Dr. Rusche has over 30 years experience in pharmaceutical development and biotechnology. He received his PhD from University of Florida and was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University before joining Repligen Corporation. During his career he co-founded two drug discovery companies, ProsCure and Glycan, and advanced multiple novel drugs from research to clinical trials in the USA and Europe. Dr. Rusche has authored more than 50 original scientific articles and holds numerous patents. At Repligen, Dr. Rusche was responsible for research, drug and product development, and clinical manufacturing. Ten new molecules were advanced from research to clinical trials in immunology, cardiovascular disease, and CNS diseases (spinal muscular atrophy, autism, bipolar disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia).
Dr. Rusche recently retired from Repligen as Senior Vice President, Director of Research and Development. Dr. Rusche has worked on Friedreich’s ataxia drug discovery and development for the last 10 years. This work included advancing the HDAC inhibitors to clinical trial in Friedreich patients and licensing the program for further development. Dr. Rusche is also a member of the FARA Scientific Advisory Board serving on imaging, biomarker, and clinical development committees.