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Adial Pharmaceuticals Names David Rubenstein as Chief Scientist to Lead Ulcerative Colitis Program

BullishMedium impact
ADIL$3.14 4.67%

Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ADIL) announced the appointment of David Rubenstein, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Scientist to guide the research and scientific strategy for its experimental treatment for ulcerative colitis. Dr. Rubenstein previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at Dermavant Sciences, where he directed the development and commercialization of tapinarof, the first FDA-approved aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist.

The appointment brings specialized expertise in AhR biology to the company as it advances AT177, an oral drug candidate acquired through its June 2026 acquisition of Azora Therapeutics. The compound is designed to target inflammation directly in the colon while limiting systemic exposure. Following the announcement, shares of Adial Pharmaceuticals gained 4.67% to trade at $3.14.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rubenstein will oversee discovery, translational research, and nonclinical studies for the candidate. Investors will be watching the program's progress as the company completes required studies before filing for regulatory permission to begin first-in-human clinical trials expected in 2027.

Key points

  • Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ADIL) appointed David Rubenstein, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Scientist.
  • Dr. Rubenstein previously led the development of tapinarof, the first FDA-approved AhR agonist, at Dermavant Sciences.
  • He will direct scientific strategy and research for AT177, an oral treatment candidate for ulcerative colitis.
  • First-in-human clinical trials for AT177 are anticipated in 2027.
  • Shares of Adial Pharmaceuticals rose 4.67% to $3.14 on the news.

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Questions and answers

Who is the new Chief Scientist at Adial Pharmaceuticals?

Adial Pharmaceuticals appointed David Rubenstein, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Scientist. Dr. Rubenstein previously served as Chief Scientific Officer at Dermavant Sciences, where he led the development of tapinarof, the first FDA-approved AhR agonist.

What is AT177 and what is it being developed for?

AT177 is an oral, colon-targeted aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist being developed by Adial Pharmaceuticals to treat ulcerative colitis by reducing local inflammation with minimal systemic exposure.

When will clinical trials start for AT177?

Adial Pharmaceuticals expects to begin first-in-human clinical trials for AT177 in 2027, following the completion of current IND-enabling studies.