatives and develop its pipeline of CNS products, particularly in the realm of digital therapeutics.

Throughout his career, Dr. McBride has led numerous national and international initiatives at the intersection of neuroscience, information technology, national security, and medical technology. His efforts have resulted in the creation of several multi-billion-dollar enterprises. He has significant experience in CNS-focused digital therapeutics, including participation with NRx founders in developing military-proven technology for stress and depression reduction. Dr. McBride played a pivotal role in establishing InQTel and other private sector initiatives.

During his tenure in the United States Navy, Dr. McBride specialized in Aerospace Medicine and ergonomics, holding leadership positions at six prominent laboratories, such as DARPA, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab, Naval Research Lab, the Office of Naval Research, and the Naval Medical Research Institute. After retiring as a highly decorated Navy Captain, he led the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies as President Emeritus. He later served at the National Defense University, where he directed the Center for Technology and National Security Policy, culminating his term as a Senior Executive-4, equivalent to a Vice Admiral in civilian terms. Most recently, he completed a tour of duty in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Dr. McBride has also been an adviser to Cabinet Secretaries, US Congressional Committees, and corporate executives.

Dr. McBride's educational background is extensive, including degrees from the University of Georgia, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, the University of Southern California, the London School of Economics, and Harvard Business School. He holds a Ph.D. in experimental psychology and four master's degrees.

NRx Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for treating central nervous system disorders, particularly suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. The company's lead product, NRX-101, is an FDA-designated investigational Breakthrough Therapy for suicidal treatment-resistant bipolar depression and chronic pain. NRx Pharmaceuticals has partnered with Alvogen and Lotus to advance and market NRX-101. The drug also shows potential as a non-opioid treatment for chronic pain and complicated urinary tract infections.

Recently, NRx Pharmaceuticals announced plans to submit a New Drug Application for HTX-100 (IV ketamine) through Hope Therapeutics for treating suicidal depression. This decision is based on clinical trials conducted under the US National Institutes of Health and new data from French health authorities. The FDA has awarded Fast Track Designation to ketamine (NRX-100) for treating acute suicidality.

Hope Therapeutics, Inc., a subsidiary of NRx Pharmaceuticals, focuses on developing and marketing an FDA-approved form of intravenous ketamine for acute suicidality and depression. This is complemented by a digital therapeutic platform designed to enhance the clinical benefits of NMDA-targeted drug therapy.