Prilenia Taps Rick Munschauer as New Chief Medical Officer

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Prilenia Therapeutics announced the appointment of Frederick (Rick) E. Munschauer III, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

New Chief Medical Officer Bona Fides

Munschauer joins after having been CMO at three previous biopharmaceutical companies, most recently Emalex Biosciences. He also held the post at MedDay Pharmaceuticals and Marathon Pharmaceuticals. Other previous work experience includes Biogen and EMD Serono, in addition to an extensive academic career.

“Prilenia is currently tackling two devastatingly intractable diseases, in HD and ALS, where the unmet need is stark, and where we now have a possibility of changing the course of illness.”

Rick Munschauer, Prilenia Therapeutics CMO

Prilenia’s focus, meanwhile, is accelerating scientific progress to help those affected by Huntingdon’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“Prilenia is currently tackling two devastatingly intractable diseases, in HD and ALS, where the unmet need is stark,” Munschauer said. “We now have a possibility of changing the course of illness. What drew me here is the clarity of the mission and the pridopidine story, which has already garnered compelling data. My focus will be on execution—running our pivotal HD and ALS studies to the highest standard.”

Prilenia Moving Trials Forward

In July 2026, Prilenia and Ferrer announced initiation of a confirmatory study of pridopidine in Huntingdon’s disease.

Munschauer has been principal or co-principal investigator for over 50 Phase I–IV trials in multiple sclerosis and cerebrovascular disease. He has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications. Other conditions Munschauer has worked on include pediatric Tourette syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

All of that makes for an impressive resume, says Prilenia CEO Michael Hayden, PhD. Munschauer’s experience is especially important, explains Hayden, as Prilenia executes Phase III studies in both HD and ALS.

“That combination of clinical judgment, regulatory experience and operational discipline will bring significant value to Prilenia, and patients,” Hayden said.