Cognito Therapeutics has announced a significant expansion of its executive leadership team, marking a strategic move as the company approaches key milestones in its development of innovative neurotechnology treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
The company has appointed four seasoned industry veterans to critical leadership positions: Steve Worthy as Chief Business & Financial Officer, Dr. Robbert Zusterzeel as Chief Clinical & Regulatory Officer, Deanna Angello as Chief Commercial Officer, and Dr. Pritesh Shah as Chief Strategy Officer.
Strategic Expertise for Commercial Launch
The appointments come at a crucial time as Cognito nears completion of enrollment in its pivotal HOPE trial and prepares for regulatory submission of Spectris™, its lead product utilizing non-invasive auditory and visual neuromodulation to enhance gamma frequency brain activity in Alzheimer's disease patients.
CEO Christian Howell emphasized the strategic timing of these appointments: "With deep expertise in fundraising, capital markets, regulatory strategy, commercialization, and growth acceleration, these leaders bring the precise skill sets needed for this critical phase."
Key Executive Profiles and Responsibilities
Steve Worthy brings over a decade of healthcare finance experience, previously serving at Aetion and J.P. Morgan's Global Healthcare Coverage Group. His expertise in capital structuring and strategic partnerships will be crucial for Cognito's financial strategy and business development initiatives.
Dr. Robbert Zusterzeel joins with significant regulatory experience from roles at Woebot Health and the FDA. His background in clinical development and regulatory affairs will be vital for navigating the FDA approval process for Spectris™.
Deanna Angello, with over 25 years of experience in market development and commercialization, particularly in Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases, has a track record of delivering over $7 billion in revenue through previous roles at Pfizer, Genentech/Roche, and other major pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Pritesh Shah, formerly Chief Growth Officer at Novocure, brings expertise in scaling organizations and driving revenue growth in medical technology markets. His experience in launching innovative therapies aligns with Cognito's mission to revolutionize neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Technology Platform and Market Potential
Cognito's lead product, Spectris™, represents a novel approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases through non-invasive neuromodulation technology. The platform aims to slow brain atrophy and functional decline in Alzheimer's disease patients, addressing a significant unmet need in the treatment landscape.
The company, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is positioning itself as a pioneer in technology-driven interventions for CNS diseases. With the new leadership team in place, Cognito is preparing for commercial launch and market expansion, potentially reshaping the treatment paradigm for millions of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases worldwide.
