BEDFORD, Mass.– Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STOK), a biotechnology company developing RNA-based medicines designed to restore protein expression, has announced the appointment of Ian F. Smith as Chief Executive Officer. Smith, who has served as interim CEO since March 2025 and as a board member and company advisor since 2023, will continue to serve on the Board of Directors. Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., will resume his position as Chairman of the Board after serving as Executive Chairman during the CEO search.
Stoke is currently conducting a global Phase 3 study of its lead investigational medicine, zorevunersen, a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy for Dravet syndrome — a rare, severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy marked by frequent seizures and significant cognitive and behavioral challenges. In February, Stoke entered into a collaboration with Biogen Inc. to develop and commercialize zorevunersen. Under the agreement, Stoke retains exclusive rights in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, while Biogen holds commercialization rights for the rest of the world.
“After a comprehensive search, it became clear that Ian is uniquely qualified to lead Stoke and deeply committed to our science, our mission, and our people,” said Dr. Tzianabos. “Under his leadership over the last six months, the team and business have thrived — launching our pivotal Phase 3 EMPEROR study, expanding our clinical programs, and creating meaningful value for shareholders. His deep experience in rare disease development and commercialization, regulatory expertise, and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue building Stoke into a world-class biotechnology company.”
“As a board member and advisor, I’ve long admired Stoke’s science and mission,” said Smith. “Over the last six months, we’ve strengthened our business and positioned the company for significant growth. I’m excited to continue working with this exceptional team to deliver first-in-class genetic medicines for patients with severe diseases.”
Smith brings more than three decades of experience in biotechnology leadership, finance, and operations. Before joining Stoke, he spent nearly 20 years at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, where he helped guide Vertex’s transformation into a global leader in rare disease innovation. He also serves as a senior advisor to Bain Capital Life Sciences, Executive Chairman at Solid Biosciences, and Chairman at Rivus Pharmaceuticals, and holds board positions at Foghorn Therapeutics, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Areteia Therapeutics, and Odyssey Therapeutics.
Dr. Tzianabos, who joined Stoke’s Board in 2018, currently serves as CEO of Lifordi Immunotherapeutics and a venture partner at 5AM Ventures. He previously led Homology Medicines from its inception through its public offering and has held leadership roles at Shire and Harvard Medical School.
Stoke Therapeutics is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.
