David Kirn

David Kirn serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Bioengineering while actively leading 4D Molecular Therapeutics as its CEO and Co-Founder. His dual roles bridge academic bioengineering research with clinical-stage biotechnology innovation in targeted gene therapy development.

His research focuses on advancing molecular therapeutics through:

• Engineering precision-targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors
• Optimizing gene delivery systems for tissue-specific applications
• Developing next-generation platforms for genetic medicine
• Translating vector technology into clinical therapies
• Overcoming immunological barriers in gene delivery
• Creating modular vector systems for diverse disease applications

At 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Kirn directs pipeline development from discovery through clinical trials, with current programs targeting cardiovascular, ophthalmological, and neuromuscular diseases using proprietary AAV vector technology.