Eileen Carry

Dr. Eileen Carry, PhD is Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Zena Therapeutics. She holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from Rutgers University, where her doctoral research under Drs. James Simon and Jacques Roberge led to the discovery of a novel, non-benzodiazepine binding site on GABA-A receptors. This foundational discovery forms the intellectual property basis for Zena's therapeutic platform. Dr. Carry's expertise spans GABA-A receptor pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery with a focus on developing safer therapeutic interventions for anxiety, seizure disorders, and substance withdrawal. At Zena Therapeutics, Dr. Carry directs the company's scientific strategy, leading the development and optimization of partial GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulators designed to deliver clinical efficacy while eliminating the fatal overdose risk associated with traditional benzodiazepines. Under her scientific leadership, Zena has advanced its lead compound through preclinical efficacy and safety studies, and is preparing IND-enabling studies. Dr. Carry's work has been supported by NIH/NIDA Phase I STTR grants and New Jersey state innovation funding. Dr. Carry is committed to addressing the critical unmet need for safer medications in anxiety and substance use disorders, driven by both scientific rigor and personal commitment to improving therapeutic options for vulnerable patient populations.