Breaking Biotech Barriers: Avidity President & CEO Sarah Boyce on RNA’s Next Frontier

Sep 19, 2024

Join Sarah Boyce, President & CEO of Avidity Biosciences, as she shares her journey in advancing RNA therapeutics. She dives into overcoming the challenges of drug delivery while revealing how innovative methods are reshaping treatments for rare diseases. Sarah also discusses the role of generative AI in drug development and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. Plus, she reflects on personal growth and the need for authenticity in leadership—essential insights for anyone intrigued by the future of genetic medicine.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating the CEO Transition

02:55 • 5min

Revolutionizing RNA Therapeutics: Overcoming Delivery Challenges

07:53 • 2min

Innovations in Muscular Dystrophy Treatments

10:08 • 20min

Integrating Life and the Future of Genetic Medicine

29:55 • 3min

Embracing Authenticity: Reflections on Personal Growth

32:55 • 2min

Synopsis: In this episode, host Rahul Chaturvedi interviews Sarah Boyce, President & CEO of Avidity Biosciences, as she shares her dynamic journey from big pharma to leading groundbreaking advancements in RNA therapeutics. Sarah delves into overcoming drug delivery challenges, the transformative potential of genetic medicine, and Avidity’s mission to redefine rare disease treatments. She also offers candid insights on leadership, the importance of cultivating a strong company culture, and balancing personal well-being for long-term success. This episode is essential for those eager to explore the future of biotech and the next wave of medical innovation. Biography: Sarah Boyce joined Avidity as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors in October 2019. She has more than 25 years of global leadership experience in both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Sarah’s tenure at Avidity has been marked by transformative leadership, starting with the company's successful Series C funding round and IPO. She continues to drive the company’s evolution from a research and development entity to a biopharmaceutical company through the advancement of three therapies into clinical development and the expansion of the broad utility of the company’s proprietary RNA technology. Prior to joining Avidity, Sarah held the position of president and a member of the board of directors of Akcea Therapeutics. She previously held executive roles in business development and global operations for leading life sciences companies including Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Oncology and Roche. Sarah was named a Healthcare Technology Report Top 25 Biotech CEO in 2022 and has been named one of Fiercest Women in Life Sciences. Sarah currently serves as a member of the board of directors at OmniAb, Inc., Contineum Therapeutics, Inc., and Abcuro, Inc. Sarah holds a BSc (Hons) degree in microbiology from the University of Manchester, England.