Antisense pioneer Bennett to retire

Frank Bennett, the founding scientist of Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS), will retire as EVP and CSO in February. Bennett, who joined the company in 1989, has shaped the use of antisense oligonucleotides across numerous therapeutic areas.

Bennett’s achievements include the discovery and development of Spinraza nusinersen, the first approved therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and Qalsody tofersen, the first approved therapy for a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Spinraza was a medical breakthrough and a commercial success; Qalsody “showed for the first time ALS could be a treatable disease,” Ionis CEO Brett Monia told BioCentury this spring. Both programs are partnered with Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB)...