Company Spotlight: Krystal Biotech

When everyone said "impossible," she said "watch me."

Suma Krishnan was 51 when she started Krystal Biotech, Inc. with a crazy idea: topical gene therapy you could apply at home like a gel.

For "butterfly skin disease" — where skin is so fragile it tears like tissue paper.

The FDA had never seen anything like it. VCs wouldn't touch it. Even her own team called it "having a house on Mars."

But here's what I love about this story:
→ She self-funded
→ Chose Pittsburgh over Silicon Valley (cheaper, better talent access)
→ Focused on 3,000 patients when others chase millions
→ Built it with her husband as co-founder (partnership goals)

The result? FDA approval in record time. $291M revenue projected for 2024.

And kids who used to live in constant pain now have hope.

Wasn't it Oprah who said your 50s are when you truly come into your power? This is proof. Dreams don't have expiration dates.

And guess what? They're hiring!

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is actively recruiting for:
- Medical Science Liaisons
- Regional Gene Therapy Consultants
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Quality Assurance roles

The rare disease space needs more founders like Suma — and more people willing to join these missions.

It's the last day of July. Let's end it with inspiration.

What founder story motivates you to think bigger? Share one that changed your perspective.

Read More: https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyfeldman/2025/07/31/the-butterfly-skin-disease-centimillionaire/?