Russ Addis

Russ Addis, PhD, is the Chief of Pipeline Strategy and Head of Genetic Medicine for the Loulou Foundation. He is focused on advancing the development of transformative therapeutics that address the underlying cause of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder including gene therapies, oligonucleotides, gene editing, and other strategies. Russ has held leadership positions at multiple small biotech companies, most recently serving as Vice President of Research at NeuExcell Therapeutics. In that role, he led discovery and translational efforts for programs aimed at restoring neurons lost in CNS disorders. Two of those programs reached the clinic. Previously, Russ worked as the Senior Director of Biology at Aro Biotherapeutics, developing targeted genetic medicines for rare diseases. This included an oligonucleotide conjugate now undergoing clinical testing for Pompe Disease. Before that, he led regenerative medicine and gene therapy efforts at Virscio, with a focus on developing animal models of neurodegenerative disease. His academic research at the University of Pennsylvania's Institute for Regenerative Medicine led to several high visibility articles on cellular reprogramming for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease applications.

Russ received his PhD in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, following a BA in biology and biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania.