Richard Nowak

Richard Nowak, MD, MS, serves as an Associate Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. He is the director of two key programs: the Program in Clinical & Translational Neuromuscular Research and the Yale Myasthenia Gravis Clinic, both based in the Department of Neurology. His work bridges clinical care and translational research in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders.

• Education:
  • MD, Drexel University College of Medicine (2007)
  • MS, Northwestern University (1999)
  • BS, Loyola University of Chicago (1997)

Dr. Nowak specializes in Myasthenia Gravis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases. His research program, part of the MDA-ALS clinic, focuses on identifying new drug targets and therapies through the Clinical & Translational Neuromuscular Research Program.

Recent collaborative publications highlight his work on Nipocalimab (neonatal Fc receptor inhibition), CNP-106 (antigen-specific immune therapy), and digital tools in MG diagnostics. He leads clinical trials for therapies targeting B cells, complement activity, and immune tolerance mechanisms.

• Scientific Awards:
  • $4.8 million NIH grant (2013) for the first NIH-sponsored MG clinical trial
  • Impact Award (2023)

Dr. Nowak's research emphasizes B cell immunobiology, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and translational medicine. He collaborates with experts like Kevin C O'Connor, focusing on cellular immune dysregulation, clinical trial design, and personalized treatment strategies for neuromuscular conditions. His lab's work contributes to understanding disease mechanisms and advancing targeted therapies.