RTP gene therapy startup Opus Genetics adds industry vet to executive team – WRAL TechWire

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK Opus Genetics welcomed a new executive who will lead the gene therapy companys clinical development and regulatory affairs.

Jennifer Hunt was named the chief development officer for the company, which launched last year with a $19 million investment from the Retinal Degeneration Fund, earlier this week.

In the role, Hunt will be responsible for progressing and expanding the companys gene therapy pipeline, the company said in a statement.

The company recently formed a new partnership, and announced plans for a third clinical trial. It added two executives in October 2021, according to prior reporting from WRAL TechWire.

Hunt brings 25 yeas of experience to the role, having served in clinical and regulatory positions at several biopharmaceutical companies, including Genzyme, Voyager Therapeutics, and Editas Medicine.

Opus is in a strong position to advance multiple therapies for inherited retinal diseases, said Hunt in a statement.

Opus Genetics pipeline includes three preclinical candidates, known as OPGx-001, OPGx-002 and OPGx-003. The gene therapy candidates aim to address forms of Leber congenital amaurosis, according to the company.

Were pleased to welcome Jennifer at this exciting time for Opus, as we build out the team that will be foundational to realizing our mission to efficiently advance therapies for inherited retinal diseases, said Ben Yerxa, Ph.D., the CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Retinal Degeneration Fund, who is also the acting CEO of Opus Genetics, in a statement. Jennifers deep clinical development background and experience overseeing trials in rare diseases and LCA will be instrumental as we progress our current programs toward the patients that need these therapies.

Startup spotlight: Opus Genetics, with $19M, works to advance cures for blinding retinal diseases

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RTP gene therapy startup Opus Genetics adds industry vet to executive team - WRAL TechWire