Rare diseases do not receive enough attention for the impact they have on patients and their families. This is what AlphaRose’s founder and CEO Casey McPherson learned after his daughter was diagnosed with a rare condition. In a conversation with host Ari Berman, McPherson shares how he switched from music to founding his own pharmaceutical company, what technologies AlphaRose is developing, and how his company is creating environments that allow innovation and iteration. He also shares his thoughts on embracing failure in order to make progress and emphasizes holding compassion and understanding for the patients and families that are impacted by rare diseases—because you never know what it’s like until it happens to you.
Casey McPherson, Founder and CEO, AlphaRose Therapeutics
Casey McPherson is a talented entrepreneur and singer-songwriter known for his two #10 US hits and a #10 video on VH1, having performed for hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. Following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Rose, with a rare disease, Casey dedicated himself to understanding genetics and drug development.
In 2020, he founded the To Cure A Rose Foundation to support research for Rose and other rare disease patients. He co-founded Everlum Bio in 2022, the first contract research lab focused on rare diseases for family-run foundations, and in 2023, he established AlphaRose Therapeutics, a platform for the commercialization of rare disease therapeutics, where he serves as founder and CEO.
With a strong network of professionals in the rare disease sector, Casey draws parallels between drug development and the music industry, emphasizing the importance of grit, creativity, and focus. Based in Austin, Texas, he enjoys sailing, hiking, and surfing while advocating for children with rare genetic conditions through conference talks and media features.