Neurona Therapeutics Appoints Eduardo Dunayevich, M.D., As Chief Medical Officer To Lead Clinical Strategy Ahead Of Phase 3 EPIC Study Of NRTX-1001

Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company developing regenerative cell therapies for nervous system disorders, announced that Eduardo Dunayevich, M.D., has joined the organization as its new Chief Medical Officer. Cory R. Nicholas, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neurona Therapeutics, noted that Dr. Dunayevich’s extensive expertise in clinical research and development across neurology and psychiatry will play a key role as the company prepares to launch its pivotal Phase 3 EPIC study of NRTX-1001 for focal epilepsy. 

He added that Dr. Dunayevich brings decades of leadership experience spanning early-stage research through post-approval development, which will strengthen Neurona’s capabilities as it advances its pipeline of innovative cell-based therapies targeting neurological diseases. Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Dr. Dunayevich shared that he is excited to support Neurona’s mission at a critical point in the company’s evolution. He highlighted that clinical data generated to date from Neurona’s ongoing studies in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy suggest that NRTX-1001 may offer meaningful, long-lasting seizure control. 

For many patients with this condition, available medications fail to provide relief, and one of the few remaining options is brain surgery, which carries significant risks, including permanent cognitive impairment. He stated that he looks forward to working closely with Neurona’s team and collaborating with physicians and patient communities to help bring this potentially transformative therapy to those who need it.

Dr. Dunayevich brings a strong track record of successfully leading clinical programs across neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders at multiple stages of development. Before joining Neurona, he served as Vice President of Clinical Development at Neurocrine Biosciences, where he oversaw the company’s VMAT2 program, including next-generation VMAT2 candidates and clinical studies supporting INGREZZA. Prior to his time at Neurocrine, he was Head of Clinical Development at Greenwich Biosciences/GW Pharmaceuticals, where he guided programs focused on developmental epileptic encephalopathies and multiple sclerosis. 

He played an important role in securing the EU Marketing Authorization Application for Epidyolex, as well as FDA approval of a supplemental NDA for treating seizures linked to tuberous sclerosis complex. Earlier in his career, he held senior clinical development roles at Eli Lilly and Company, Amgen, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Annexon Biosciences, and Orexigen Therapeutics.

Dr. Dunayevich earned his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires. He completed a psychiatry residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and later became board certified in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Before entering the biopharmaceutical industry, he served as a clinical investigator and faculty member at the University of Cincinnati.