Core Insights - Ovid Therapeutics Inc. has appointed Dr. Petra Kaufmann as Chief Medical Officer to lead clinical, medical, and regulatory strategy for its pipeline of brain disorder therapeutics [1][2][3] - Dr. Kaufmann has extensive experience in developing CNS therapeutics, including leadership roles in biopharmaceutical companies and the National Institutes of Health [2][3] - The company is focused on advancing its next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor, OV329, and a portfolio of KCC2 direct activators for various CNS disorders [4] Company Overview - Ovid Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in New York, dedicated to developing small molecule medicines for brain conditions with significant unmet needs [4] - The company is advancing a pipeline that includes OV329 for treatment-resistant seizures and other undisclosed indications, as well as additional compounds targeting the KCC2 transporter [4] Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Kaufmann's background includes significant contributions to the development and global approval of Zolgensma, the first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy [2][3] - Her expertise in patient-focused trial design and biomarker strategies is expected to enhance Ovid's R&D capabilities [2][3] - The appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the company's research and development organization [3]