Three decades caring for patients with CF, that’s Dr. Alan H. Cohen. His experience continues to shape everything he does today. As a pediatric pulmonologist (board-certified) , he has walked alongside patients through some of their hardest moments, including advanced lung disease and transplantation. Dr. Cohen was previously co-director of the largest pediatric lung transplant program in North America.

Those years at the bedside are what ultimately led Dr. Cohen into drug development, where he has spent more than 25 years working to turn scientific innovation into real-world therapies for people who are still waiting for better options. As the Chief Medical Officer of Arcturus Therapeutics, he brings both clinical perspective and urgency to the company’s work in mRNA-based therapies for cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases.

“Clinical trials aren’t just about science, they’re about people who are willing to help move the field forward.”

In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, Dr. Cohen reflects on how cystic fibrosis care has evolved over the past 35 years, from symptom management to breakthroughs in gene therapy and mRNA technology. Dr. Cohen discusses why clinical trials are essential to progress, especially for rare diseases, and why patient participation plays such a critical role in moving new therapies forward. Dr. Cohen also shares how the strength of the CF community continues to inspire his work, offering both realism and hope for the future of CF research.

You’ll also hear more about the personal side of this wonderful scientist! The Arcturus team packed Bonnell Foundation Hospital Bags with comfort products for caregivers, and CF adults for California CF Clinics. #teamwork

Clinical trials are an important step to understand whether a medicine works for its intended purpose. Please see our active clinical trials below. For any questions email: Community@ArcturusRx.com.

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Hope for the final ten percent, Dr. Alan Cohen, Arcturus