Welcome to the Cure ALD Research Network
Accelerating ALD Research
Cure ALD Research Network is composed of the most promising ALD research projects focused on cure or prevention of ALD symptoms. Research projects have been selected based on their mission alignment, scientific merit, and reporting accountability:
Mission Alignment
Commitment to directly advance a cure or prevention of ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy) symptoms, and having clear, measurable objectives within a realistic timeline
Scientific Merit
Research design is scientifically sound with clear methodology; principal investigator has relevant expertise and credentials; and defined hypotheses and measurable outcomes
Reporting Accountability
Progress reports which include: milestones achieved, preliminary findings, and clear next steps; commitment to share updates with the ALD community
Research Projects Coming Soon
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Meet Our Research Advisory Committee
They will be reviewing our top research proposals and share feedback as advisors and consultants.
Rodrigo Starosata, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Starosata is an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine at OHSU. He is a clinical and biochemical geneticist who sees pediatric and adult patients with a wide variety of genetic and metabolic conditions. He is particularly interested in seeing patients with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) and congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs), as well as any patient with an inherited disorder that requires complex and comprehensive medical care. His research focuses on discovering novel treatments for inherited metabolic disorders, especially LSDs and CDGs; and integrating evidence-based medicine into Medical Genetics, including exploring the role of novel genomic technologies such as whole genome sequencing and multi-omics in clinical practice.
Brad Lang, Ph.D.
Brad Lang, PhD is a neuroscientist, biotech executive, and serial entrepreneur focused on translating breakthrough science into meaningful therapies. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Auni Therapeutics (AuniTx), where he is developing next-generation immunotherapy approaches for food allergy aimed at durable disease modification.
Previously, Brad was Vice President of Research at Convelo Therapeutics, where he built multidisciplinary R&D teams and advanced multiple programs from early discovery toward IND-stage development focusing on repairative therapies for multiple sclerosis. He is also the founding scientist of NervGen Pharma and the inventor of the NVG-291, a first-in-class therapeutic designed to promote repair after chronic nervous system injury.
Brett Kopina, Ph.D.
Brett Kopina is a Senior Principal Scientist in Drug Product Design at Pfizer in Groton, Connecticut. He earned a B.S. in Pharmacology & Toxicology (2008) and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2014), both from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Brett’s career spans end‑to‑end development of parenteral and oral small‑molecule medicines, from candidate selection through commercial support. As a scientific reviewer for Cure ALD, Brett brings a translational perspective that blends academic rigor with practical development experience—evaluating proposals for scientific soundness, feasibility, and potential for patient impact. He is committed to fair, unbiased review and strict conflict‑of‑interest standards to advance research that meaningfully benefits the ALD community.