MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. — May 05, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Tris Pharma, Inc. (Tris), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced the promotion of Jim Potenziano, Ph.D., to Chief Science and Development Officer (CSDO).
The appointment reflects Tris’ focus on integrated innovation across central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tris is preparing to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) for cebranopadol in moderate-to-severe acute pain.
The company said this strategic move underscores its continued evolution and commitment to expanding its portfolio beyond ADHD into broader areas, including pain and other CNS disorders. Potenziano will unify Tris’ strengths across proprietary technology platforms, product science, and clinical, regulatory, and medical strategies to support advancement of the company’s broader pipeline.
Ketan Mehta, Founder and CEO of Tris Pharma, said that Potenziano is the ideal leader to bring together the full breadth of Tris’ capabilities, adding that his deep understanding of Tris’ science, combined with his strategic vision and strong relationships across the medical community, professional organizations and governmental agencies, will play a critical role in driving the next phase of growth.
Mehta noted that as Tris expands its pipeline with the goal of delivering care across the CNS, Potenziano will help ensure Tris continues to deliver meaningful innovation for patients while enhancing visibility among scientific talent and potential partners.
According to Tris, Potenziano has led the Medical Affairs function and has been instrumental in building the scientific foundation supporting the company’s marketed products and pipeline. He has played a key role in advancing and diversifying Tris’ portfolio, contributing significantly to its established ADHD franchise, broader CNS pipeline, and emerging pain program.
The company said that Potenziano’s leadership has been defined by a rigorous, collaborative approach that combines deep scientific inquiry with broad strategic thinking. In addition to his internal contributions, he has cultivated strong relationships with the medical community, professional organizations, and governmental agencies, strengthening Tris’ reputation as a trusted and innovative partner in addressing complex therapeutic challenges.
Potenziano stated that Tris is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation and that the pipeline reflects the science and technology that defines the company. He added that he is honored to take on this role and to work alongside a talented team as Tris advances innovative therapies.
As Tris advances cebranopadol and its broader pipeline, the company expects to further expand its scientific and development teams under Potenziano’s leadership, reflecting its ongoing investment in talent and innovation.
Tris Pharma, Inc. is described as an innovation-driven, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company applying drug development capabilities and proprietary technologies to transform the treatment of ADHD, pain, and disorders of the central nervous system into advanced, targeted drug delivery. Tris markets a portfolio of ADHD products and is developing a pipeline of differentiated near-term drug candidates.
Source: Tris Pharma, Inc.
