ResVita Bio, a Berkeley-based biotechnology company, announced the appointment of John D. Doux, M.D., M.B.A., to its board of directors. The company develops topical cell therapy treatments using genetically engineered bacteria to produce therapeutic proteins for skin diseases.

Doux is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He currently serves as an analyst at Palo Alto Investors LP, a healthcare-focused investment firm, and sits on the boards of Palvella Therapeutics (NASDAQ: PVLA) and Orvida Pharma. He previously maintained a clinical practice in medical and surgical dermatology from 1999 to 2016.

The appointment comes as ResVita prepares to begin clinical trials for RVB-003, its treatment for Netherton Syndrome, a genetic skin disorder with no FDA-approved therapies. The therapy has received Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA.

"John is a respected voice in rare skin disease drug development who has spent years championing the case that the orphan disease model can be applied broadly across dermatology," said Amin Zargar, ResVita's chief executive officer and co-founder.

Doux received his medical degree from Stanford University and completed his dermatology residency at Stanford University Medical Center. He also holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

ResVita's platform uses non-pathogenic bacteria engineered to continuously produce therapeutic proteins directly on the skin. The company's research has been partially supported by grants from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.