Ovid Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Petra Kaufmann as Chief Medical Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Ovid Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OVID) appointed Dr. Petra Kaufmann as Chief Medical Officer effective December 2, 2025. Dr. Kaufmann will lead clinical, medical, and regulatory strategy as Ovid advances its clinical pipeline, including next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor OV329 and a portfolio of first-in-class KCC2 direct activators.

She brings experience across industry and government, including leadership roles at Vigil Neuroscience, Affinia Therapeutics, Novartis Gene Therapies and the NIH, and played a key role in development and global approvals of Zolgensma. Her background emphasizes patient-focused trial design, biomarkers, and quantitative clinical planning.

Positive

• Chief Medical Officer appointment strengthens Ovid R&D leadership
• Direct experience in global approvals for Zolgensma
• Background in NIH rare-disease trial infrastructure
• Oversaw medical, biomarker and regulatory functions at Vigil

Negative

• Possible near-term transition period as new CMO onboards

News Market Reaction

-13.33% 2.0x vol

9 alerts

-13.33% News Effect

-20.3% Trough in 37 hr 32 min

-$20M Valuation Impact

$128M Market Cap

2.0x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, OVID declined 13.33%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -20.3% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $20M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $128M at that time. Trading volume was above average at 2.0x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Announcement date: Dec 02, 2025

1 metrics

Announcement date Dec 02, 2025 CMO appointment press release date

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.50 Vol: Volume 1,413,244 is below...

normal vol

$1.50 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,413,244 is below the 20-day average of 1,771,517, suggesting no unusual trading. normal

Technical Price 1.65 is trading above the 200-day MA of 0.81 and 17.91% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

Select biotech peers showed mixed moves: ATRA +8%, QNCX +13.11%, ENTX +2.31% ver...

Select biotech peers showed mixed moves: ATRA +8%, QNCX +13.11%, ENTX +2.31% versus IRD -3.56% and XBIT -1.92%, indicating stock-specific rather than broad sector momentum for OVID.

Common Catalyst Only one close peer (Opus Genetics) reported routine inducement grant news with a modest -0.5% move, suggesting no shared catalyst across the group.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 02 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 02	Executive appointment	Positive	-13.3%	Named experienced CNS drug developer Petra Kaufmann as Chief Medical Officer.
Nov 12	Earnings & leadership	Positive	-2.2%	Q3 update with OV329 progress, KCC2 timelines, cash runway into 2H 2028.
Oct 03	Private placement	Neutral	+12.2%	Announced PIPE financing up to $175M gross proceeds to extend funding.
Oct 03	Clinical trial data	Positive	+12.2%	Positive Phase 1 OV329 biomarker data with strong GABA-AT inhibition and safety.
Aug 13	Earnings & pipeline	Positive	+56.9%	Q2 results with OV329 readout guidance and $7M royalty monetization.

Pattern Detected

Positive clinical and financing updates have often coincided with strong gains, while leadership or earnings-related announcements, including this CMO appointment, have seen more muted or negative price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, Ovid reported major clinical progress with OV329 and its KCC2 portfolio, significant PIPE financing of up to $175.1M, and multiple earnings updates showing ongoing losses but extended cash runway into 2028. Leadership transitions, including a CEO succession and the appointment of Dr. Petra Kaufmann as CMO, reshaped the executive team. Historically, investors rewarded clear clinical and funding catalysts with sharp gains, while governance and earnings items often faced selling pressure or limited upside.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock dropped -13.3% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the CMO hir...

Analysis

The stock dropped -13.3% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite the CMO hire would fit past instances where leadership and earnings news drew selling pressure. Investors may have weighed prior PIPE-related dilution, governance overhang from pending stockholder approvals, or long development timelines for OV329 and KCC2 more heavily than the strategic benefits of Dr. Kaufmann’s appointment. Such patterns highlight sensitivity to capital structure and execution risk when evaluating otherwise constructive updates.

