Neurogene Inc. (NASDAQ: NGNE) (“Neurogene” or “the Company”), a clinical-stage company founded to bring life-changing genetic medicines to patients and families affected by rare neurological diseases, today announced the appointment of Julie Jordan, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Jordan brings to Neurogene over 20 years of industry and clinical expertise involving the design and execution of global clinical trials across multiple development areas, including gene therapy and central nervous system disorders. She most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Homology Medicines, a clinical-stage company advancing gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases.

“A proven leader with deep clinical and regulatory expertise to advance pioneering medicines through development, we are thrilled to welcome Julie to the team,” said Rachel McMinn, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neurogene. “Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our pipeline of genetic medicines, including NGN-401, our potential best-in-class gene therapy for the treatment of Rett syndrome, and ultimately work toward the goal of improving the lives of patients and families impacted by rare neurological diseases.”

In her prior role as Chief Medical Officer of Homology Medicines, Dr. Jordan was responsible for leading clinical development and operations, leading regulatory interactions and supporting translational research programs for the company’s pipeline of gene therapy and gene editing candidates for rare diseases. Prior to assuming her role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jordan served as the company’s Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Operations. During her tenure, she successfully drove development and navigated regulatory challenges for multiple first-in-class genetic medicines, built and led a team of functional experts across multiple disciplines, and played a key role in strengthening relationships with patient advocacy groups and key opinion leaders. Before joining Homology Medicines, she held global leadership roles of increasing responsibility for central nervous system, neuropsychiatry, and other programs at Cerevel Therapeutics, Avanir Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Before joining industry, Dr. Jordan was a practicing physician for 10 years and previously served as Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and in the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She holds an A.B. in Biology from Harvard College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at MGH, Harvard Medical School.

“Leveraging its proprietary EXACT gene regulation technology, Neurogene is at the forefront of developing novel genetic medicines with the potential to overcome the challenges that have limited the use of conventional gene therapies for the treatment of rare neurological conditions,” said Dr. Jordan. “I look forward to working alongside the talented Neurogene team as we execute on our mission to deliver life-changing gene therapies to patients and families impacted by devastating rare neurological diseases.”

About Neurogene

The mission of Neurogene is to treat devastating neurological diseases to improve the lives of patients and families impacted by these rare diseases. Neurogene is developing novel approaches and treatments to address the limitations of conventional gene therapy in central nervous system disorders. This includes selecting a delivery approach to maximize distribution to target tissues and designing products to maximize potency and purity for an optimized efficacy and safety profile. The Company’s novel and proprietary EXACT transgene regulation platform technology allows for the delivery of therapeutic levels while limiting transgene toxicity associated with conventional gene therapy. Neurogene has constructed a state-of-the-art gene therapy manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. CGMP production of NGN-401 was conducted in this facility and will support pivotal clinical development activities. For more information, visit www.neurogene.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended). These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current expectations and beliefs of the management of Neurogene, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Neurogene. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “on track,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this communication include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Neurogene’s programs, including NGN-101, NGN-401 and its research stage opportunities; statements by Neurogene’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer and statements by Neurogene’s Chief Medical Officer. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: Neurogene’s limited operating history; the significant net losses incurred since inception of Neurogene; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through non-clinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Neurogene’s product candidates; the outcome of non-clinical testing and early clinical trials for Neurogene’s product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; Neurogene’s limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Neurogene’s current product candidates; expectations regarding the market and potential for Neurogene’s current product candidates; the substantial competition Neurogene faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; expectations regarding the potential tolerability, safety or efficacy for Neurogene’s current product candidates; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Neurogene to protect its intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations; risks related to Neurogene’s ability to correctly estimate its respective operating expenses, including its projected cash runway, and any unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the merger with Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (“Neoleukin”); the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Neoleukin, Neurogene or any of their respective directors or officers related to the merger; and legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments and general market conditions. These and other risks and uncertainties are identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2023, and other filings that the Company has made and may make with the SEC in the future.

Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that the contemplated results of any such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of the day they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. Except as required by applicable law, Neurogene undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This communication contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this communication.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240116075972/en/