James McArthur has an extensive work experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. James is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PepGen, a company focused on transforming the care of patients with neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, they were a Member of the Board of Directors and Member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).
James also served as a Venture Partner at RA Capital Management and Director on the Board of Directors at T-Cure Biosciences Inc. James founded and served as the President of Research & Development at Cydan, LLC and Cydan II, which are orphan drug accelerators creating new companies focused on developing therapies for rare diseases. James was the Member of the Board of Directors and Founder of Imara Inc., dedicated to developing therapeutics for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies.
James also founded Tiburio Therapeutics, a company developing drugs for rare neuroendocrine disorders, and was a Member of the Board of Directors at NIGHTSTAR THERAPEUTICS. James worked as a Consultant at New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and founded Vtesse, Inc., which was acquired by Sucampo.
Throughout their career, James McArthur has played a significant role in the development and advancement of various therapeutic programs for rare diseases.
James McArthur has a strong education background in the field of Biochemistry and Immunology. James completed their Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry at McGill University from 1980 to 1984. James then pursued their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Oncology at McGill University from 1984 to 1989. Following that, they completed two Postdocs, first at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1989 to 1991, and then at the University of California, Berkeley from 1991 to 1993, both focusing on Immunology.
Current role