OUR TEAM

Brian L. West, PhD – Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. West cofounded Cytoscient in 2019. Working previously at Plexxikon, Dr. West experienced the entire breadth of drug discovery and development, leading the initial Molecular Biology Department at company startup, and subsequently leading the Translational Pharmacology group to create and implement biomarkers for clinical development. Dr. West also led Plexxikon’s External Scientific Affairs for coordination with numerous academic research labs. During his tenure, two FDA-approved drugs, Zelboraf and Turalio, were produced, and many outstanding research reports were published. Dr. West received his PhD in Pharmacology at Yale University, and worked at the University of California San Francisco as a postdoctoral fellow and Assistant Research Biochemist. 

Adhirai Marimuthu, PhD – Cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Marimuthu has 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Before founding Cytoscient, Dr. Marimuthu was an independent DMPK consultant to several pharmaceutical companies for 3 years, while also directing contract DMPK research services. She worked at Plexxikon for 14 years, in positions with increasing responsibilities from Scientist in Molecular Biology to Director of DMPK. Prior to that she gained 10 years of experience within India, working at pharmaceutical industries there. Before industry, Dr. Marimuthu was the Head of the Microbiology Department at Pachaiyappa’s college, University of Madras, where her activities included research, teaching and administration.

Dr. Marimuthu received a MSc in Industrial Microbiology from the Center for Advanced Study in Botany, University of Madras, and her PhD in Medical Biochemistry from the Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras.  Dr. Marimuthu did post-doctoral research at the University of California San Francisco. She has authored more than 20 scientific publications spanning a wide range of topics in toxicology, molecular biology, drug discovery and clinical pharmacology.

Ullrich Schwertschlag, MD, PhD – Clinical Development Consultant

Dr. Schwertschlag has 32 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, making contributions to large and small companies from IND to NDA/BLA in the areas of immunology, oncology, and CNS. Having both a scientific and clinical training background, Dr. Schwertschlag has led all phases of clinical trials as well as the related discovery, pharmacology, biomarker, and regulatory filings. At Cytoscient, Dr. Schwertschlag provides consulting services to outside companies requiring his broad experience to guide and optimize their own drug discovery and clinical development paths.

Dr. Schwertschlag received his MD from Heidelberg University and PhD from The University of Freiburg. He trained in Internal Medicine (IM) both in the US and Europe, and is Board Certified/Eligible in IM, Clin Pharm and Pharmacology. He received postdoctoral training at Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg and at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He was an attending physician and faculty at DUMC (NC), IUPUI (IN) and TUFTS (MA).

Don Prescott – Business Development Director

Mr. Prescott (Don) has over 33 years of experience in customer service, sales, and marketing. Don is customer service oriented and loves meeting new people. Hehas extensive experience with a wide range of products in many markets and industries, and he has managed both domestic and international organizations. Before joining the Navy, Don worked in customer service, and he has been in sales and marketing since leaving. While in the Navy, Don’s experience includes being a U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Program veteran, performing sea duty aboard a submarine and instructor duty at two nuclear prototype facilities. Don has a BS degree in Human Resources Management from The New School university, Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment.