Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Ashley Hudson: Advancing Oral Therapies for Metabolic and Rare Diseases
By: TAMU Biology
Dr. Ashley Hudson, a graduate of Texas A&M’s Biology Ph.D. program and former member of Dr. Steve Lockless’s lab, is at the forefront of developing novel oral treatments for obesity and rare metabolic disorders. Now based in Boston, Dr. Hudson leads a development group at Syntis Bio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on gut-targeted therapeutics.
From Aggieland to Biotech Innovation
During her time at Texas A&M, Dr. Hudson’s research in assay development, drug discovery, and membrane physiology laid the groundwork for her transition into translational science. Under the mentorship of Dr. Steve Lockless, she built a strong foundation in molecular biology, experimental design, and scientific problem-solving, skills that now underpin her work in therapeutic development. Reflecting on her time in the lab, Dr. Lockless described her as “bringing creativity, rigor, and relentless curiosity to every project she pursued. I’m not surprised she is leading innovative therapeutic efforts, since she has the drive and intellect to accomplish anything she sets her mind to.” Dr. Hudson also benefited from the collaborative, interdisciplinary environment fostered by the Department of Biology, where faculty mentorship and rigorous training prepared her to thrive in fast-paced, innovation-driven biotech settings.
Before joining Syntis, she held positions at Indigo and Synlogic, where she gained valuable experience that prepared her for her current role. She’s now a leader in the development of the SYNT™ platform, a first-in-class, orally delivered, transient coating that lines the small intestine to modulate nutrient absorption and enhance the delivery of gut-restricted therapies.
Academic Roots and Entrepreneurial Vision Lead to Breakthroughs in Obesity and Rare Disease Care
Syntis Bio was founded based on groundbreaking research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the laboratories of renowned scientists Dr. Robert Langer and Dr. Giovanni Traverso. The company was spun out of this academic work with the vision of translating novel gut-targeted technologies into real-world treatments. Rahul Dhanda, co-founder and CEO, helped lead the transition from academic discovery to biotech innovation.
Dr. Hudson continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology and translational medicine. Her journey from TAMU’s classrooms and laboratories to the forefront of biotech innovation underscores the impact that Aggie-trained scientists can have on global health. We celebrate Dr. Ashley Hudson’s outstanding achievements and look forward to the life-changing therapies that Syntis Bio is poised to deliver, thanks in part to the rigorous training and support she received during her time in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University.
Congratulations, Dr. Hudson, on your remarkable leadership and vision!
