Chief Medical Officer
SynaptixBio is a rare disease biotech pioneering ground-breaking development for treatment of severe leukodystrophies. The company’s aim is to treat the genetic central nervous system disease TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy. First identified in 2015, TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy is caused by a mutation in the TUBB4A gene. It disrupts the growth or maintenance of the myelin sheath that insulates sections of the axon which results in retardation or stopping of nerve impulses in certain areas of the brain. Onset is typically recognised in toddlers with developmental delays and deterioration of motor function (gait dysfunction and difficulties with sitting, speech and swallowing). Often survival is limited to the stage of young adulthood. Currently, there is no effective treatment.
SynaptixBio has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the world-leading leukodystrophy centre the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in the US to develop a TUBB4a leukodystrophy treatment from antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The licence, which includes worldwide exclusive patent rights, allows SynaptixBio to translate CHOP’s research to first-in-human clinical trials.
To date SynaptixBio has secured investment of £13.2 million to fund its research into a treatment for TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy and take it into human clinical trials. In early 2024 SynaptixBio’s drug candidate for TUBB4a leukodystrophy was granted Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Paediatric Designation by the FDA as the first step to gaining a priority review voucher (PRV), which can accelerate market access for therapeutics.
In 2024, SynaptixBio’s Board and Executive Leadership Team entrusted leading life science executive search firm, PIR International, to find them a highly experienced Chief Medical Officer to be the key point of contact and decision maker for SynaptixBio’s clinical program with responsibility for defining the clinical strategy, clinical feasibility, risk mitigation and development plan for SynaptixBio’s emerging development candidates. An added complexity to the search was the requirement for a clinician with extensive experience working with neurological diseases, and ideally leukodystrophies. After a thorough and detailed international search carried out by Tom Bradley and Sally Hope of PIR International, SynaptixBio appointed Uwe Meya, a Board qualified neurologist and psychiatrist, to fulfil this crucial role for the organisation.
Comment from Uwe Meya: “The PIR team lead me very efficiently from first contact throughout interviews and contract negotiations into the transition to my role as Chief Medical Officer at SynaptixBio. I experienced the PIR team as friendly, knowledgeable, responsive and highly attentive. I look forward to working alongside the team to contribute to the company’s development and long-term success.”
Comment from Dan Williams, CEO, SynaptixBio: “This was a key position for SynaptixBio and it was crucial that someone with the industrial experience and knowledge of leukodystrophy who also fits with our culture. Tom and Sally’s network, energy and focus were instrumental for the success of this business-critical appointment. They are friendly and approachable whilst being able to maintain the highest levels of professionalism. Their understanding of the business together with their advice and insights made the search process very effective and ultimately led to the successful hire of Uwe.”
Dan Williams, Chief Executive Officer, SynaptixBio
