In this Biomapas Insights episode, Martijn van de Leur, Chief Commercial Officer, speaks with Terry Pirovolakis, CEO of Elpida Therapeutics, the organisation that grew out of the CureSPG50 advocacy movement. Together, they explore how a parent-led mission to help children with SPG50 advanced into a gene therapy organisation now developing multiple programs across rare neurodevelopmental disorders.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The origin story of CureSPG50 and the creation of Elpida Therapeutics
- What enabled Melpida’s outstandingly rapid clinical progress
- How Elpida selects and collaborates with partners like UTSW and NIH
- Insights into navigating FDA, EMA, and global regulatory pathways
- The biggest unmet needs and long-term challenges in paediatric gene therapy
This conversation offers a rare and inspiring look at how patient advocacy, science, and collaboration with the right partners can redefine what’s possible for children with rare diseases.