David is a biotech executive and industry veteran, with over 30 years of experience, in large, mid-size, small, and start-up biopharmaceutical companies. Foundational experience in marketing including the commercialization of five different billion-dollar prescription drug brands in three different therapeutical categories. Broad experience in leadership roles and global general management with specific experience in strategy development/execution, fund raising, investor relations, commercialization, business development/licensing, clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, and general business operations. Proven track record building, leading, and developing teams. Extensive experience serving on public and private company and non-profit boards.
Mr. Baker most recently served at President & CEO of Vallon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VLON), a company he co-founded in 2018 and took public in 2021, before leading the company through a successful reverse merger in 2023. During his time at Vallon, he built the management team, raised over $30 million, advanced a lead asset from the pre-clinical stage to the late stages of clinical development, and secured a European partnership.
Previously, he was the Chief Commercial Officer and interim CEO of Alcobra Ltd., a CNS specialty pharmaceutical company where he led the merger with Arcturus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ARCT). Prior to Alcobra, he worked at Shire Plc for 10 years as Vice President of Commercial Strategy and New Business in the Neuroscience Business Unit, Global General Manager for Vyvanse® and Vice President, ADHD Marketing. He led the commercialization of Adderall XR® and Vyvanse, the two most successful ADHD brands based on annual revenue.
Prior to Shire, he worked at Merck & Co. for over a decade in marketing, sales, market research, and business development. Mr. Baker’s therapeutic expertise includes ADHD, autism, Fragile X Syndrome, osteoporosis, migraine, and hyperlipidemia.