Actio Biosciences, a biotechnology firm focused on utilizing a novel genetic and precision medicine platform to create therapeutics for both rare and common diseases, has appointed Dr. Dimitrios Arkilo as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Arkilo, a pediatric neurologist with extensive expertise in childhood epilepsy, takes over from former CMO Dr. Sam Collins, who will continue as a consultant with the company.
“Dimitrios is a tremendous addition to Actio, bringing deep expertise in neurology, epilepsy, and rare diseases, particularly childhood conditions,” said David Goldstein, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Actio. “His extensive clinical and biotech experience will be invaluable as we advance our programs. With our lead program, ABS-0871 for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2C, and a second program for genetic epilepsies progressing toward the clinic, we are on track to deliver life-changing treatments. I am excited to work with Dimitrios to maintain our momentum.”
Dr. Dimitrios Arkilo expressed enthusiasm about joining Actio, stating, “Actio’s innovative approach to precision medicine for rare and common diseases, based on shared underlying biology, has the potential to significantly impact patients’ lives. I’m inspired by the team’s dedication to pioneering treatments and am honored to lead the clinical development as we approach the clinic for our first program.”
Dr. Arkilo comes to Actio from Sage Therapeutics, where he was Vice President of Medical Science. Previously, he was Vice President of Clinical Development, Rare Disease at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, and held roles at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, including Global Clinical Leader and Executive Medical Director. Before moving to industry, he was an attending physician and director of the chromosome 15 duplication clinic at the Minnesota Epilepsy Group. Dr. Arkilo completed his training at Winthrop University Hospital (pediatrics), The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center (child neurology), and the University of Minnesota (clinical neurophysiology). He earned his M.D. from Semmelweis University in Budapest and holds a certification in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
About Actio Biosciences
Actio Biosciences uses advancements in precision medicine to develop therapeutics targeting shared genetics in rare and common diseases. By leveraging its expertise in genetics, drug discovery, and data sciences, Actio aims to minimize biological and technical risks to streamline drug development. Founded in October 2021 and based in San Diego, Actio is led by experts in genetics and drug development and supported by top healthcare investors.
