Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) announced that Frank Bennett, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief scientific officer, will retire effective February 2027.

Dr. Bennett joined Ionis as a founding scientist in 1989 and contributed to the discovery of more than 50 drug candidates, with seven receiving regulatory approval worldwide. His work includes the discovery and development of SPINRAZA (nusinersen), the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and QALSODY (tofersen), the first approved treatment for a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dr. Bennett also led the discovery of clinical-stage medicines targeting additional genetic forms of ALS, Parkinson's disease, prion disease, Angelman syndrome, and MECP2 duplication syndrome. His work extended to non-neurologic conditions, including bepirovirsen, an investigational medicine for chronic hepatitis B currently under regulatory review with several global health authorities.

"As a founding scientist, Frank has been instrumental in shaping Ionis and advancing the entire field of RNA-targeted medicines," said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Ionis.

Following his retirement, Dr. Bennett will serve as a strategic consultant during a transition period. His responsibilities will be assumed by Eric Swayze, Ph.D., executive vice president and head of research.

Dr. Bennett has authored more than 240 peer-reviewed manuscripts and holds more than 200 issued U.S. patents. His career has been recognized with several awards, including the 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.