Neurocrine Biosciences Reveals CEO Succession Plan

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has announced the upcoming retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Gorman, Ph.D., effective on October 11, 2024. Following his retirement, Kyle Gano, Ph.D., who is currently serving as the Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer, will step into the role of CEO. Dr. Gano will also become a member of the Company's Board of Directors, continuing the vision laid out by Dr. Gorman.

Dr. Gorman, a founder of Neurocrine Biosciences in 1992, has held various positions within the company, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer before being appointed CEO in 2008. His tenure witnessed Neurocrine's evolution into a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company, marked by substantial financial stability and a mature product pipeline. One of the hallmarks of his leadership has been the successful commercial introduction of INGREZZA® (valbenazine), a treatment for tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease.

Dr. Gorman's strategic focus on areas with limited treatment options has been pivotal. Neurocrine recently submitted two New Drug Applications (NDAs) to the FDA for crinecerfont, a potential treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). With a total of 17 clinical programs in development, Neurocrine maintains a robust pipeline aimed at addressing neurological, neuroendocrine, and neuropsychological disorders. The strong financial footing, coupled with the success of INGREZZA, positions the company for continued growth and innovation.

Reflecting on his decision, Dr. Gorman expressed pride in the company's accomplishments and confidence in its future direction. He highlighted the successful launch of INGREZZA and the anticipated approval of crinecerfont as significant milestones. As part of the leadership transition plan, he endorsed Dr. Gano as the ideal successor, citing their two-decade-long professional relationship and Dr. Gano's instrumental role in the company’s success.

Dr. Gano, who has been with Neurocrine for over 23 years, expressed his commitment to maintaining the company's mission and values. He emphasized the importance of advancing treatments for tardive dyskinesia, Huntington's disease, and potential new therapies for CAH. Dr. Gano's extensive experience in business development, strategic collaborations, and operational leadership makes him well-suited to guide Neurocrine in its next growth phase.

William H. Rastetter, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, extended his gratitude to Dr. Gorman for his dedication and impactful leadership over the past three decades. He also expressed confidence in Dr. Gano’s ability to continue the company’s trajectory of success, emphasizing his deep expertise and visionary approach.

Dr. Gano’s career at Neurocrine began in market research and analytics. He progressed through roles focused on business and corporate development, assuming the position of Chief Business Development Officer in 2011 and later Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer in 2020. His leadership has been crucial in forming strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies and expanding Neurocrine's presence internationally.

Dr. Gano also played significant roles in developing FDA-approved medicines such as INGREZZA, ORILISSA® (elagolix), and ORIAHNN® (elagolix, estradiol, and norethindrone). His contributions to the company include leading the acquisition of Diurnal Group Plc and expanding Neurocrine’s operations to the UK and the EU. Dr. Gano’s scientific and business acumen, coupled with his leadership experience, positions him as a fitting successor to lead Neurocrine Biosciences into its next chapter.

As Neurocrine continues its mission to discover and develop treatments for diseases with high unmet needs, the transition in leadership aims to ensure sustained growth and innovation, building on the foundation laid by Dr. Gorman and looking forward to new milestones under Dr. Gano's leadership.