The early-stage biotechnology firm Neuron23 has recruited the chief operating officer of Star Therapeutics, Kathy Dong, to join its board of directors.
Founded in 2018, Neuron23 (South San Francisco) specializes in the discovery and development of drugs for neurodegenerative and immunological diseases, drawing insights from data science.
Star Therapeutics (South San Francisco) focuses on the discovery and development of therapeutics that can treat multiple rare diseases.
Before joining Star Therapeutics, Dong worked for a number of pharma companies, including Gilead Sciences, True North Therapeutics and Sanofi.
Kathy Dong
At Gilead, she oversaw the commercial launch of hepatitis B and C therapies such as SOVALDI (sofosbuvir) and HARVONI (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir).
“I am thrilled to welcome someone of Kathy’s caliber and expertise to Neuron23’s board of directors,” said Nancy Stagliano, CEO of Neuron23, in a press release. “For the past 15 years, Kathy has progressed programs into the clinic and to market, many of which have led to significant scientific and medical advances. As a board member, her guidance will help ensure we continue to progress our pipeline to the clinic and ultimately to patients who are in need of new treatment options for neurological and immunological diseases.”
“As Neuron23 prepares to advance NEU-723 into clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease and continues to make progress in additional programs, I am excited to work with Dr. Stagliano, our board, and our brilliant team of scientists to bring personalized therapies to patients with limited treatment options,” Dong said in a press release.
Dong received Pharm.D. and MBA degrees from the University of New Mexico and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Rutgers University.
Earlier this year, Neuron23 closed a $100 million Series C financing round.