Woodbridge, Conn. — Cure Rare Disease (CRD), a clinical-stage nonprofit biotech organization dedicated to developing genetic therapies for ultra-rare disorders, has appointed Keith Sutton, Ph.D., as Chief Science Officer and welcomed pharmaceutical executive Michelle Werner to its Board of Directors.
The leadership expansion comes as CRD ramps up its efforts to bring tailored, life-saving treatments to patients with conditions that lack existing therapeutic options.
Dr. Sutton, a translational scientist with a background spanning biotech companies, academic institutions, and contract research organizations, will oversee CRD’s scientific strategy and advance its preclinical and clinical programs. He most recently served as Pre-Clinical Director at Resolution Therapeutics, where he helped pioneer regenerative macrophage therapies for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. His previous role as Principal Scientific Advisor at Charles River Laboratories further deepened his commitment to rare disease drug development.
Sutton holds a Ph.D. in virology and a BSc in immunology from the University of Edinburgh, and has conducted research in the UK, U.S., and Australia.
“Keith brings a unique blend of academic insight and real-world translation that will be vital as we move therapies closer to the clinic,” said Rich Horgan, founder and CEO of CRD.
Michelle Werner, CEO of Alltrna and a CEO-partner at Flagship Pioneering, brings over two decades of experience in commercial and R&D leadership roles at major pharmaceutical firms including Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Her early career began in clinical operations at the Oncology Clinical Trials Unit at Harvard Medical School.
Werner, who holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the London Business School, is also an advocate in the rare disease space through her board role with the nonprofit Rare Disease Renegades. As a mother of three and a member of the rare disease community, she brings both personal passion and professional acumen to CRD’s mission.
“Michelle’s leadership across the biotech spectrum and her deep connection to the rare disease community will be instrumental as we grow,” said Horgan.
CRD continues to develop personalized, genetic-based treatments for individuals with ultra-rare conditions, filling a critical void in the broader drug development landscape.
