Sarepta Names Former AbbVie Exec as CEO

Rare Daily Staff

Sarepta Therapeutics has appointed veteran biopharmaceutical executive Michael Severino as CEO, replacing Doug Ingram, who is retiring.

Severino, who most recently served as CEO of Tessera Therapeutics and as a CEO-partner at Flagship Pioneering, will assume the role July 28 and join Sarepta’s board of directors.

Ingram, who will remain in an advisory role during the transition, had announced plans to retire after two family members were diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy type 1. He led Sarepta since 2017 and oversaw several key therapeutic approvals, including exon-skipping therapies and a one-time gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His tenure was also characterized by high-profile clashes with regulators and questions about the efficacy of the company’s medicines.

Severino emphasized continuity in Sarepta’s mission while signaling a focus on advancing the company’s pipeline. He brings more than 25 years of experience across research, development and commercialization. Prior to Tessera, he spent several years at AbbVie as vice chairman and president, where he oversaw research and development and corporate strategy. During his tenure, AbbVie expanded its pipeline and strengthened capabilities in areas including genetics, genomics and computational biology, contributing to the development of multiple approved therapies such as Rinvoq, Skyrizi and Venclexta.

Earlier in his career, Severino held senior leadership roles at Amgen, where he served as senior vice president of global development and chief medical officer, and at Merck, where he led research efforts in clinical genomics and experimental medicine.

Sarepta’s board said Severino’s blend of scientific expertise and operational experience made him a strong fit following a comprehensive CEO search.

“His industry experience, strategic vision and commitment to patients give us confidence as he builds on Sarepta’s strengths and advances its pipeline,” said board chair M. Kathleen Behrens.

Photo: Michael Severino, CEO of Sarepta