Ex-Roche ace joins Harness Therapeutics board
With his deep understanding of neurology and broad experience of clinical development from his time as Global Head of Neuroscience at Roche, Dr Fontoura brings invaluable insight and experience to Harness as it expands its portfolio of first-in-class RNA-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
During his time at Roche, Dr Fontoura was involved in launching several breakthrough medicines for neurological indications including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) as well as for a number of ophthalmic diseases.
He also played an important part in pioneering new approaches to clinical development, such as mobile digital health outcomes using smartphone-based self-monitoring, and validation of the first digital endpoint for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Prior to this, Dr Fontoura pursued a clinical and academic career and held several faculty positions at the New University of Lisbon, from where he obtained his MD and PhD in Neuroimmunology and trained as a clinical neurologist.
This was followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine, focusing on the discovery of new autoantigens and the development of therapeutic DNA vaccines for MS.
In 2022, Dr Fontoura was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, recognising special achievement in neurosciences, the clinical practice of neurology, and academic and administrative neurology. He is a visiting professor at the New University of Lisbon, as well as a lecturer at the European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine in Basel.
Jan Thirkettle, CEO of Harness, which is based at Babraham Research Campus, said: “Paulo’s deep experience of clinical development across neuroscience gives him unique insights into the targets and strategies which could offer real promise to patients, making him an excellent addition to the Harness Therapeutics board.
“He joins the company at a propitious time as we prepare our lead Huntington’s Disease programme for clinical trials and refine our plans for a number of other promising targets for neurodegenerative disease treatment based on controlled upregulation.”
Dr Fontoura added: “I am very pleased to join the Harness Therapeutics Board and play a part in the development of this exciting young company. The aim at Harness is to exploit the mechanisms controlling RNA translation to open up new drug targets upstream of disease pathology.
“This is a compelling mission, and one which I believe is critical to meeting the needs of patients with neurodegenerative diseases given the limitations of existing approaches and targets.”
Harness Therapeutics was originally established by leading life science investors Takeda Ventures and SV Health Investors’ Dementia Discovery Fund in 2020. Harness Therapeutic’s current investor base also includes Epidarex Capital.