Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Sarepta appoints Michael Severino as CEO

Sarepta Therapeutics is changing its top leadership. Michael Severino, M.D., will become Chief Executive Officer on July 28, 2026, and will also join the company’s Board of Directors.

He succeeds Doug Ingram, who is retiring from Sarepta. Ingram will remain available to the company in an advisory role until the end of 2026 to support the transition.

Background at Tessera, AbbVie, Amgen and Merck

Severino joins from Tessera Therapeutics, where he had served as CEO since 2022. He also held the role of CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering. Before that, he was Vice Chairman and President at AbbVie, with responsibility for research and development as well as the corporate strategy office.

According to Sarepta, Severino has contributed to more than a dozen approved therapies, including Rinvoq, Skyrizi and Venclexta. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Amgen, including Senior Vice President, Global Development and Chief Medical Officer. At Merck, his work included clinical genomics, molecular profiling and experimental medicine.

Rare disease and Duchenne focus

Sarepta focuses on precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, with a significant position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The company points to approved products in the area, including two exon-skipping treatments and a one-time gene therapy for Duchenne.

The appointment brings in a leader with experience across research, development, regulatory strategy and commercialization in multiple therapeutic areas. Sarepta also highlights preclinical and clinical siRNA programs as part of its pipeline.

Ingram’s tenure included key approvals

Doug Ingram led Sarepta during a period that included important product approvals and expansion in genetic medicine. The company said his advisory role through year-end 2026 is intended to help ensure continuity as Severino takes over.