On February 23, 2022 Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNA), a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics called Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs), reported the appointment of Steve Hughes, M.D. as chief medical officer (Press release, Avidity Biosciences, FEB 23, 2022, View Source [SID1234608919]). Dr. Hughes has over 20 years of experience building and leading clinical development and medical affairs teams at prominent biopharmaceutical companies.
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"Steve brings a unique combination of extensive experience in the RNA field as well as a deep understanding of rare disease drug development," said Sarah Boyce, president and chief executive officer. "Steve’s unparalleled leadership in developing RNA-based treatments across therapeutic areas will be invaluable as we expand our AOC platform and execute on our goal of having three programs in the clinic by the end of this year."
Dr. Hughes has contributed to over 50 clinical trials for more than 25 drugs across multiple therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, neurology and several rare diseases. He has been closely involved in multiple registrational regulatory filings, including playing a key role in the approval of three rare disease products in the last six years.
"I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at Avidity. The AOC platform is a ground-breaking technology that significantly broadens the potential for RNA therapies," said Steve Hughes, M.D., chief medical officer at Avidity. "I look forward to contributing to Avidity’s progress in the clinic during this pivotal time as we work to advance our clinical programs and deliver potentially transformative medicines to people living with rare diseases that have limited or no therapeutic options."
Dr. Hughes joins Avidity from Arcturus Therapeutics where he continues to be a strategic clinical advisor. Prior to that, he held the position of CMO where he provided leadership and direction to clinical operations, clinical development, clinical sciences, data management, biometrics, and drug safety. Prior to Arcturus, he served as the Chief Medical Officer of Organovo where he led the non-clinical and clinical development teams developing bioprinted tissues for the treatment of hepatic and renal diseases. Dr. Hughes’s previous positions include the Chief Clinical Development Officer at Ionis Pharmaceuticals and positions at Biogen, CSL Behring and Sanofi. Dr. Hughes is board certified in pharmaceutical medicine and received his medical degree from Imperial College, London. He also has an MBA from Imperial College Business School.