WATERTOWN, Mass. — Oryon Cell Therapies, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing autologous neuron replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, has appointed Kenny Choi, Ph.D., as Chief Technical Officer.
Choi will lead Oryon’s technical operations and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls strategy, including the transfer of manufacturing for the company’s autologous induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neuron therapy from Mass General Brigham to Oryon’s own facilities.
He will also oversee development of the manufacturing capabilities needed to support later-stage clinical development and potential commercialization.
Choi has more than 15 years of experience in technical operations, process development and CMC strategy for cell therapies. He has contributed to more than a dozen cell and gene therapy Investigational New Drug applications and three Biologics License Applications involving autologous cell therapies.
“Kenny joins Oryon at a pivotal point in the development of our autologous neuron replacement therapy,” said Ron Cohen, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oryon. “We are moving from an academic manufacturing environment to manufacturing at the scale needed for later-stage clinical development and commercialization. Kenny’s hands-on and leadership experience in cell process and analytical development, facility build-out, regulatory submissions and commercial readiness make him exceptionally well suited to lead this effort.”
Choi joins Oryon from Arcellx, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilead, where he served as Vice President of CMC and led process development, CMC program management and external manufacturing sciences.
He previously held technical leadership roles at Instil Bio, Mustang Bio and Kite Pharma, a Gilead company. His experience includes process and analytical development, automation, technology transfer, facility construction and management of contract development and manufacturing partnerships in the United States and Europe.
Choi began his cell therapy career at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
“I was drawn to Oryon by the rigor of the science, the clinical data, and the opportunity to help move Parkinson’s treatment beyond symptom management,” Choi said. “I look forward to working with the Oryon team to build a manufacturing platform that will advance this therapy through clinical development, and deliver it to all patients who can benefit.”
Choi holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and a doctorate in Systems Engineering from George Washington University.
Oryon’s lead program is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial of autologous dopaminergic neuron replacement therapy in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The company said interim data presented at the AD/PD 2026 International Conference in Copenhagen showed sustained motor improvements in all treated participants.
