Rob Gagnon, CPA, MBA.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—Opus Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and small-molecule therapies for other ophthalmic disorders, has announced the appointment of Rob Gagnon, CPA, MBA, as chief financial officer (CFO), effective immediately. In making the announcement, the company noted Gagnon’s experience as a biotech executive with more than 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience in both public and private companies, as well as his senior roles guiding companies through IPOs, late-stage clinical development, commercial launches, and M&A.
“Rob’s extensive experience in capital markets, strategic finance, and building high-performing organizations makes him an ideal fit for Opus as we continue advancing our clinical pipeline and prepare for multiple regulatory milestones,” said George Magrath, MD, chief executive officer, Opus Genetics. “His track record of leading biotech companies through high-growth phases will be invaluable as we continue to execute on our vision of delivering transformative therapies for patients with significant unmet needs.”
Gagnon joins Opus from Remix Therapeutics, where he served as CFO and led the company’s finance function, strategic financing process, fundraising efforts and IPO preparation, the company said. Previously, he served as CFO and chief business officer at Verastem Oncology, where he oversaw finance, business development, and investor relations and led capital raising efforts. He has also held senior finance leadership roles at Harvard Bioscience, Clean Harbors, and Biogen, and began his career in audit and advisory services at Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“I’m excited to join Opus at such a pivotal stage, with late-stage clinical programs, a robust early pipeline, and strong momentum across gene therapy and small molecule platforms,” said Gagnon. “I look forward to partnering with George and the Opus team to drive potential long-term growth as we work to deliver innovative inherited retinal disease therapies to patients worldwide.”
Gagnon holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, a BA in accounting from Bentley College, and is a certified public accountant in Massachusetts. He currently serves on the board of directors at Verastem Oncology, Harvard Bioscience, Purple Biotech and Bone Biologics.