Startups
Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals
Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company in Groton, Connecticut, developing investigational cerebroprotective therapies for traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke and other neurological conditions. Its lead small molecule, AST-004, is designed to enhance astrocyte energy metabolism through adenosine A1/A3 receptor activation. The company reported completion of enrollment in its Phase 2 STARFAST sports-related concussion trial in September 2026; results and therapeutic benefit remain under investigation. It is also researching oral formulations and additional neurological indications. Co-Founder and CEO William S. Korinek leads a public team of six management members, seven board members and seven clinical and scientific advisers, with overlap across these groups. Co-Founder James D. Lechleiter remains an adviser. Its 2017 seed financing expanded from approximately $1.36 million to over $2.4 million at final closing, followed by a $6 million Series A announced in May 2021, a pre-Series B bridge of over $6 million in August 2023 and a $9.5 million Series B led by DeepWork Capital in September 2026. The company's reported $40 million invested to date includes grants and is not another equity round. NIH records identify four grant project series with approximately $7.365 million in awarded appropriations through fiscal 2026, kept separate from private financing.
Team
 Christine GallagherDirector |
 Dallas C. HackAdvisor |
 Dave AdamsDirector |
 David W. WrightAdvisor |
 Gregory W. AlbersAdvisor |
Jackson StreeterDirector |
 James D. LechleiterCo-Founder and Advisor |
 Jeffrey L. IvesDirector |
 Jeffrey L. SaverAdvisor |
 Jeffrey M. ArnoldDirector |
 Kevin ShethAdvisor |
 Lisa MannaVice-President of Clinical Development Operations |
 Raul G. NogueiraAdvisor |
 Russell B. PoeHead of Chemistry and Manufacturing Controls (CMC) |
 Sarah HassanDirector |
 Stanley A. RobertsHead of Non-Clinical Safety Assessment |
 Theodore E. ListonVice-President of Research |
 William S. KorinekCo-Founder and Chief Executive Officer · Director |