In September, we highlighted Herriot Tabuteau’s groundbreaking achievement as he joined Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s Black billionaires. This week, the magazine is once again celebrating the Haitian-born physician and entrepreneur whose bold vision and relentless drive have transformed Axsome Therapeutics into a $6 billion biotech powerhouse, reshaping treatment for brain disorders worldwide.
Born and raised in Haiti amid significant challenges, Tabuteau immigrated to Manhattan at the age of nine. His resilience carried him through an impressive academic path: degrees in molecular biology and biochemistry from Wesleyan University, followed by a medical degree from Yale University. Originally drawn to neurosurgery, he soon grew disenchanted with the field’s limitations and pivoted into finance. Over nearly two decades, he built a formidable track record at Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and through his own investment funds, mastering the complexities of the biotech sector.
In 2012, Tabuteau founded Axsome Therapeutics in a small New York office. Rejecting venture capital, he funded the company with his personal savings and contributions from friends and family. The mission was ambitious: to address brain disorders such as depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease—conditions that impact more than 150 million Americans.
What set Axsome apart was its innovative approach. By diversifying its drug portfolio, conducting clinical trials in-house to cut costs by up to 50%, and deploying data-driven sales strategies, Tabuteau created a more efficient biotech model that disrupted industry norms.
Today, Axsome Therapeutics boasts three FDA-approved drugs. Among them is Auvelity, a groundbreaking depression treatment that delivers results within days, and Sunosi, which already generates over $100 million annually. With five more drugs in the pipeline and several anticipated approvals by 2028, Axsome has achieved $495 million in revenue over the past year, alongside a market capitalization of $6.1 billion.
Tabuteau’s 15% ownership stake in Axsome has translated into a personal net worth of $1.1 billion, firmly establishing him as one of the most influential figures in global biotech.
One of the most anticipated projects in Axsome’s pipeline is an Alzheimer’s agitation drug. According to Forbes, the treatment could generate $1.5 to $3 billion annually—potentially revolutionizing a field that has long relied on limited and risky alternatives.
Herriot Tabuteau’s journey—from overcoming childhood adversity in Haiti to leading one of the most innovative biotech firms in the world—highlights the transformative power of vision, persistence, and ingenuity. His story is not only a milestone for Haitian representation on the world stage but also a beacon of what’s possible in the fight against some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.
