Arcutis Appoints Amit Munshi To Board As Founder Bhaskar Chaudhuri Retires After Nine Years But Continues As Consultant

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative solutions in immuno-dermatology, has announced an important leadership update. Amit Munshi has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors effective December 4, 2025. Alongside this appointment, Arcutis shared that founder and long-time Board member Bhaskar Chaudhuri, PhD, has retired from his Board position, though he will continue to provide guidance as a consultant.

Frank Watanabe, president and chief executive officer of Arcutis, stated that the company is entering a critical phase as it works to expand its commercial presence and advance its development programs. He emphasized that Amit Munshi brings deep experience in financing, strategic transactions, and portfolio management—skills that will help support Arcutis’ ongoing commercialization of ZORYVE (roflumilast) and its growing research pipeline. Watanabe noted that Munshi’s leadership background and advisory roles across the biotech and investment sectors make him an excellent addition to the Board.

Keith R. Leonard, chairman of the Arcutis Board, expressed gratitude to Dr. Chaudhuri for his nine years of dedicated service. He highlighted Dr. Chaudhuri’s contributions as a founder, former chairman, and guiding force behind the development of ZORYVE, which has become the most prescribed branded topical treatment across three indications. Leonard added that Dr. Chaudhuri played a key role in transforming Arcutis from its early funding days into a multibillion-dollar dermatology-focused company.

Reflecting on his appointment, Amit Munshi said he is honored to join the Arcutis Board at a time when the company is strengthening its commercial capabilities and expanding its pipeline. He noted that Arcutis’ mission to develop meaningful solutions for chronic skin conditions aligns closely with his own professional goals, and he looks forward to supporting the company’s continued progress and impact.

Munshi brings a strong track record of leadership and value creation in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, as president and CEO of Orna Therapeutics, he led the merger between Orna and ReNAgade Therapeutics, secured significant Series A funding, and oversaw the company’s operational growth. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Arena Pharmaceuticals, where he executed a significant turnaround that included reshaping the company’s strategy, raising over $900 million in equity and $800 million through partnerships, and ultimately leading to Pfizer’s $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena. During his tenure, Arena advanced multiple therapeutic candidates across several disease areas and clinical sites worldwide.

Munshi has also held leadership positions at EPIRUS Biopharmaceuticals, Percivia, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, and Amgen, contributing to product launches, portfolio expansion, and strategic transactions. He holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University and dual degrees from the University of California, Riverside.