Suma Krishnan: The Visionary Behind Krystal Biotech’s Success
By Amy Feldman, Forbes Staff
Longtime drug developer Suma Krishnan was a trailblazer in her late 40s when she conceptualized a groundbreaking topical gene therapy to address a rare and devastating skin disorder known as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. At the age of 51, Suma, along with her husband Krish Krishnan, embarked on a remarkable journey by founding Krystal Biotech, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment landscape for rare diseases.
Choosing to focus on a disease with a small patient population and opting to self-fund their venture with $5 million from their previous biotech endeavors, the Krishnans defied conventional norms. Their approach involved developing a gene therapy delivered as a gel, a novel concept that posed significant scientific challenges. Suma Krishnan recalls the regulatory hurdles they faced, stating, “I had to work with the regulators because they had never seen this. It was completely new.”
In a mere 18 months post-launch, Krystal Biotech went public on the Nasdaq, and today boasts a market cap of $4.4 billion. The company’s flagship therapy, Vyjuvek, designed for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, has gained FDA approval and is already making a profound impact. Additionally, Krystal has a robust pipeline of gene therapies for conditions like cystic fibrosis and lung cancer, all leveraging the modified herpes simplex virus with unique delivery mechanisms.
Suma Krishnan, the driving force behind Krystal’s success, holds a 12% stake in the company, translating to a net worth of approximately $300 million. Her relentless pursuit of innovation and risk-taking mentality have been instrumental in propelling Krystal to the forefront of the biotech industry.
Suma’s journey from her upbringing in Bombay to becoming a pioneering figure in biotech exemplifies her resilience and determination. With a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Villanova University, she embarked on a distinguished career in drug development, marked by significant contributions such as leading the development of Vyvanse for ADHD.
Her passion for addressing unmet medical needs culminated in the creation of Vyjuvek, a gene therapy that delivers a healthy gene copy to skin cells, offering hope to individuals battling dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Brett Kopelan of Debra, a nonprofit supporting individuals with the disease, lauds Suma’s efforts, stating, “We’re getting really close to making this a chronic, livable disease like type 2 diabetes, and we have Suma and Krish to thank.”
As Krystal Biotech continues to expand its portfolio and explore new therapeutic avenues, Suma Krishnan remains undaunted by challenges. With a laser focus on delivering impactful treatments and transforming lives, she is poised to shape the future of gene therapy and rare disease management.
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