John Staropoli

About John Staropoli

Physician-scientist with 12 years of industry experience in both research and development. Extensive background in clinical development, particularly in translational medicine, across multiple modalities, including small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene therapy. Translational Medicine lead for development of suzetrigine (Journavx), the first FDA-approved NaV1.8 inhibitor for moderate-to-severe acute pain Led a basic research group focused on SMN biology and contributed to filings for nusinersen (Spinraza), the first approved therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Key contributor to R&D efforts supporting inclusion of SMA on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Uncovered novel molecular connections between cancer and certain forms of neurodegeneration, including Parkinson\'s diseaseStrengths include: Creativity and curiosity: Instinctively think about the big picture of scientific problems. Reliability: Effectively collaborate within and between groups; follow projects to completion. Open-mindedness: Respect the opinions and contributions of others.

Experience

1. Vice President, Clinical Research

   Scholar Rock

   Aug 2025 — Present · Cambridge, MA, US

Education

• Princeton University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), magna cum laude, Molecular Biology

  1994 — 1998

• The Waldorf School of Garden City

  High School Diploma

  1990 — 1994

• Manhattan School of Music

  Classical music

  1988 — 1991

• The Juilliard School

  Diploma, Pre-College Division, Classical music

  1991 — 1994

• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

  MD, PhD, cellular, molecular, and biophysical studies, AOA

  1998 — 2006

Skills

• Cancer
• Genetics
• Translational Research
• Autophagy
• Cell Culture
• Hematopathology
• Pathology
• Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery
• Protein Chemistry
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Neurodegeneration
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Genetics
• Clinical Pathology
• Clinical Research