Rett Syndrome Research Trust Appoints Genevieve Laforet, MD, PhD as Chief Medical Officer, Strengthening Leadership in Genetic Medicine Development
RSRT appoints Genevieve Laforet, MD PhD, as Chief Medical Officer, adding two decades of rare neurological disease expertise to the team as the organization advances multiple genetic medicine programs toward clinical trials for Rett syndrome.
Trumbull, CT — The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT), the organization singularly focused on curing Rett syndrome, today announced the appointment of Genevieve Laforet, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Laforet’s addition further strengthens RSRT’s leadership team as the organization advances multiple genetic medicine programs toward clinical development for Rett syndrome.
Dr. Laforet brings two decades of industry and academic experience with a focus on developing therapies for rare genetic neurological diseases. Prior to joining RSRT, she served as Chief Medical Officer at AS2Bio where she oversaw gene and cell therapy programs for Angelman syndrome. She previously spearheaded gene therapy development for Canavan disease at Aspa Therapeutics and held leadership roles in Duchenne muscular dystrophy programs at Solid Biosciences and Sarepta Therapeutics.
She earned her A.B. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard College, her M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine, and her Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry from The Rockefeller University. Over the course of her career, she has conducted research on Huntington’s disease and Rett syndrome and held scientific and clinical leadership roles at Abbott, Biogen, and Genzyme.
At RSRT, Dr. Laforet will direct clinical development and regulatory strategy for the organization’s internal and partnered therapeutic programs, as well as provide guidance for biopharma companies with Rett syndrome genetic medicine programs.
“Few decisions are as critical to an organization’s success as selecting the right leaders,” said Monica Coenraads, Chief Executive Officer of RSRT. “I believe our 2023 hire of Bob Deans as Chief Technology Officer, last year’s addition of John Sinnamon—recently promoted to Director, Head of Research—and now the appointment of Genevieve Laforet will prove transformative for the Rett community we serve.”
Rounding out the team is David Backer, Strategic Advisor for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Quality Control, an industry leader in gene therapy manufacturing. Collectively, this team brings deep expertise spanning discovery research, translational science, clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing—capabilities that are critical for advancing genetic medicines from concept to patients. RSRT is uniquely positioned to aggressively advance our therapeutic programs and provide the strategic insight our academic and biopharma partners rely on.
Randy Carpenter, M.D., RSRT’s former Chief Medical Officer, will continue to provide insight and support as part of the organization’s Translational Medicine Advisory Board.
“I am honored to be returning to Rett syndrome research as part of the stellar team at RSRT. RSRT has long been at the forefront of genetic approaches targeting Rett, and it is an exciting time to come on board as multiple cutting-edge modalities are converging on clinical application. I look forward to working with the team to advance promising new investigational therapies for the benefit of individuals with Rett and their families.”
About Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by random mutations in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. The disorder predominantly affects girls but can also rarely affect boys. Symptoms typically become apparent between the ages of 12 to 18 months. Rett syndrome is devastating as it deprives toddlers of speech, hand use, and normal movement often including the ability to walk. As childhood progresses the disorder brings anxiety, seizures, tremors, breathing difficulties, and severe gastrointestinal issues. While their bodies suffer, it is believed that their cognitive abilities remain largely intact. Although most children survive to adulthood, they require total round- the-clock care.
About Rett Syndrome Research Trust
The Rett Syndrome Research Trust is the only non-profit organization exclusively focused on advancing genetic medicines for Rett syndrome. It is the largest funder of Rett research worldwide. Multiple clinical trials in gene therapy for Rett syndrome are now underway, all possible because of RSRT-funded research. In 2024 RSRT launched a $40 million initiative, Roadmap to Cures, with a goal to bring three genetic medicines, beyond the current gene therapies, to clinical trials by 2028. RSRT’s mission is clear, urgent, and personal: to cure Rett syndrome and transform the lives of the people we love.
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