Dr. Steven Wagner

Dr. Steven Wagner

Dr. Steven Wagner, world renowned researcher developing some of the most promising new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Wagner received his B.S. in chemistry from Bellarmine College and his M.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Health Sciences Center at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He did his post-doctoral training in microbiology and molecular genetics at the UC Irvine College of Medicine. Dr. Wagner next served as Director of Biochemistry at the Salk institute Biotechnology/Industrial Associates, Inc. and was the program head of SIBIA’s Alzheimer’s disease collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). In 2001, he served as co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Neurogenetics, Inc./TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc. where Dr. Wagner and his colleagues developed powerful new drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease. In 2009, Dr. Wagner joined the UC San Diego Department of Neurosciences, where he most recently served as an associate professor and principal investigator. There, Dr. Wagner's research focused on the discovery, design and development of therapeutic small molecules known as gamma-secretase modulators. These drug-like small molecules are aimed at preventing the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and are planned for clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease over the coming year. They are considered one of the most promising new therapies for addressing Alzheimer’s disease.

Background and Education

Dr. Wagner was born in Louisville, KY. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Bellarmine College and received his M.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Health Sciences Center at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Research

Dr. Wagner joined the Department of Neurosciences in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego in June of 2009.

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