Aera Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, announced the appointment of Paul Conrad, Ph.D., MBA, as chief business and financial officer. 

Dr. Conrad brings over 30 years of biopharma experience and expertise spanning R&D, strategy and operations, business and corporate development, alliance management, and finance.

Akin Akinc, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Aera, said, “Paul is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, and his leadership will be key as we continue to build the company, advance our programs toward the clinic, and develop enabling delivery technologies to expand the application and impact of genetic medicines.”

Dr. Conrad began his career as a biochemical engineer at Merck & Co. Before Aera, Dr. Conrad served as chief business officer at NextPoint Therapeutics. There, he established research partnerships, secured multiple rounds of financing, and built out the company’s operations. 

Previously, he served as vice president and head of business development, alliance management, and pipeline strategy at bluebird bio. He played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s oncology cell therapy pipeline. 

Before bluebird, Dr. Conrad held business and corporate development roles at Shire, Baxalta, and AMAG Pharmaceuticals.

“With a clear focus on next-generation delivery technologies, Aera is well-positioned to impact the landscape of genetic medicines by broadening their application across many patient populations and disease areas,” said Dr. Conrad. “I am excited to be a part of Aera’s exceptional team and look forward to contributing to the next chapter of growth for the company.”