Welcome Dr. Jak Knowles

We couldn’t be prouder that CureDuchenne has played a critical role in the development of what we hope will be the first-ever pharmaceutical treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Investments by CureDuchenne in Prosensa (now BioMarin) and Sarepta Therapeutics have helped advance two drugs through clinical trials that await FDA approval in the fall of 2015. We believe the success we’ve demonstrated comes from our strategic focus on research projects that will help all Duchenne patients by investing in therapies that target all aspects of the disease. While funding two breakthrough drugs up for approval is a significant achievement, we also know our work is not nearly over.

To help CureDuchenne continue its mission to find curative therapies for all Duchenne patients, we are very pleased to announce that Dr. Jak Knowles is joining the organization as Vice President Medical and Scientific Affairs. Dr. Knowles will also serve as Managing Director of CureDuchenne Ventures, our venture philanthropy arm whose goal is to identify and fund high-impact research projects in the Duchenne space.

Dr. Knowles will be leading the effort to create a new CureDuchenne office located in Cambridge, MA, the epicenter of state-of-the-art biomedical research and innovation in the U.S.

As a physician, Dr. Knowles is acutely aware of the physical impact of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the need to address the disease’s effect on the whole body.  With the understanding that family counselling, physical therapy, and diet are key for improving patient outcomes, Dr. Knowles will focus his efforts on delivering a meaningful impact through advancing curative therapeutics. Dr. Knowles has combined his medical training with impressive business experience and has a track record demonstrating success in helping venture capital firms identify and foster early-stage research leading to FDA approved therapies.

Dr. Knowles’ notable education includes a medical degree from Stanford University where he graduated with honors in biomedical research. He has authored more than a dozen research articles based on his work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford University, and a post-doctoral surgical fellowship sponsored by the National Institute of Health.

Dr. Knowles will be a tremendous asset to CureDuchenne, and the entire Duchenne community as he guides the future of our research to find a cure for this devastating disease.  Dr. Mike Kelly will continue as CureDuchenne’s Chief Scientific Advisor.

Please join me as we warmly welcome Dr. Jak Knowles to CureDuchenne.