20 May 2025 – TREAT-NMD, a global network dedicated to accelerating treatments for neuromuscular diseases, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathryn R. Wagner, MD, PhD, as its new Chair of the Board. Dr. Wagner brings a wealth of experience and expertise in neuromuscular research and clinical care to this leadership role.
Wagner has devoted her career to improving treatment for those affected by neuromuscular disorders. She received her MD and PhD in molecular neuroscience from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her PhD thesis was on the original cloning and characterization of dystrobrevin. Following residency training in neurology and clinical fellowships in neuromuscular and neurogenetic disorders, Dr. Wagner was a postdoctoral fellow in molecular biology, where she first described the loss of myostatin in the mdx model of DBMD and an otherwise healthy human infant. She continued this work, elucidating the role of myostatin and related signalling molecules in muscle regeneration in her laboratory at Hopkins, and is currently Professor Emerita of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She was the founding director of the Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she cared for pediatric and adult individuals with neuromuscular disorders. In order to advance drug development for her patients, she transitioned to industry, where she served as Vice President, Global Head of Neuromuscular Diseases at Roche, leading late-stage programs in DMD, SMA, gMG, and FSHD, obtaining multiple regulatory approvals. More recently, she served as Vice President, Global Head of Translational Medicine, Neuroscience at Novartis, where she directed early development of a broad portfolio.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wagner as the new Chair of the Board,” said David Allison, CEO, TREAT-NMD. ” She is no stranger to TREAT-NMD, having previously served as chair of the TACT (Therapeutic Action Committee of TREAT-NMD). Her extensive knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the neuromuscular field will be invaluable as we continue to drive progress in research and treatment of these diseases.”
In her new role, Dr. Wagner will utilise her expertise to guide and drive TREAT-NMD’s strategic direction, working to foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, patient organisations, and industry partners worldwide.
“During my career, I have witnessed TREAT-NMD organize, harmonize, and elevate science and medicine critical to the neuromuscular community,” said Dr. Wagner. “It continues to play a crucial role in the global effort to improve the lives of individuals living with neuromuscular diseases. “I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Board of TREAT-NMD, and I look forward to working with the community to accelerate the development of effective therapies and enhance care for patients”.
