Professional Background
David Apple holds a mechanical engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed an MBA before transitioning to technology. He joined software companies Notion and Typeform as one of their first 15 employees, both of which became multi-billion dollar enterprises. He describes this as being "right place right time" in his career trajectory.
Understanding CMT1A
CMT1A is an inherited neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and sensory loss, particularly affecting the feet, legs, hands, and arms. The condition results from a genetic mutation damaging the myelin sheath -- the protective nerve covering. Individuals experience muscle weakness, reduced touch sensation, and characteristic foot deformities including high arches and hammer toes. Severity varies widely, even within families.
The Diagnostic Journey
Like many rare disease families, Apple describes the diagnostic experience as "exceptionally difficult." COVID-19 pandemic isolation amplified their challenges, limiting ability to compare developmental milestones with other children. Despite repeated pediatric reassurances dismissing parental concerns about delayed walking, a physical therapist ultimately recommended genetic testing. After initial resistance from a geneticist, the family privately funded testing and received the CMT1A diagnosis.
Founding Shark Tooth Biotech
Confronted with a progressive genetic neurological disorder affecting 1.6 million people worldwide without available treatments or cures, Apple made a significant life change. He stepped away from his executive technology position, joined the CMTA board, and immersed himself in understanding the science behind his son's condition.
His research uncovered that interfering RNA technology could halt and potentially reverse CMT symptoms in mice, but this line of investigation stalled due to toxicity concerns. Identifying this critical gap, Apple founded Shark Tooth Biotech, employing a strategic "drug assembly" approach rather than traditional discovery methods, partnering with research labs and startups to test existing delivery technologies for CMT1A.
AI Applications in Learning
Apple primarily uses AI for understanding complex medical terminology in scientific publications. He describes the experience as having "a team of PhD students available at any time to answer questions, but cheaper." He also utilizes AI to summarize medical articles before detailed reading, allowing efficient assessment of relevance and research focus.
The March AI x Rare Disease Workshop
March hosts an AI x Rare Disease Innovation Workshop at Berkeley featuring problem-solving sessions, expert mentorship, and panel discussions exploring generative AI's potential to benefit rare disease patients.