Trenton Frisbie, PhD

Senior Scientist @ Benitec Biopharma Inc.

About

Innovative senior scientist with deep expertise in genetic medicine, AAV gene therapy, and genome editing for rare diseases. Proven track record of leading end‑to‑end therapeutic development programs, from early concept and target validation through preclinical development and IND‑enabling activities, with a strong emphasis on translational relevance and scientific rigor.Extensive experience integrating iPSC engineering, functional disease modeling, and molecular biology to accelerate discovery research and inform program strategy. Highly skilled in the development, qualification, and validation of GMP‑compliant analytical assays, including potency bioassays, to support CMC readiness and regulatory submissions.Demonstrated scientific and people leader, with management experience overseeing up to three direct reports, fostering high‑performing teams through mentorship, prioritization, and clear execution. Recognized for strategic thinking, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to bridge Discovery, CMC, Quality, and external partners to drive programs forward.Passionate about advancing genomic medicines that make a meaningful impact for patients and building scalable, compliant solutions that enable clinical success.

Country

United States

City

Raleigh

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Analytical Assay Development and Validation, Molecular Biology, AAV Gene Therapy, Drug Discovery R&D, CRISPR Gene Editing, CRISPR/Cas9, Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), Mammalian Cell Culture, Viral Vector Potency, Cell Based Assays, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Tissue Culture, High Throughput Screening, Higher Education, Research, Project Management, Management, Leadership, Public Speaking, Microsoft Office

Experience

Senior Scientist

Benitec Biopharma Inc.

2025-9 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

Hayward, California, United States

- Developing advanced analytical cell-based assays to assess gene therapy product quality and performance. - Facilitating technology transfer of an AAV potency assay to a CRO.

Scientist II, Program Lead, Discovery Biology and Technology Development

Sarepta Therapeutics

2024-3 - 2025-9 · 1 yr 7 mos

Durham, North Carolina, United States

- Led AAV gene editing program for cardiomyopathy from concept through early preclinical development. - Developed in vitro and in vivo disease models to assess functional efficacy of AAV and PPMO programs. - Managed strategic partnerships with CROs and KOLs. - Built and mentored high-performing teams; aligned cross-functional efforts.

Scientist I, Gene Editing Research

Sarepta Therapeutics

2022-10 - 2024-3 · 1 yr 6 mos

Durham, North Carolina, United States

- Developed proprietary All-In-One AAV CRISPR Gene Editing constructs leading to U.S. patent submission. - Engineered 3D cardiac and skeletal tissue platforms to model muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. - Supported off-target analysis and NGS strategies for IND-enabling studies.

Scientist I, Translational Sciences, Cell Engineering and Molecular Assay Development

Taysha Gene Therapies

2021-11 - 2022-10 · 1 yr

Durham, North Carolina, United States

- Developed bioassays for CNS gene therapy candidates. - Established ddPCR platforms for AAV transgene expression and biodistribution analysis. - Engineered 20+ in vitro models to support potency and proof-of-concept studies.

Graduate Research Assistant, Rackham Merit Fellow, John V. Moran Lab

University of Michigan

2015-7 - 2021-12 · 6 yrs 6 mos

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

- Led the design and execution of high-throughput genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens. - Identified novel regulators of LINE-1 retrotransposon activity in human embryonic carcinoma cells. - Secured competitive research grants and fellowships that fully funded graduate studies.