Neurologist Richard Finkel, the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) director at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has been recognised in the TIME100 Health, TIME’s list of 100 individuals who are positively influencing global health in 2025.
Finkel, a leading paediatric neurologist, joined St. Jude in 2020 to lead the creation of CENT, the clinical arm of the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative (PTNI). His arrival signified an expansion of the institution’s paediatric catastrophic diseases to include neurologic disorders.
In 2022, Finkel led the first in utero treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with the orally administered drug risdiplam.
Today, more than two years after the child was born, no identifiable features of SMA have been observed, demonstrating the feasibility of treating the disease prenatally. The promising results were published in February in a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine.
“Richard is a pioneer in paediatric neuromuscular diseases. His work is bringing hope and healing to children with spinal muscular atrophy around the world,” said James Downing, president and CEO of St. Jude.
“This recognition underscores Richard’s dedication to creating a better, healthier world.”
Finkel’s clinical practice and research interests have focused on paediatric neuromuscular disorders, especially SMA, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, inherited neuropathies and neurometabolic disorders. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.
“For decades, St. Jude clinicians and researchers have sought cures for catastrophic childhood diseases such as cancer, sickle cell and HIV,” said Paul Taylor, executive vice president, St. Jude scientific director and PTNI director.
“Yet, a great unmet need exists today for the majority of catastrophic neurological disorders. This is a well-deserved recognition of Richard’s achievements and deep understanding of these diseases.”
Image credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
