Slate Medicines Appoints John Umstead as Chief Financial Officer
RALEIGH, N.C. — Slate Medicines, a privately-held biotech company advancing next-generation therapeutics for migraine and other headache disorders, announced the appointment of John Umstead, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 2026. Mr. Umstead brings extensive financial leadership experience across all stages of biopharmaceutical company development, from clinical through commercial operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to the Slate Medicines team,” said Gregory Oakes, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Slate Medicines. “His proven track record in financial strategy and capital markets will be invaluable as we advance SLTE-1009 into Phase 1 clinical trials and work to expand the treatment paradigm for the millions of migraine patients who remain underserved by current therapies.”
Mr. Umstead brings comprehensive expertise in accounting, financial operations, financial planning and analysis, treasury management, and capital markets. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of G1 Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly traded commercial-stage oncology company that was acquired by Danish drugmaker Pharmacosmos. Prior to G1 Therapeutics, Mr. Umstead worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), where he served clients ranging from small private companies to large publicly traded corporations. He began his career at PwC in the audit and assurance practice before advancing to the Capital Markets Accounting and Advisory Services group, where he advised companies on complex accounting and financial reporting matters related to business combinations, debt and equity financings, divestitures, IPO readiness, and technical accounting issues. Before joining PwC, Mr. Umstead spent five years in commercial banking.
“I am excited to join Slate Medicines at this pivotal moment,” said Mr. Umstead. “The company’s focus on addressing the significant unmet needs of migraine patients through PACAP-targeting therapeutics represents a compelling opportunity to expand the treatment paradigm. With the company’s strong financial foundation from its $130 million Series A financing and upcoming Phase 1 clinical trials for SLTE-1009, I look forward to working with the team to advance therapies for the millions of patients who continue to experience substantial disease burden despite current treatment options.”
Mr. Umstead earned a Master of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a certified public accountant.
About Slate Medicines, Inc.
Slate Medicines is a biotech company focused on advancing next generation therapeutics for migraine and other headache disorders. The Company’s lead program, SLTE-1009, is a potential best-in-class subcutaneous anti-PACAP/VIP for the prevention of migraine. The company is backed by leading healthcare investors including RA Capital Management, Forbion, Foresite Capital, and an additional undisclosed biotech investor. For more information, please visit www.slatemedicines.com.
Media and Investor Contacts
Simona Kormanikova
ICR Healthcare
slate@icrhealthcare.com