Polaryx Strengthens Board With Appointments Of Dr. Mitchel Berger, Francis Braun, And Dr. Charles Ryan

Polaryx Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing disease-modifying therapies for rare pediatric lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), announced the appointments of three new members to its Board of Directors: Mitchel Berger, M.D., Francis A. Braun III, CPA, and Charles Ryan, J.D., Ph.D. Their appointments became effective on January 29, 2026. On the same date, Andrew O stepped down from the Board.

The company believes that adding Dr. Berger, Mr. Braun, and Dr. Ryan will enhance the Board’s expertise across scientific research, clinical development, finance, governance, and corporate strategy. This strengthened leadership comes at an important time for Polaryx, as its lead program, PLX-200, moves into an IND-approved SOTERIA Phase 2 basket trial—a significant near-term milestone in the company’s clinical roadmap.

Alex Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaryx Therapeutics, said that these appointments align with the company’s transition into a publicly listed organization. He noted that the extensive experience of the new Board members will help guide Polaryx through its next phase of growth. He also thanked Andrew O for his contributions during his time on the Board.

Dr. Ryan, Polaryx’s Lead Independent Director, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Board at this stage in the company’s development. He emphasized Polaryx’s potential to transform the treatment landscape for rare pediatric lysosomal storage disorders and said he looks forward to supporting the team as it works toward its upcoming milestones.

Mitchel Berger, M.D., serves as Director of the Brain Tumor Center at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a role he has held since 1997. He is also the Principal Investigator of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in neuro-oncology, funded by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Berger previously chaired UCSF’s Department of Neurological Surgery from 1997 to 2020. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in several major neurological and oncology organizations, including serving as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Neuro-Oncology, and the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. 

He has been a director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and served on the board of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Berger has also contributed to national advisory bodies, including the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee and the Blue Ribbon Panel for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. He received his M.D. from the University of Miami School of Medicine, completed his training at UCSF, and holds a B.A. from Harvard College.

Francis A. Braun III, CPA, has served as a consultant to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. since July 2024, a senior advisor to Stout Risius Ross, LLC since April 2024, and a member of the advisory council at CrossCountry Consulting LLC since February 2024. He currently serves on the Boards of SHF Holdings, Inc., where he is Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Crown Bank, where he also chairs the Audit Committee. 

Mr. Braun previously spent seven years as a Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, working with clients across life sciences, technology, manufacturing, and services. Earlier, he held Partner roles at Deloitte & Touche LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, building decades of leadership experience in auditing, accounting, and financial oversight. He earned a B.S. in Accounting from Rider University and is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.