Key Terms

gaba-at inhibitor, kcc2 direct activators, cns therapeutics, biomarker, +4 more

8 terms

gaba-at inhibitor medical

"guide the advancement of Ovid’s next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor, OV329, and"

A GABA-AT inhibitor is a drug that blocks the enzyme responsible for breaking down GABA, a brain chemical that calms nerve activity. By raising GABA levels, these inhibitors can reduce seizures, spasms or anxiety symptoms, so investors watch them for potential therapeutic value, market size and safety profiles—similar to fixing a leaky faucet so the sink (brain circuits) stays at the right level rather than flooding or running dry.

kcc2 direct activators medical

"and the Company’s broad portfolio of first-in-class KCC2 direct activators."

KCC2 direct activators are drugs or compounds that boost the activity of the KCC2 protein, a brain cell pump that helps keep electrical signals stable by moving chloride ions out of neurons. For investors, these agents matter because correcting that electrical balance can potentially treat conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain and some mood or movement disorders; successful activators could open sizable therapeutic markets but carry typical drug-development and regulatory risks.

cns therapeutics medical

"brings extensive experience developing CNS therapeutics from first-in-human studies"

CNS therapeutics are medicines and treatments designed to prevent, slow, or cure disorders of the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord — such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. For investors, they matter because developing these therapies is like fixing a complex computer network: it can be technically difficult, costly and slow, but successful products can command large markets, long patent protection and significant returns, while failures pose high clinical and regulatory risk.

biomarker medical

"trial design informed by cutting-edge biomarker strategies and quantitative"

A biomarker is a measurable indicator found in the body, such as in blood or tissues, that provides information about health, disease, or how the body responds to treatment. For investors, biomarkers can signal the potential success or risk of medical products or therapies, influencing the value of related companies and industry trends. They act like signals or clues that help assess the progress of medical advancements and their market impact.

spinal muscular atrophy medical

"Zolgensma®, the first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy."

A genetic condition in which the “wiring” between the spinal cord and muscles fails, causing progressive loss of muscle strength and motor skills from infancy through adulthood as the nerve cells that move muscles deteriorate. Investors pay attention because the condition creates a clear, long-term need for specialized therapies, diagnostics and ongoing care — meaning successful drugs or tests can attract premium pricing, sustained demand and significant regulatory and reimbursement scrutiny that materially affect biotech and healthcare valuations.

gene therapy medical

"played a key leadership role in the development and global approvals of Zolgensma®, the first gene therapy"

Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves altering or replacing faulty genes in a person's cells to treat or prevent disease. It is considered a promising area of innovation because it has the potential to provide long-term or even permanent solutions to genetic conditions. For investors, advancements in gene therapy can signal opportunities in biotech companies and emerging treatments with significant growth potential.

electroencephalography medical

"specialized training in epileptology and electroencephalography at the University of Bonn."

Electroencephalography is a medical test that uses small sensors on the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity over time, like an EKG for the brain. Investors care because EEG data can be used in drug and device development, patient diagnosis, and monitoring treatment effects; strong EEG results can influence clinical success, regulatory approvals, and market adoption, affecting a company’s value and risk profile.

clinical neurophysiology medical

"trained in neurology and clinical neurophysiology at Columbia University Medical Center"

Clinical neurophysiology is the medical field that measures and interprets the electrical signals and function of the brain, spinal cord and nerves to diagnose and monitor neurological conditions. Think of it as checking the wiring and signals of the nervous system to find where communication breaks down. For investors, advances or approvals in this area can drive demand for diagnostic equipment, monitoring services and related therapies, affecting revenue, regulatory risk and long-term growth prospects.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NEW YORK, Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ovid Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: OVID), a biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule medicines for brain disorders with significant unmet need, today announced the appointment of Petra Kaufmann, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.N., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Kaufmann joins Ovid’s leadership team with responsibility for guiding clinical, medical, and regulatory strategy as the Company progresses a clinical pipeline of potential best- and first-in-class therapeutic candidates for conditions and symptoms driven by neuronal imbalance.

