Catalyst Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Dr. William T. Andrews as Chief Medical Officer, marking a strategic leadership transition as the company continues its focus on rare disease therapeutics. Dr. Andrews succeeds Dr. Gary Ingenito, who is retiring after a decade of service to support the company's growth trajectory.
Leadership Transition Strengthens Rare Disease Expertise
Dr. Andrews brings extensive experience to his new role, with 24 years of global biopharmaceutical experience spanning clinical development, medical affairs, corporate strategy, and business development. His expertise is particularly relevant to Catalyst's mission, having spent 18 years specifically focused on rare diseases across both drugs and biologics through all phases of development.
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Andrews to Catalyst. In addition to his foundational work in clinical practice in some of the country's most prestigious hospitals, he brings significant experience in biopharmaceuticals to this role," said Richard J. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst.
Since 2023, Dr. Andrews served as President, CEO and co-founder of Lighthouse Bio, a biopharmaceutical start-up focused on rare disease asset acquisition. Prior to that, he founded Aletheia Lifesciences, a biopharmaceutical consultancy providing corporate strategic and clinical consulting services. His executive experience includes Chief Medical Officer positions at Flexion Therapeutics, Akcea Therapeutics, and Acer Therapeutics.
Clinical Background and Academic Credentials
Dr. Andrews' career began in clinical practice with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and Brigham and Women's Hospital, where he also served as Clinical Faculty of Internal Medicine at Harvard Medical School and as an Attending Physician in Internal Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Harvard University and a Medical Degree from Yale University School of Medicine.
Strong Financial Performance Backdrop
The leadership appointment comes during a period of robust financial performance for Catalyst. The company's stock has risen 13% over the last quarter, significantly outperforming the broader market. Over a five-year period, Catalyst has delivered a total return of 443.67%, substantially exceeding the US market's 11.9% return over the past year.
Analysts have set a consensus price target of $34.0 for Catalyst shares, representing a potential upside of 28.6% from the current trading price of $24.28. This optimistic outlook reflects expectations for continued revenue expansion and margin enhancement, particularly through strong performances from key products AGAMREE and FIRDAPSE.
Strategic Focus on Rare Diseases
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals positions itself as a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving lives of patients with rare diseases. The company focuses on in-licensing, commercializing, and developing innovative therapies while maintaining a comprehensive suite of patient support services.
"This is an exciting time to join Catalyst as we work to continue our exceptional financial performance that underscores the strength of our commercial strategy and the growing demand for our differentiated therapies that help patients live healthier lives," Daly noted.
The company, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, has received recognition on the Forbes 2025 list as one of America's Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies and on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list as one of North America's Fastest-Growing Companies.
Daly expressed gratitude for Dr. Ingenito's contributions, stating, "We would like to thank Dr. Gary Ingenito for his incredible service to Catalyst over the past ten years and congratulate him on his formidable career in the biopharmaceutical industry." Dr. Ingenito will support the transition in a consulting capacity.
