GLENOLDEN, PA — The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) has appointed David Skarinsky to its Strategy to Accelerate Research (STAR) Therapy Expert Board. This move comes as the organization intensifies its efforts to develop disease-modifying therapies for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease.
David Skarinsky, former Senior VP of Clinical Development at DTx Pharma, brings over 35 years of global development expertise to the board. At DTx Pharma, which was recently acquired by Novartis, he focused on neuromuscular disease and CMT1A drug development. His experience spans regulatory strategy, endpoint selection, clinical trial design, and execution.
“I am honored to join the CMTA-STAR Therapy Expert Board at such a pivotal time in developing disease-modifying therapies for CMT,” Skarinsky said. He praised CMTA’s commitment to basic research, understanding disease natural history, and its collaborative approach with biopharmaceutical partners. “I am excited to contribute my experience to help accelerate the advancement of treatments for those with CMT,” he added.
The STAR Therapy Expert Board comprises top experts in CMT. It provides scientific input, evaluates ongoing or proposed CMTA-funded research projects, and guides the association’s research strategy. Skarinsky’s appointment aims to strengthen these efforts.
“CMTA is delighted to welcome David Skarinsky to the STAR Advisory Board,” said Sue Bruhn, PhD, CEO of CMTA. She noted that Skarinsky’s extensive expertise in neuromuscular disease research and clinical development aligns perfectly with CMTA’s strategic goals. “His insights and experience will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to find effective treatments. David’s expertise directly impacts the CMT community, and we are excited to collaborate with him.”
Skarinsky’s career includes positions at Wyeth-Ayerst, Sanofi, Abide Therapeutics, Otonomy, and PAREXEL. He led pivotal trials supporting the global approval of Rilutek® for Lou Gehrig’s disease—the first therapy providing hope for these patients. A Neuroscience graduate from Amherst College, Skarinsky has collaborated closely with experts from CMTA and other patient advocacy groups.
Skarinsky’s Role in Advancing CMT Treatments: A Beacon of Hope
The appointment of Skarinsky to CMTA’s STAR Therapy Expert Board is significant for several reasons. First, it emphasizes CMTA’s dedication to leveraging top-tier expertise in its quest for effective CMT treatments. The addition of Skarinsky, with his vast experience and successful track record, could accelerate the development of new therapies.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary neurological disorder affecting about 2.8 million people worldwide. It causes progressive loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation across various parts of the body. Despite its prevalence, there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for CMT, making the work of CMTA and its STAR Therapy Expert Board crucial.
For the broader public, the implications of this appointment are profound. If successful, the research and development guided by Skarinsky’s expertise could lead to groundbreaking therapies. These advancements would not only improve the quality of life for those with CMT but also potentially inform treatments for other neuromuscular diseases.
In conclusion, David Skarinsky’s appointment to the CMTA-STAR Therapy Expert Board signifies a strategic enhancement of the association’s research capabilities. His involvement promises to advance the mission of finding effective treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, offering hope to millions affected by this challenging condition.
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