Sarepta CEO Doug Ingram Named 2025’s Worst Biopharma Leader

Doug Ingram, CEO of Sarepta Therapeutics, has been named the Worst Biopharma Leader for 2025. This decision, however, stems from troubling circumstances that reflect negatively on his leadership.

The Context of the Selection

Ingram’s controversial approach became apparent in 2024 when he pursued aggressive strategies for the company’s Elevidys gene therapy. This treatment targets Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe genetic disorder affecting muscle strength.

Approval Controversy

Ingram sought to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Elevidys to treat older boys and teenagers who had already lost mobility. Critics argued that the push for such broad approval lacked substantial clinical evidence demonstrating safety and effectiveness.

Impact on Patients

• The decision to target an already compromised patient group raised ethical concerns.
• Many believe that the lack of supportive data could jeopardize the safety of these vulnerable patients.

This selection of Ingram as the worst biopharma leader encapsulates significant risks taken without adequate justification. Sarepta’s choices under his leadership could have serious implications for patient health and trust in biomedical advancements.

Conclusion

Doug Ingram’s tenure at Sarepta showcases the complexities of biopharma leadership. As the industry looks toward future innovations, leadership decisions must prioritize patient safety and ethical integrity.