He received his AB in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard College, his MD from Duke University School of Medicine, and his Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry from Rockefeller University. During his career, he has researched Huntington’s disease and Rett syndrome and held scientific and clinical leadership roles at Abbott, Biogen and Genzyme.
At RSRT, Dr. Laforet will direct the clinical development and regulatory strategy for the organization’s internal and collaborative therapeutic programs, as well as providing guidance for biopharma companies with genetic drug programs for Rett syndrome.
“Few decisions are as important to an organization’s success as choosing the right leaders,” said Monica Coenraads, RSRT Chief Executive Officer. “I believe our 2023 hiring of Bob Deans as Chief Technology Officer, last year’s addition of John Sinnamon—who was recently promoted to Director, Head of Research—and now the appointment of Genevieve Laforet will prove to be transformative for the Rett community we serve.”
Rounding out the panel is David Backer, Strategic Advisor for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Quality Control, an industry leader in gene therapy manufacturing. Together, the group brings deep expertise in discovery research, translational science, clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing—skills critical to advancing genetic medicine from concept to patient. RSRT is uniquely positioned to actively advance our therapeutic programs and provide the strategic insight that our academic and biopharma partners rely on.
Randy Carpenter, MD, RSRT’s Chief Medical Officer, will continue to provide insight and support as part of the organization’s Translational Medicine Advisory Board.
“I’m proud to return to Rett disease research as part of the RSRT constellation. RSRT has long been at the forefront of genetic approaches to Rett, and it’s an exciting time to come on board as more innovative approaches continue to be used in the clinic.”
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by random mutations in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. The disease mainly affects girls but it can also rarely affect boys. Symptoms usually appear between 12 and 18 months of age. Rett syndrome is devastating as it robs young children of speech, hand use and normal movement including the ability to walk. As childhood progresses, the disease brings anxiety, restlessness, tremors, shortness of breath and serious gastrointestinal problems. Although their bodies still suffer, their mental abilities are believed to remain intact. Although most children live to adulthood, they need full round-the-clock care.
About the Rett Syndrome Research Trust
The Rett Syndrome Research Trust is the only non-profit organization focused on developing genetic medicine for Rett syndrome. It is the largest supporter of Rett research worldwide. Many clinical trials on gene therapy for Rett syndrome are underway, all possible thanks to research funded by RSRT. In 2024 RSRT launched a $40 million project, Roadmap to Cures, with the goal of bringing three gene therapies, beyond current genetic approaches, to clinical trials by 2028. RSRT’s mission is clear, urgent and personal: to cure Rett syndrome and change the lives of our loved ones. To learn more, please visit ReverseRett.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The media
Monica Coenraads, Rett Syndrome Research Trust, 1 203.445.0041, [email protected]https://reverserett.org/
SOURCE Rett Syndrome Research Trust
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