Louise Rodino-Klapac, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, and Chief Scientific Officer at Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. A distinguished figure in the field of gene therapy, Dr. Rodino-Klapac has a robust background that spans over two decades of groundbreaking research and development in the biomedical sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Florida, where her research focused on molecular genetics and gene therapy, setting the stage for her future contributions to the field. Prior to joining Sarepta, Dr. Rodino-Klapac held several key positions, including Director of the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor at The Ohio State University. Her work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding and treatment of neuromuscular diseases, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and has been a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Outstanding New Investigator Award. Her research on micro-dystrophin gene therapy has been instrumental in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for DMD, which has directly influenced Sarepta's pipeline. In her current role at Sarepta Therapeutics, Dr. Rodino-Klapac oversees the company’s research and development efforts, guiding the strategic direction of multiple programs aimed at treating rare genetic diseases. Her leadership is central to Sarepta’s mission to develop transformative therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs. Under her guidance, Sarepta has continued to expand its portfolio, with several promising gene therapy candidates in various stages of clinical trials. Dr. Rodino-Klapac's expertise and vision are key drivers in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in genetic medicine, making her an invaluable asset to the company and the broader scientific community.