JPM Highlights: Overcoming Complications in Rare Disease Drug Development

In this episode, we talk with our panel about updates their company gave at the recent JP Morgan Healthcare Conference that took place earlier this year. This once-yearly conference is the epicenter for biotech deal-making and groundbreaking data releases. Alejandro Dorenbaum is the Chief Medical Officer of Reneo Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage company developing drugs for rare mitochondrial disorders. Their lead clinical candidate REN-001 is currently being investigated in the treatment of primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMM) and long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD). Alejandro is a seasoned biotech executive, having served as Chief Medical Officer at Allakos and Lumena Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Shire. Prior to those roles, he held senior positions at Genentech and Biomarin.Amy Grover is Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage rare disease drug development company with an approved product for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Amy works to ensure that the patient's voice is heard and well-represented. She is a seasoned patient advocate, having served as director of operations and senior manager of patient engagement at Global Genes, a rare disease patient advocacy organization that supports the 7,000 plus rare diseases. Amy led multiple efforts during her tenure at Global Genes, including patient meetups and education, advocacy outreach, communication activities, and overall operations and financial management. Before joining Global Genes, she worked in both the commercial and health insurance industries.Hosted by Joe Varriale.