Neurogene Inc. (NASDAQ: NGNE) appointed Christy Shafer as chief commercial officer and Christine Mikail to its board of directors, the clinical-stage biotechnology company announced.

Shafer brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial organizations and rare neurological disease product launches. She will lead commercial strategy and launch readiness for NGN-401, the company's gene therapy for Rett syndrome.

Shafer most recently served as senior vice president and general manager for North America at Avidity Biosciences, which was acquired by Novartis. She previously held the chief commercial officer position at Marinus Pharmaceuticals, where she led the commercial organization and launched Ztalmy, a therapy for seizures associated with CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Marinus was subsequently acquired by Immedica Pharma.

She also held leadership roles at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, supporting neurology launches including Soliris for generalized myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Shafer holds a bachelor's degree in cell and molecular biology and genetics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Mikail, who currently serves as president and chief financial officer of Neurogene, joined the board of directors. She has been involved in shaping the company's strategy, strengthening its financial foundation, and supporting clinical and corporate objectives since joining the organization.

Neurogene focuses on developing genetic medicines for rare neurological diseases and is advancing NGN-401 as a treatment for Rett syndrome. The company uses what it describes as a biology-first approach paired with optimized delivery methods.