Seaport Therapeutics Appoints Intra-Cellular Therapies Founder Dr. Sharon Mates to Board
Seaport Therapeutics has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Dr. Sharon Mates to its Board of Directors, marking a significant step forward for the Boston-based clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. The move brings decades of experience in drug development, commercialization, and corporate leadership to Seaport at a time when the demand for effective mental health therapies continues to grow globally.
Dr. Mates is widely recognized as a pioneering figure in the biotechnology sector, particularly in the field of neuropsychiatry. She co-founded Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. in June 2002 and led the company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from its inception through to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2025. The deal, valued at approximately $14.6 billion, stands as a testament to the company’s scientific achievements and commercial success under her leadership. Her ability to guide a company from early-stage discovery through to large-scale commercialization and ultimately a major acquisition underscores her strategic vision and operational expertise.
At Intra-Cellular Therapies, Dr. Mates oversaw the development of therapies targeting serious mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. One of the company’s most notable achievements was the development and approval of CAPLYTA®, a novel antipsychotic medication. The drug received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and went on to generate more than $1.5 billion in sales prior to the company’s acquisition. Its continued commercial growth following the acquisition highlights both the strength of the product and the solid foundation established during Dr. Mates’ tenure.
Seaport Therapeutics, the company welcoming Dr. Mates to its board, is dedicated to inventing and advancing medicines for conditions including depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. As a clinical-stage organization, Seaport is focused on translating cutting-edge science into therapies that can meaningfully improve patients’ lives. The addition of Dr. Mates aligns with the company’s strategy to bring in experienced leaders who can help navigate the complex path from research to market.
Daphne Zohar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seaport Therapeutics, expressed strong enthusiasm about the appointment. She described Dr. Mates as an exceptional biotech entrepreneur and leader whose career she has admired for many years. According to Zohar, Dr. Mates’ intellectual curiosity, deep understanding of the industry, and commitment to patient-centered innovation make her an ideal addition to the board. Zohar emphasized that her experience and perspective will play a crucial role in advancing Seaport’s mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients in need.
Dr. Mates also shared her perspective on joining Seaport, noting that she has been following the company’s progress with great interest. She believes Seaport is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in neuropsychiatry, a field that continues to face significant unmet medical needs. Her comments reflect confidence in the company’s scientific approach and leadership, as well as excitement about contributing to its future growth. She also highlighted her respect for Daphne Zohar’s leadership and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with colleagues in the neuropsychiatry field, including experienced professionals such as Steve Paul and Tony Loebel.
Steven Paul, M.D., Co-Founder and Board Chair of Seaport Therapeutics, also welcomed Dr. Mates to the board, emphasizing her extensive experience in central nervous system (CNS) drug development. He noted that her career spans the full spectrum of pharmaceutical innovation, from complex neuroscience research to the delivery of real-world treatments that benefit patients. Paul described it as a privilege to work alongside her, adding that her insights will be invaluable as Seaport continues its efforts to develop new therapies for debilitating mental health conditions.
Dr. Mates’ appointment comes at a time when the importance of mental health treatment is increasingly recognized worldwide. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia affect millions of people and often require long-term management. Despite advances in treatment, there remains a significant need for more effective and better-tolerated therapies. Companies like Seaport Therapeutics are working to address these gaps by leveraging new scientific approaches and technologies.
In addition to her accomplishments at Intra-Cellular Therapies, Dr. Mates brings extensive governance and board experience. She has served on the boards of several biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, as well as nonprofit organizations. Her current board roles include positions at Medincell and Benitec, where she contributes her expertise in strategy, development, and corporate oversight. This breadth of experience will further strengthen Seaport’s board as it navigates the challenges and opportunities associated with clinical development and potential commercialization.
Beyond her executive and board roles, Dr. Mates has a diverse professional background that includes work as a research analyst, investment banker, and advisor within the life sciences industry. This combination of scientific knowledge and financial acumen has enabled her to successfully lead organizations through various stages of growth and transformation. Her ability to bridge the gap between science and business has been a key factor in her success and will be an asset to Seaport as it advances its pipeline.
Dr. Mates’ academic credentials also reflect her strong foundation in science and research. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University and went on to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Washington. She further expanded her expertise through postdoctoral fellowships at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, institutions known for their contributions to medical research and innovation. This academic background has informed her approach to drug development and leadership throughout her career.
Looking ahead, Dr. Mates is also involved in forming a new company focused on areas such as inflammation and metabolism, in addition to other therapeutic indications. This ongoing entrepreneurial activity highlights her continued commitment to advancing medical science and developing new treatments that address unmet needs.
Her appointment to Seaport’s Board of Directors is expected to have a meaningful impact on the company’s trajectory. With her guidance, Seaport is likely to benefit from enhanced strategic direction, particularly in areas such as clinical development, regulatory navigation, and commercialization planning. Her track record suggests she will play a key role in helping the company achieve its long-term goals.
For Seaport Therapeutics, the addition of Dr. Mates represents more than just a board appointment—it is a strategic move that reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in neuropsychiatric medicine. As the company continues to advance its pipeline and explore new therapeutic opportunities, the insights and experience of leaders like Dr. Mates will be instrumental in shaping its future.
In a rapidly evolving biotechnology landscape, leadership and experience can make a critical difference in a company’s success. By bringing Dr. Sharon Mates onto its board, Seaport Therapeutics has positioned itself to benefit from one of the industry’s most accomplished leaders. Her proven ability to translate scientific discovery into successful therapies, combined with her strategic vision and dedication to patient outcomes, aligns closely with Seaport’s mission.
As the company moves forward, patients, investors, and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how this collaboration unfolds. With a strengthened leadership team and a clear focus on innovation, Seaport Therapeutics is well-equipped to continue its pursuit of life-changing treatments for individuals living with neuropsychiatric disorders.
About Seaport Therapeutics
Seaport Therapeutics is a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing new medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Through its differentiated approach, the Company identifies clinically validated mechanisms with established efficacy and safety which had historically been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. Seaport applies its proprietary Glyph™ platform to overcome those limitations and invent innovative oral therapies. With an experienced team of industry leaders, Seaport has a proven track record in neuropsychiatry drug discovery and development and delivering successful business outcomes. Seaport aims to develop novel, leading treatment options that will make a significant impact for patients and their families