Dr. Kaufmann brings extensive experience developing CNS therapeutics from first-in-human studies through to global regulatory approval. The foundation for her expert drug development perspectives began from her early career as a practicing neurologist who treated patients with refractory and treatment-resistant epilepsies and neuromuscular disorders. She has held leadership roles in biopharmaceutical companies and at the National Institutes of Health, where she directed national rare-disease research and clinical-trial infrastructure. Her background includes patient-focused trial design informed by cutting-edge biomarker strategies and quantitative clinical planning. She is a proven drug developer who will help guide the advancement of Ovid’s next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor, OV329, and the Company’s broad portfolio of first-in-class KCC2 direct activators.

“Petra brings a compelling combination of creative drug development, regulatory experience and the deep care of a physician who has treated people suffering from complex neurological conditions,” sad Meg Alexander, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ovid Therapeutics. “Her appointment strengthens our R&D organization, and we believe her expertise is well suited for translating and accelerating the development of our highly differentiated pipeline programs. The team and I look forward to working alongside Petra as we advance our mission to bring new classes of better, gentler medicines for patients and families who need them.”

“I have dedicated my career to advancing therapies for people living with serious conditions of the brain, including seizures,” said Dr. Kaufmann. “What drew me to Ovid is its commitment to patient-focused development, grounded in rigorous science and differentiated mechanisms. I’m excited to join at this pivotal moment and look forward to working closely with Meg and the Ovid team to thoughtfully advance OV329 and our broader KCC2 portfolio, ensuring each program is guided by sound clinical principles and a deep understanding of patient needs.”

Dr. Kaufmann joins Ovid from Vigil Neuroscience (acquired by Sanofi), where she served as Chief Medical Officer and oversaw the company’s medical, clinical, biomarker, patient advocacy and regulatory functions. Prior to Vigil, Dr. Kaufmann served as Chief Medical Officer of Affinia Therapeutics and as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Translational Medicine & Analytics of Novartis Gene Therapies, where she played a key leadership role in the development and global approvals of Zolgensma^®, the first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Previously, Dr. Kaufmann held senior roles at AveXis (acquired by Novartis) and served as Head of the Office of Rare Diseases Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she helped advance national research and clinical-trial infrastructure for rare and genetic conditions. While at the NIH, Dr. Kaufmann also served as a part-time reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration’s Division of Neurology Products. Dr. Kaufmann earned her M.D. from the University of Bonn, an M.S. in Biostatistics from Columbia University, and completed specialized training in epileptology and electroencephalography at the University of Bonn. Dr. Kaufmann trained in neurology and clinical neurophysiology at Columbia University Medical Center, where she later served as a tenured faculty member in the Department of Neurology. Dr. Kaufmann is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

About Ovid Therapeutics

Ovid Therapeutics Inc. is a New York-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing small molecule medicines for brain conditions with significant unmet need. Ovid is advancing a pipeline of novel targeted small molecule candidates that modulate the intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved in neuronal hyperexcitability causative of multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Ovid is developing: OV329, a next-generation GABA-aminotransferase inhibitor, as a potential therapy for treatment-resistant seizures and other undisclosed indications; and OV350, OV4071 and others within a library of compounds that directly activate the KCC2 transporter, for multiple CNS disorders. For more information about these and other Ovid research programs, please visit www.ovidrx.com.

Contact

Investor Relations & Media
Victoria Fort
VFort@ovidrx.com
202.361.0445

FAQ

When did Ovid Therapeutics announce the appointment of Dr. Petra Kaufmann (OVID)?

The appointment was announced on December 2, 2025.

What will Dr. Petra Kaufmann oversee as CMO of Ovid Therapeutics (OVID)?

She will guide clinical, medical, and regulatory strategy across Ovid's pipeline.

How does Dr. Kaufmann's experience relate to Ovid's OV329 program (OVID)?

She has drug‑development experience from first‑in‑human studies to global approvals and will help advance OV329.

What prior roles did Dr. Kaufmann hold that are relevant to OVID investors?

She served as CMO at Vigil Neuroscience, held senior roles at Novartis Gene Therapies and led NIH rare‑disease research.

Will Dr. Kaufmann work on Ovid's KCC2 direct activator programs (OVID)?

Yes. The company said she will help advance the KCC2 direct activator portfolio.