Led by Larry Ereshefsky, CenExel Clinical Sciences provides translational medicine expertise and strategic scientific support across the clinical development lifecycle, from pre-IND and first-in-human studies through Phase IV programs. With more than 30 years of experience in early phase clinical pharmacology and CNS research, Dr. Ereshefsky and the Clinical Sciences team support sponsors with biomarker-driven study design, regulatory strategy, compound differentiation, and informed development decision-making.
CenExel’s Clinical Sciences capabilities span complex early phase and translational research, including neuroimaging and electrophysiology (PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, PSG, and driving simulation), CSF collection and advanced biomarker analysis, dedicated inpatient and outpatient research units, ethnobridging expertise, and psychedelic therapy infrastructure. Supported by a network of 18 clinical research sites nationwide, 50+ Principal Investigators, 730+ inpatient beds, and a participant database of more than 925,000 individuals, the team delivers scalable, recruitment-ready solutions designed to accelerate timelines and generate high-quality clinical data across therapeutic areas.
Larry Ereshefsky, PharmD, FCCP, BCPP
Dr. Ereshefsky is an internationally recognized key opinion leader in clinical translational central nervous system research with a proven track record in designing and performing first-in-human, proof-of-concept, and a broad range of Phase I clinical pharmacology studies. With over 30 years’ experience leading early phase research sites, he is utilized as a global resource within CenExel, providing support to ensure consistency and quality across sites. Dr. Ereshefsky is actively involved in strategic planning for compound development. He helps design translational research programs and define the critical path towards regulatory approval. He has extensive experience working with regulatory agencies and developing strategic plans to address compound differentiation and reimbursement challenges.
Dr. Ereshefsky has contributed significantly to many drug approvals, including by providing drug development planning, PK evaluation, and methodological innovation. He has introduced strategies to de-risk early phase drug development through the application of neurocircuitry/biomarker-based (RDoC) strategies, e.g., continuous CSF sampling, QEEG, ERPs, PSG, fMRI, PET, and cognitive and behavioral paradigms.
Dr. Ereshefsky is a retired Regents Professor of Pharmacy, Psychiatry, and Pharmacology from The University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Subsequently, he was EVP and CSO for California Clinical Trials from 2003 to 2008 when it was acquired by Parexel International where his role was VP, Principal Pharmacologist, and Therapeutic Area Leader for CNS Early Phase until his departure in 2016. Dr. Ereshefsky has published almost 150 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and abstracts. He received his Pharm.D. from the University of Southern California. His post Post-Graduate Residency in Psychiatric Pharmacy/Psychopharmacology was completed at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center (LAC+USC).
Scientific Capabilities
Comprehensive support for complex translational and early phase clinical research programs.
Biomarker Strategy
Biomarker-driven protocol design and translational research planning.
Neuroimaging
PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, PSG, and advanced CNS assessment technologies.
Clinical Pharmacology
First-in-human, SAD/MAD, PK/PD, and dose optimization studies.
CSF Collection
CSF sampling, laboratory integration, and biomarker analysis.
Ethnobridging Expertise
Support for global development programs and population-specific studies.
Psychedelic Research
Infrastructure and scientific expertise for psychedelic therapy studies.
