28 February 2019 - - US-based neurological disease specialist Neurogene, Inch s appointed two biotech industry executives to its board of directors, Dr. Sukumar Nagendran and Dr. Srdjan (Serge) Stankovic, the company said.

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, Nagendran served as the chief medical officer and senior vice president at AveXis, Inc., where he oversaw the company's late-stage AAV-mediated gene therapy programme for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

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.

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.

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.

He currently serves as president of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., where he is responsible for leading research and development. Stankovic previously served in various executive positions at Alkermes plc, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Forest Laboratories, Inc., Neurogen Corp., Johnson and Johnson and UCB.

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.

Neurogene was founded to bring life-changing medicines to patients and families affected by rare neurological disorders.

The company partners with academic researchers, patient advocacy organiSations and caregivers to bring therapies to patients that address the underlying genetic cause of a range of neurological diseases where no effective treatment options exist.

Its lead programmes 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.