Ask Acumen

Russ Barton, MS

Chief Operating Officer

How long have you been involved in Alzheimer’s research?

My involvement in Alzheimer’s disease research began in the mid-1990s, first through the development of a symptomatic treatment and later through work on disease-modifying therapies. I joined Acumen’s efforts in 2018 as a project management and operations consultant, and in 2021, I became an employee and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer.

What initially drew you to Acumen and our company’s mission?

I was first drawn to Acumen in early 2018, when I joined a cross-functional consulting team charged with reviewing the preclinical data and initial plans for advancing ACU193—now sabirnetug—toward an IND. The science behind targeting Aβ oligomers was both novel and compelling, and the team quickly recognized the potential of the drug candidate. Just as important, I was impressed by the caliber, commitment, and collaborative spirit of the people involved. The combination of differentiated science and exceptional colleagues made me want to become more deeply involved with Acumen.

Which of Acumen’s four values (People, Integrity, Innovation, and Perseverance) resonates most with your work and role?

Choosing just one of Acumen’s values is difficult because all four are essential to our work. For me, however, Perseverance resonates most. After decades in Alzheimer’s drug development, I have seen the field endure years of setbacks while continuing to pursue meaningful treatments for patients. Research is hard—especially when confronting a disease as complex as Alzheimer’s Disease—and progress requires resilience, commitment, and a willingness to keep moving forward when the path is uncertain. The reward is knowing that your work has helped advance the field and may ultimately improve the lives of patients, caregivers, families, and friends.

From your perspective, what sets our company apart in the field of Alzheimer’s research?

What sets Acumen apart from my perspective is the combination of scientific rigor, deep experience, and an extraordinary commitment to our mission. Across our employees, consultants, and contractors, people bring both passion and the ability to turn ambitious goals into meaningful progress. The quality of the work—and how much this team accomplishes together—is truly impressive.

What is a quote that is meaningful to you and why?

I keep many meaningful and inspiring quotes in a journal, but the one I mention most comes from a surprising source—Mike Tyson: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” For me, the quote captures an essential lesson in project management and operations leadership: even the strongest plan must adapt when it meets reality. Unexpected results and events are inevitable. What matters is how quickly we learn, adjust, and keep moving forward—both in our work and in life.