Design Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSGN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has appointed Chris M. Storgard, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer to strengthen its leadership team as the company advances treatments for serious degenerative genetic diseases.
Dr. Storgard brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in drug development, having successfully guided multiple therapeutic candidates from preclinical stages through global regulatory approvals. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Design Therapeutics as it progresses its portfolio of GeneTAC® small molecules toward key clinical milestones.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our team at this exciting time for Design, as we advance our portfolio of GeneTAC® small molecules toward key clinical milestones," said Pratik Shah, Ph.D., chairperson and chief executive officer of Design Therapeutics. "His extensive expertise in clinical development and regulatory strategy, combined with a passion for innovation and patient-focused outcomes, will be instrumental as we advance our therapies to address critical unmet needs in rare genetic disorders and position the company for long-term value creation."
Extensive Industry Experience
Most recently, Dr. Storgard served as Chief Medical Officer at ADARx Pharmaceuticals, where he led the company's transition from research to development-stage operations. During his tenure, he oversaw the advancement of multiple clinical programs, including preparations for the company's first global Phase 3 program.
Prior to ADARx, Dr. Storgard held the CMO position at Heron Therapeutics, where his leadership resulted in U.S. and European regulatory approvals for several products in oncology and acute care. His career also includes serving as CMO at Fate Therapeutics, where he filed the first investigational new drug application for an iPSC-derived, off-the-shelf, natural killer cell product for oncology.
At Ardea Biosciences (an AstraZeneca Company), Dr. Storgard served as Vice President of Clinical Research and Development, successfully leading the global clinical program for lesinurad, which received regulatory approvals in multiple global markets, including the United States and Europe.
His extensive career also includes clinical development roles at Biogen Idec and Amgen, as well as clinical and academic appointments at prestigious institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Scripps Mercy Hospital, and The Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Storgard received his M.D. and BSc degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and is board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine.
Advancing GeneTAC® Technology Platform
Design Therapeutics is developing a new class of therapies based on its platform of GeneTAC® gene targeted chimera small molecules. These innovative compounds are designed to either increase or decrease the expression of specific disease-causing genes to address the underlying cause of disease.
"I am excited to join Design and be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with severe genetic diseases," said Dr. Storgard. "The company's innovative approach with GeneTAC® small molecules represents a compelling opportunity to deliver meaningful clinical advancements across a range of monogenetic disorders, starting with DT-216P2 for Friedreich ataxia. I look forward to applying my experience to further drive clinical and regulatory execution and to realize the full potential of Design's pipeline."
Clinical Pipeline and Development Programs
The company's clinical-stage programs include DT-216P2, in development for patients with Friedreich ataxia, and DT-168 for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Additionally, Design Therapeutics is advancing programs in myotonic dystrophy type-1 and Huntington's disease, with discovery efforts underway for multiple genomic medicines.
Friedreich ataxia, the target of Design's lead program, is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive ataxia (loss of coordination), cardiomyopathy, and shortened lifespan. The condition currently has limited treatment options, highlighting the significant unmet medical need that Design Therapeutics aims to address with its GeneTAC® approach.
The appointment of Dr. Storgard strengthens Design Therapeutics' clinical development capabilities as the company works to advance its pipeline of potential treatments for patients with serious genetic disorders. His extensive experience in clinical development and regulatory strategy will be crucial as the company progresses toward key clinical milestones and potential regulatory submissions.
About Design Therapeutics
Based in Carlsbad, California, Design Therapeutics is focused on developing treatments for serious degenerative genetic diseases using its GeneTAC® platform. The company's approach targets the underlying genetic causes of disease, potentially offering new therapeutic options for conditions with significant unmet medical needs.
Design Therapeutics' GeneTAC® molecules represent a novel therapeutic approach that could potentially address multiple genetic disorders through a disease-modifying mechanism, rather than merely treating symptoms. This platform technology has broad applications across various monogenetic disorders, positioning the company as a potential leader in genomic medicine development.
