Capsida Biotherapeutics has appointed Susan Catalano Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).

According to the company, Catalano will continue to build on Capsida’s foundation of excellence in next-generation gene therapy science together with co-founders Nicholas Flytzanis, Ph.D. and Nick Goeden, Ph.D., to advance the company’s pipeline into the clinic.

Catalano brings more than two decades of experience leading discovery, translational science and clinical functions to bring multiple therapies in neurological and oncology indications to the clinic. She joins Capsida from CODA Biotherapeutics where she was CSO.

Prior to that Catalano was a member of the board of directors of Cognition Therapeutics, CSO and co-founder of the company, and architect of its discovery, preclinical, and clinical science.

“Capsida is at a pivotal phase in its evolution,” said Peter Anastasiou, Capsida’s CEO. “Susan’s industry expertise and experience advancing new medicines into the clinic will help us actualize the potential of our next-generation gene therapy platform.”  

“Capsida’s science is focused on overcoming many of the challenges with first-generation gene therapies, by improving effectiveness and safety. This represents a unique opportunity for us to bring life-changing and potentially lifesaving, new therapies to patients,” said Catalano, who will join Capsida’s leadership team and oversee all aspects of the Company’s scientific strategy from early discovery through to entering the clinic. 

“I am honored to join this team and work closely with the Company’s founders so we can bring these much-needed medicines to patients,” she said.