About Swati B Naphade, Ph.D.

Swati B Naphade, Ph.D.

Scientific Consultant & Founder

Swati has over 20 years of experience researching and advancing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and rare disorders. Her career spans academia and biotech startups, where she has built research infrastructures, led cross-functional teams, and advanced multiple scientific programs leveraging preclinical in vitro and in vivo platforms, precision medicine and AI-driven drug development.

Recognized for her strategic mindset and collaborative leadership, Swati supports impactful science through her company, Aurelia Biotech Consulting providing scientific advising and strategic guidance to organizations advancing innovation from concept to clinic, driven by a deep passion for improving patients’ lives.

Swati received her PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the Ohio State University.

Experience & Credentials

  • Cross-disciplinary expertise spanning neuro-degenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, aging and rare diseases.

  • 10+ years of scientific leadership, including line management, team building, and cross-functional program direction in highly matrixed environments.

  • Deep in vitro & in vivo platform development experience, including iPSC-derived 2D/3D models, organoids, and genetically engineered/transgenic mouse paradigms.

  • Strong track record in target discovery & validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and supporting lead candidate nomination through preclinical advancement.

  • Effective scientific communicator with extensive experience presenting to stakeholders, KOLs, collaborators, investors, and academic partners.

  • Operational excellence in project management, developing research infrastructures, and data documentation workflows.

  • Global collaborator, adept at working across diverse institutions, CROs, and time zones.

Project Highlights

  • Advanced two first-in-class CNS therapeutics through IND submissions — VRG50635, PIKfyve inhibitor now in Phase 1b for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and NEU-627, a CNS-penetrant TYK2 inhibitor for Multiple Sclerosis, imminently entering Phase 1.

  • Led precision-medicine and AI-driven drug discovery initiatives across two venture-backed biotech startups, integrating multi-omics data to strengthen target discovery efforts, refine disease models and advance biomarker strategy.

  • Led drug discovery teams comprising scientists at all levels of training, setting OKRs, budgets, timelines, and guiding preclinical go/no-go decisions for the organization’s scientific programs.

  • Recipient of numerous merit-based fellowships and distinctions reflecting a sustained record of scientific achievement. Consistently honored for top performance, academic excellence and research impact across all stages of training and corporate leadership.

  • Scientific work published in 20+ peer-reviewed high-impact journals; invited speaker at multiple conferences and workshops.

Swati's CV
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Work Style

Swati is recognized for her out-of-the-box thinking and a demonstrated 20+ year track record of refining scientific tools, techniques, systems, processes and perspectives to accelerate scientific programs. She is results-oriented and passionate about execution, with an approachable down-to-earth working style.

  • Swati is known for “getting things done,” developing top talent, optimizing workflows, and turning innovative scientific strategies from concept into impact.

  • A natural team player driving cross-functional collaborations within the organization and with external CROs and academic partners across two innovative biotech startups.

  • Celebrated for her heart-centered leadership, Swati provides clear direction while fostering a collaborative, empowering team culture.

  • Swati builds trust, encourages open dialogue, and supports individual growth, all while driving the mission to bring safe, transformative therapies to patients with urgency and care.

  • Swati is detail-oriented and analytical, leveraging deep expertise and data-driven insights to guide therapeutic strategies while pragmatically creating organized frameworks and priorities to tackle complex, ambiguous challenges.

  • Swati is skilled at identifying unconventional approaches and hidden opportunities and uncovering strategies and solutions that others may overlook.

  • “Swati has deep knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases and a strong track record of leading target discovery, validation, and drug discovery. She is careful with data, makes thoughtful decisions, and keeps a high bar for scientific quality. What I appreciate most about Swati is her initiative and creativity—she is often the first to suggest a new idea, platform, or technology that could move the science forward, and she is willing to take ownership to make those ideas real. She is an excellent communicator and presenter and consistently brings a solutions-oriented mindset. As a leader, Swati set a clear direction, encouraged open discussion, built a collaborative and respectful team culture, and fostered growth. I strongly recommend her to any organization looking for a strategic scientific leader, trusted partner, and consultant.”

    ~ Chao Wang, Principal Scientist, Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Verge Genomics

  • “Swati is one of those rare colleagues who combines deep scientific expertise with genuine drive and heart. She consistently takes initiative, steps up to challenges with resilience, and is determined to get things done and make a real difference. Her strong background in neuroscience and next-generation sequencing was a huge asset to every project we worked on, and she always approached problems with both rigor and creativity. Beyond her skills, Swati is a thoughtful, collaborative teammate who makes the people around her better, and she is well poised to continue making significant impact as a trusted advisor and consultant.”

    ~ Ningzhe Zhang, PhD, Drug Discovery Program Lead, Verge Genomics

  • “Swati is a highly resourceful, productive, and passionate scientist, skilled at managing multiple projects across diverse scientific areas and consistently delivering high-quality results. Her attention to detail, exceptional writing and presentation abilities, and clarity of communication allow her to convey complex data with impact. With strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly master new concepts and technologies, she is an invaluable collaborator and consultant, well poised to make a tangible difference and deliver measurable impact.”

    ~ Lisa Ellerby, PhD, Professor, Buck Institute for Research on Aging

  • “It was a pleasure collaborating with Swati to co-organize and moderate a highly successful Neuroscience Symposium. She demonstrated deep subject matter expertise, exceptional communication skills, and an engaging presence throughout every stage of planning and execution. Her captivating opening presentation set the tone for the event, drawing in the audience and fostering enthusiasm and engagement. Swati’s meticulous planning, proactive approach, and attention to detail ensured the symposium ran seamlessly and earned wide praise from participants. Beyond her organizational strengths, she is a cordial, dependable, and creative collaborator who brings strategic thinking and fresh perspectives that elevate any project she undertakes. Her combination of professionalism, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skill makes her not only an outstanding partner for scientific initiatives but also a trusted advisor and consultant.”

    ~ Songli Wang, MD, PhD, CEO and Founder, BioEdge Global LLC

  • “Incredibly talented scientist with deep expertise in neuroscience and genomics. Consistently takes initiative to launch new projects and push science forward. Fantastic collaborator — thoughtful, insightful, and positive presence on every team.”

    ~ Raj Bhatnagar, PhD, Lead of Computational Biology, Nautilus Biotechnology

  • “Swati will get it done — even if it hasn’t been done before. Her deep knowledge across diverse scientific areas and relentless drive make her an invaluable asset to any organization. In meetings, she consistently contributes insightful ideas, and in the lab, she guides their execution with clarity, precision, and speed. Swati holds herself and those around her to the highest standards, and working with her is both motivating and inspiring, pushing teams to think bigger and perform at their best.”

    ~ Katherine Kurylo, Senior Scientist, Marea Therapeutics

  • “I had the pleasure of working at Verge Genomics with Swati, where she focused on several neurodegeneration research projects, and I was consistently impressed by her exceptional attention to detail and unwavering dedication. Swati brings deep technical expertise and precision to every project, ensuring that results are both reliable and reproducible. Her focus and commitment to quality were key in advancing our understanding of complex cellular mechanisms. Swati's expertise makes her an invaluable contributor to any drug discovery project that demands rigor and thoroughness.”

    ~ Shannon Stone, Director of Portfolio Talent at The Column Group

Guided by Purpose, Driven by Values

Your ideas.

My expertise.

Let’s talk.

Your ideas. My expertise. Let’s talk.

Call Swati directly at 614-361-7860 or complete the form.