Christopher Kenney
Chief Medical Officer Xenon Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Christopher Kenney has been our Chief Medical Officer since August 2021. As a board-certified neurologist, he brings 25 years of neuroscience and clinical research experience from both industry and academic settings. Most recently, he was the Chief Medical Officer at Cadent Therapeutics, a biotech focused on neurological and psychiatric conditions, until its acquisition by Novartis. Before that, he held senior roles at Acorda Therapeutics, including Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development. He also led clinical development at Biotie Therapies, which was later acquired by Acorda. His earlier industry experience includes clinical development work at Novartis and Merck Serono. Chris completed his medical and neurology training at Boston University School of Medicine and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and held faculty positions at Baylor and UCSD. Recently, he completed the M.B.A. program at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Seminars
- Understanding how Kv7 potassium channel activation reduces neuronal hyperexcitability to suppress pain signalling at its source
- Leveraging lessons from clinically validated Kv7 programs to accelerate development in pain indications
- Understanding the scientific rationale for pairing selective NaV1.7 inhibition with Kv7.2/7.3 activation to more effectively reduce sensory neuron hyperexcitability
- Assessing the long-term potential of Kv7 activators across neuropathic, inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain populations
