Suzanne Thornton-Jones, PhD

"The University of Pennsylvania’s Gene Therapy Program is world renowned for our cutting-edge research to identify and develop therapeutic options for all patients with untreatable genetic diseases.   In my daily work of defining strategy for programs, preparing documents for submission, and negotiating with Health Authorities, a successful day is the ability to move our therapies forward so that we can improve the lives of patients and their families impacted by the diseases.  One never knows how much of an impact you can make until you do your best every day with unceasing dedication and enthusiasm and marvel at the outcome of your efforts."

Suzanne Thornton-Jones has a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University.  In her current role GTP, she leads the Global Regulatory Affairs department who are responsible for developing the global regulatory strategy including engagement of Health Authorities throughout the nonclinical research, clinical trial, and registration processes.   In addition to her regulatory responsibilities, she also leads the Compliance group, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Quality Assurance Unit, which is responsible for auditing nonclinical studies used to support Health Authority regulatory filings.

Prior to joining GTP, Suzanne worked in Regulatory Affairs for 12 years in the Pharmaceutical industry at Sanofi and AbbVie, and 6 years as a pharmacology/toxicology reviewer at the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (FDA/CDER).  Suzanne is the author of 9 peer-reviewed scientific publications and enjoys teaching pharmacology/toxicology and regulatory affair basics at a number of organizations including the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) and Drug Information Association (DIA).  She is also a mentor to students attending the University of Pennsylvania Master’s of Science in Regulatory Affairs.