Why I founded Neurogene

“My older brother lives with an undiagnosed rare neurological disease. I have witnessed firsthand, initially as a sibling and then into my adult life, the devastating impact his condition has had on my entire family. His condition inspired a profound sense of purpose and responsibility in me to want to make the world a better place for other people and families living with similar challenges.

I dedicated my early life to science, studying chemistry in college, completing a Ph.D. in chemistry and molecular biology, and accepting a post-doctoral fellowship in cell and molecular biology. I then spent the next 13 years as a Wall Street biotechnology equity analyst, learning about cutting edge science, its application to develop transformative medicines, and the recipes for company failures and successes.

I left my Wall Street career in order to learn how to directly apply my scientific and analytical skills in advancing treatments to patients. I took on the role of Chief Business and Strategy Officer at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, and spent several years gaining leadership and operational experience. However, when gene therapy began to show that life-altering improvements for patients with genetic diseases was possible, it was a crystalizing moment when I knew I needed to be part of this genetic medicine revolution, and it provided the catalyst for me to found Neurogene in 2018.”