NEW YORK — Neurogene Inc. has appointed Christy Shafer as Chief Commercial Officer and named Christine Mikail, J.D., to its Board of Directors as the company advances its gene therapy program for rare neurological diseases.
Shafer, who brings more than two decades of experience in launching therapies for rare neurological conditions, will lead the company’s commercial strategy and preparation for a potential launch of NGN-401, a gene therapy for Rett syndrome.
“With the addition of Christy Shafer to Neurogene’s experienced executive team, we welcome a proven commercial leader with deep expertise in building organizations and executing rare neurological disease product launches to guide our commercial strategy and launch readiness for NGN-401, our gene therapy product for Rett syndrome,” said Rachel McMinn, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neurogene. “Christine Mikail has deep strategic, financial, transactional, and operational expertise, along with a rigorous understanding of Neurogene’s business and long-term objectives. Her perspective and judgment will strengthen the Board as Neurogene continues to advance NGN-401 and prepares for its next phase of growth.”
Mikail, who currently serves as the company’s President and Chief Financial Officer, joins the board with experience in corporate strategy, capital formation, and business development. The company said she has played a key role in shaping its long-term strategy and strengthening its financial position.
“I am honored to join Neurogene’s Board of Directors at this important stage in the Company’s evolution,” said Mikail. “I look forward to contributing my experience and perspective to Neurogene’s long-term strategy as a member of the Board.”
Shafer most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for North America at Avidity Biosciences, where she led the buildout of the company’s commercial organization ahead of product launches. Earlier, she was Chief Commercial Officer at Marinus Pharmaceuticals, where she oversaw the launch of Ztalmy, a treatment for seizures associated with CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
She has also held leadership roles at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, supporting multiple neurology drug launches, as well as positions at Pacira Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Biosurgery.
“Neurogene’s differentiated approach to gene therapy represents a meaningful opportunity to transform outcomes for patients with devastating neurological diseases,” Shafer said. “I am thrilled to join this team at this inflection point and look forward to partnering across the organization to help deliver the capabilities, strategy, and infrastructure needed to support a successful launch and commercialization of NGN-401, if approved.”
The appointments come as Neurogene continues development of NGN-401 and prepares for potential commercialization efforts.
