Valencia – – September 29, 2026 -- Arthex Biotech has appointed Glenn Sblendorio, former CEO of IVERIC bio, as Chairman of its Board of Directors as the clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company advances its lead program ATX-01 through Phase I/IIa trials for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).
Sblendorio brings three decades of biotech exit experience to Arthex's board
Sblendorio most recently led IVERIC bio, Inc. as CEO until its acquisition by Astellas Pharma, Inc. He previously served as President and Chief Financial Officer of The Medicines Company through its acquisition by Novartis, and as Executive Vice President and CFO of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. until it was acquired by OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Earlier in his career he was a Managing Director at MPM Capital Advisors.
New chairman holds concurrent board roles at two other biotechs
Sblendorio currently chairs the Board of Directors of Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc. and sits on the board of Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., which was acquired by Biomarin. He holds a B.B.A. from Pace University, an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Arthex advances ATX-01 through the ArthemiR trial for a rare neuromuscular disorder
The Valencia, Spain-based company's lead candidate, ATX-01, is in clinical evaluation for DM1 in the Phase I/IIa ArthemiR trial. ATX-01 is built on Arthex's proprietary BOOST-ON platform, which pairs selective oligonucleotides with tissue-delivery technology targeting skeletal muscle, heart and brain.
Frédéric Legros, CEO of Arthex Biotech, said Sblendorio's operational expertise and track record of creating value across the biotechnology industry would help guide the company's next phase of growth as it expands the BOOST-ON platform.
Company points to preclinical data spanning both muscle and CNS effects
Previously published preclinical data demonstrated functional muscle improvement in a DM1 model, while newer preclinical findings show effects in the central nervous system, indicating the platform's potential to address both muscle and CNS disease targets. Arthex is building a pipeline of additional therapies for muscular, CNS and cardiac diseases beyond its DM1 program.