Fighting Rare Diseases with Kinnari Patel and Rocket Pharmaceuticals

In honor of Rare Disease Day, Meg Escobosa is joined by Kinnari Patel, President, Head of Research & Development, and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Pharmaceuticals.

Meg and Kinnari discuss the significant impact of genetic testing and drivers for finding cures for rare diseases, the demands and rewards that come with spearheading Rocket Pharmaceuticals, and how true passion has solidified her unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact for rare disease patients.

Kinnari Patel, PharmD is President, Head of Research & Development and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage company seeking gene therapy cures for patients with rare diseases. Kinnari has more than 20 years of pharma experience, including stints at Bristol Meyers Squibb, Novartis, Roche, and Pfizer.

Kinnari graduated with a BS in Biology and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She completed an Executive MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and the C-Suite Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Outside of Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Patel is a member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine’s (ARM) Board of Directors and serves on the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Global Advisory Board.

Further Reading: 

• Kinnari Patel’s LinkedIn
• Rocket Pharmaceuticals
• Rocket Pharmaceuticals' LinkedIn
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• Rare Disease Day
• Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine
• Invitae Unlock™ Immunology Program
• Alliance for Regenerative Medicine
• Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association

Episode Credits: 

The Game-Changing Women of Healthcare is a production of The Krinsky Company. 

Hosted by Meg Escobosa. 

Produced by Meg Escobosa, Calvin Marty, Chelsea Ho, Markala Comfort, and Wendy Nielsen.

Edited, engineered, and mixed by Calvin Marty. 

All music composed and performed by Calvin Marty. 

©2025 The Krinsky Company