Bedford, Mass. — Stoke Therapeutics has appointed biopharmaceutical industry veteran Bo Cumbo to its Board of Directors as the company advances development of zorevunersen, its investigational treatment for Dravet syndrome, toward potential FDA approval and commercialization.
The biotechnology company also announced that Edward Kaye, M.D., has retired from the Board. Kaye, who served on Stoke’s Board since 2017 and was Chief Executive Officer from 2017 until March 2025, will continue advising the Board during the transition.
“Bo’s track record of commercializing medicines for rare pediatric diseases will further enhance the capabilities of our Board as we prepare to deliver zorevunersen to people with Dravet syndrome following potential FDA approval in early 2028,” said Ian F. Smith, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Stoke Therapeutics. “Bo also brings experience leading organizations through significant growth, which will help position Stoke for long-term success as we build our company for the future. We are very pleased to welcome Bo to the Board.”
Smith also thanked Kaye for his service to the company and his support during the leadership transition.
Cumbo has more than 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including commercial leadership, medicine launches and corporate governance. Since 2022, he has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Solid Biosciences.
He previously served as the founding Chief Executive Officer of AavantiBio and held several commercial leadership roles at Sarepta Therapeutics between 2013 and 2020, ultimately serving as Chief Commercial Officer. Earlier in his career, Cumbo held leadership positions at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline and UCB Pharma.
Cumbo currently serves as a Director of Vor Bio and Climb Bio and has previously served on the boards of Verve Therapeutics, RA Pharma and Clinical Supplies Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Technology from Auburn University.
“Throughout my career, I have played a role in bringing first-of-their-kind, genetically targeted medicines to people living with rare, debilitating diseases, and witnessed the impact these treatments have on patients and their families,” Cumbo said. “Stoke is developing the first potential medicine designed to address the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome with the goal of both reducing seizures and improving neurodevelopment for people living with this disease. Beyond Dravet syndrome, the Company’s scientific approach holds the potential to address the root cause of many other severe genetic diseases. I am excited to join the Board at such an important stage and support the team as they advance zorevunersen and expand the pipeline.”
Stoke is developing zorevunersen as a potential disease-modifying treatment for Dravet syndrome using its RNA medicine platform, which is designed to restore protein expression.
