Dr. Mark Pykett was named chief scientific officer of PTC Therapeutics, Inc. and Dr. Neil Almstead was appointed chief technical operations officer.

“Achievement of our long-term strategy requires accelerating our research engine with our small molecule and gene therapy platforms as well as fostering our manufacturing expertise to focus on supplying the needs of our advancing gene therapy franchise,” said Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., chief executive officer of PTC Therapeutics.

Dr. Pykett leads the research initiatives of PTC. Dr. Pykett joined PTC as part of the acquisition of Agilis Pharmaceuticals, where he served as chief executive officer. He has over 20 years of R&D leadership experience. Dr. Pykett held senior executive roles and directorships at several public and private companies focused on a range of therapeutic areas, indications and products.

Dr. Almstead is responsible for manufacturing and supply chain for both the small molecule programs, as well as the gene therapy platform. He is leading the build-up of the company’s in-house manufacturing for gene therapy. Dr. Almstead joined PTC in 2000 and has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his PTC career, including building PTC’s robust supply and distribution networks and manufacturing operations.