Eric Swayze serves as the Executive Vice President of Research at Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., a leading biotechnology company focused on developing RNA-targeted therapeutics. With over two decades of experience in the field, Dr. Swayze has been instrumental in advancing the company's research and development efforts. He joined Ionis in 1997 and has since played a pivotal role in the discovery and development of numerous innovative therapies that target the underlying causes of various diseases. Throughout his career, Dr. Swayze has made significant contributions to the field of oligonucleotide chemistry and has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in the design and optimization of antisense and RNAi therapeutics. His research has led to the development of several drugs that have received regulatory approval, including Spinraza for spinal muscular atrophy and Tegsedi for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Dr. Swayze's expertise in medicinal chemistry and his leadership in the research division have been crucial in driving Ionis' pipeline forward, with numerous promising drug candidates currently in clinical trials. As the Executive Vice President of Research, Dr. Swayze oversees a team of scientists dedicated to identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets and developing cutting-edge technologies to advance Ionis' drug discovery efforts. His strategic vision and commitment to scientific excellence have positioned Ionis at the forefront of the RNA therapeutics industry. Under his leadership, the company continues to expand its research capabilities and forge collaborations with leading academic institutions and pharmaceutical partners to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.