RTP gene therapy company strengthens its scientific and operational leadership as it advances treatments for inherited retinal diseases.
Opus Genetics (Nasdaq: IRD), a Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases, announced on October 29, 2026 the appointments of Andrew Murphy, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer and Jamie Lynne Hart, M.S., M.P.H., as Executive Director, Executive Operations. The appointments come as the company advances its ophthalmic gene therapy programs, including OPGx-BEST1, OPGx-LCA5, and OPGx-RDH12.
“As we continue to advance our clinical programs and expand our pipeline, strengthening our scientific leadership and operational capabilities is essential to supporting our next phase of growth,” said George Magrath, M.D., CEO of Opus Genetics. “Andy brings deep expertise in gene therapy research, AAV vector development and translational science that we expect will be invaluable as we advance our programs toward important clinical milestones. Jamie brings extensive experience in executive operations and organizational coordination, and as well as significant experience in the ophthalmology sector, which we believe will help us execute effectively across our growing organization. We are pleased to welcome both to the Opus Genetics team.”
About Andrew Murphy, Ph.D.
Murphy brings more than 18 years of biotechnology experience spanning gene therapy research, translational development, and regulatory advancement. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Research and Early Development at Kriya Therapeutics, where he led AAV vector design, research, genomics, and data science, advancing gene therapy candidates across ophthalmology, metabolic, neurological, and rare diseases. Over his career, he has supported seven therapeutic programs through Phase 1 IND or CTA submissions, five of them at Kriya.
Earlier, Murphy founded Kitty Hawk Biosciences, a gene therapy consultancy focused on AAV vector characterization and potency assay development. He also held scientific leadership positions at KBI Biopharma, Duke University Medical Center, ProteoVec, and Liquidia Technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University and a B.A. in Chemistry from Oberlin College.
About Jamie Lynne Hart, M.S., M.P.H.
Hart brings more than 15 years of experience in biotechnology and ophthalmology, spanning executive operations, corporate development, medical affairs, and clinical research. Most recently, she was Chief of Staff to the CEO at Apellis Pharmaceuticals (now Biogen), where she partnered with executive leadership and the Board of Directors on corporate strategy, portfolio prioritization, and cross-functional execution.
Previously, Hart held leadership roles at Ocular Therapeutix, including Director of Corporate Development and Alliance Management and Director of Medical Affairs, supporting strategic partnerships, pipeline expansion, and the company’s transition to commercialization. She was also on the medical affairs team at Shire Pharmaceuticals (now Takeda). Earlier in her career, she focused on clinical research in rare diseases and ophthalmic drug development, and she has published extensively on uveitis, an orphan ophthalmic condition. She holds a Master of Science and a Master of Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine, as well as undergraduate degrees from Boston University.
About Opus Genetics
Opus Genetics develops one-time gene therapies designed to address the underlying genetic causes of severe retinal disorders. Its pipeline includes seven AAV-based programs, led by OPGx-LCA5 and OPGx-BEST1, with OPGx-RDH12 cleared to enter the clinic and additional candidates targeting MERTK, RHO, CNGB1, and NMNAT1.
