Ram Aiyar, CEO - Korro Bio (KRRO)
Korro Bio (Nasdaq: KRRO) is a renowned biopharmaceutical company making significant strides in editing RNA to modulate a biological pathway. Harnessing natural RNA editing mechanisms in the human body makes precise, single-base RNA edits that alter protein functions. Led by the expert guidance of Dr. Ram Aiyar, CEO and President, the company utilizes this approach to consistently deliver its promise of providing genetic medicines for complex and prevalent disorders.Along with serving on the board of directors at Korro Bio, Dr. Aiyar brings two decades of experience in the biotech and pharma industries. His expertise spans various roles across finance, strategy, product development, and venture capital, and a strong track record of launching and building successful biotech startups. In his most recent venture, Dr. Aiyar co-founded Corvidia Therapeutics, where he also served as the chief business officer and chief financial officer, playing a crucial role in the organization’s acquisition by Novo Nordisk.
His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in advancing projects from early discovery to clinical development, with a focus on personalized medicine strategy, reflects Dr. Aiyar’s strategic vision for Korro Bio. The company treats individuals with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene that produces an abnormal AAT protein. This deficiency can lead to severe, progressive lung and liver diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and cirrhosis of the liver. By leveraging its proprietary RNA editing approach, Korro Bio repairs AAT protein, potentially eliminating protein aggregates within liver cells.
“Our breakthrough solution to treat AATD offers exceptional clinical benefits for liver and lung functions, ensuring adequate production of AAT proteins,” says Dr. Aiyar.
His commitment to delivering solutions for patients and providers and addressing unmet medical needs aligns with the company’s RNA editing strategies, which enhance treatment outcomes. This RNA editing method typically redirects the physiological editing process in human cells through a proprietary engineered oligonucleotide—a chemically modified RNA that introduces precise edits. The firm develops innovative drug candidates through this approach to address and treat genetic disorders effectively.
"Our breakthrough solution to treat AATD offers exceptional clinical benefits for liver and lung functions, ensuring adequate production of AAT proteins. "
Dr. Aiyar played a crucial role in discovering and developing these drug candidates at Korro Bio by leading the creation of its proprietary platform, Oligonucleotide Promoted Editing of RNA (OPERA®). OPERA combines a deep understanding of adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) biology, oligonucleotide chemistry, and tissue-specific delivery technologies to develop highly specific, efficient, and durable product candidates with enhanced biodistribution and editing efficiency. With his vast experience in driving growth and advancing programs to support company-building, Dr. Aiyar has been instrumental in strengthening this innovative platform. Through his guidance and strategic support, Korro Bio has generated its first designs, Customized High-Fidelity Oligonucleotides for RNA Deamination (CHORDs™).
“By relying on endogenous ADAR enzymes and simple drug constructs, CHORD simplifies the design and manufacturing of RNA editing, offering high-precision, clinically-validated delivery, and transient tolerability to the process,” adds Dr. Aiyar.
As a healthcare manager and entrepreneur, he boasts a proven track record in drug development, mathematical analysis, and finance. His extensive expertise, gained from working at various stages of development across multiple organizations—from launch and clinical to commercialization—has enabled him to make significant contributions at Korro Bio. These include investments in pipeline programs that demonstrate its versatility in bringing precision and tunability to genetic medicines.
His academic background, which includes a master’s and Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering, along with an MBA in finance and business strategy, highlights Dr. Aiyar’s deep proficiency in technology and business. This drives the company’s dedication to discovering, developing, and commercializing RNA therapies. With a mission to redefine the future of medicine, Korro Bio is consistently working toward transforming scientific insights into life-altering treatments that will fundamentally alter the trajectory of patient care for generations to come.