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Averna Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team

Averna Therapeutics, a pioneering biotechnology company that specializes in novel genomic medicines leveraging gene insertion technology, has made strategic appointments to enhance its leadership structure. Effective immediately, Robert Mabry, Ph.D., has taken the helm as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), and Richard Morris is now the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These appointments come as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving field of genomic medicine.

A Mission-Driven Leadership

Tom Barnes, Ph.D., the company’s CEO and Board Member, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the new leaders, stating, “Robert and Richard bring invaluable leadership, experience, and a mindset geared toward company building, which are crucial as we continue to elevate Averna into a leading genomic medicines enterprise.” He expressed confidence in Mabry’s scientific expertise, which he first witnessed during their collaborative endeavors at Orna Therapeutics, where innovative therapeutic strategies were developed.

Mabry’s background is extensive; he previously served as the CEO of Hillstar Bio, where his efforts were directed toward precision immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases. He has also held the position of Chief Scientific Officer at Orna Therapeutics, focusing on groundbreaking circular RNA therapeutics across various diseases. His impressive career includes leadership roles at Takeda Pharmaceuticals—spearheading biologics discovery and optimization—alongside tenures at companies such as Cogen Therapeutics and Jounce Therapeutics. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry as well as a B.A. in Biology/Biochemistry from Baylor University.

Financial Acumen Driving Growth

On the financial side, Richard Morris brings over 25 years of experience within biopharmaceutical finance and operational leadership, a critical aspect for any startup aiming for transformative impact in the industry. Prior to joining Averna Therapeutics, Morris served as CFO at CARISMA Therapeutics, where he was instrumental in overseeing the company’s financial strategy and operations. His career also includes valuable roles at Passage Bio, where he transitioned the company from a private startup to a public entity, alongside executive positions at Context Therapeutics and Vitae Pharmaceuticals.

Barnes noted that the combined experience of Mabry and Morris not only strengthens Averna’s leadership team but also enhances its capacity for executing groundbreaking scientific strategies aimed at advancing genomic medicine.

The Path Forward

Founded in 2024 with a robust financing round of $82 million led by Novartis Venture Fund and Delos Capital, Averna is already gaining recognition in the biotech industry. The company was named among the Endpoints 11 Most Promising Biotech Companies in 2025, which reflects significant roster growth and a strong reputation for innovation. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to overcoming persistent challenges in the realm of genomic medicine.

Averna has established a proprietary platform designed to safely and efficiently insert genes or genetic instructions into designated 'safe harbor' sites in the genome. By unifying a modular, all-RNA system with multiple lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technologies, the company aims to broaden its reach in genomic medicines, targeting an array of diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and various genetic conditions. The approach promises to extend the benefits of genomic therapies to a wider patient demographic, which is where the real transformative power lies.

Conclusion

As Averna Therapeutics embarks on this exciting new chapter marked by robust leadership, the industry watches closely. With a dedicated team at the helm, the company is poised not just for growth, but for groundbreaking advances that could truly redefine patient outcomes across a spectrum of diseases. To learn more about Averna Therapeutics and its innovative work, visit Averna Therapeutics' website.