NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neurogene, Inc., a company founded with a mission to bring life-changing medicines to patients and families affected by rare neurological diseases, today announced the appointment of two biotech industry leaders to its board of directors: Dr. Sukumar Nagendran and Dr. Srdjan (Serge) Stankovic.

“We are thrilled to welcome Suku and Serge to the board. Given their extensive backgrounds in drug development and their commitment to finding treatments for people suffering from neurological diseases, I believe they will be invaluable additions to the Neurogene team,” said Rachel McMinn, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “They join us at an exciting time in our growth, and I know they share Neurogene’s vision of reimagining the future for patients with rare neurological diseases and their families.”

Dr. Nagendran brings more than 30 years of experience as an accomplished physician, drug developer and biotech leader, including extensive work in gene therapy clinical development. Most recently, Dr. Nagendran served as the Chief Medical Officer & Senior Vice President at AveXis, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s late-stage AAV-mediated gene therapy program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Prior to his time at AveXis, Dr. Nagendran held senior roles at Reata Pharmaceuticals, Daiichi Sankyo, Pfizer and Novartis in medical affairs and clinical development. Prior to moving into the biotech industry, Dr. Nagendran practiced internal medicine, with a focus on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Nagendran received his M.D. from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed his training in internal medicine at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

“With compelling pre-clinical data and strong academic partnerships, Neurogene is well-positioned to tackle some of the world’s most devastating diseases that until now have been intractable,” said Dr. Sukumar Nagendran. “I believe together we will be able to make a difference in the lives of many people.”

Dr. Stankovic joins Neurogene with more than 20 years of leadership experience in drug development, with extensive experience in bringing medicines for neurological disorders through regulatory approval. Dr. Stankovic currently serves as President of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., where he is responsible for leading research and development. Dr. Stankovic previously served in various executive positions at Alkermes plc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Forest Laboratories, Inc., Neurogen Corporation, Johnson and Johnson and UCB. Dr. Stankovic received his M.D. from the University of Belgrade and holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“I am impressed with Neurogene’s mission to help transform the lives of patients and families living with diseases such as AGU (Aspartylglucosaminuria) and CMT4J (Charcot-Marie Tooth 4J),” said Dr. Serge Stankovic. “I look forward to contributing to Neurogene’s goal of streamlining and accelerating development of potential life-altering medicines.”

About Neurogene, Inc.
Neurogene was founded to bring life-changing medicines to patients and families affected by rare neurological disorders. We partner with leading academic researchers, patient advocacy organizations and caregivers to bring therapies to patients that address the underlying genetic cause of a broad spectrum of neurological diseases where no effective treatment options exist today. Our lead programs use AAV-based gene therapy technology to deliver a normal gene to patients with a dysfunctional gene. Neurogene is also investing in novel technologies to develop treatments for diseases not well served by gene therapy. For more information, visit www.neurogene.com.