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RIGEL APPOINTS MARK W. FROHLICH, M.D. TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:11:04 GMT

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Welcomes Dr. Mark Frohlich

March 10, 2025: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL ) today announced that it has appointed Mark W. Frohlich, M.D. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Frohlich is a medical oncologist and brings more than 25 years of experience developing cellular immunotherapies to treat cancer, including deep expertise in clinical drug development and translational research, and portfolio strategy.

"We are pleased to have Mark join our Board," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "His experience in clinical development, translational research and portfolio strategy will be a valuable addition to Rigel as we advance our hematology and oncology development pipeline and grow our portfolio."

Dr. Frohlich currently serves as chief executive officer of Indapta Therapeutics, a privately-held biotechnology company focused on developing and bringing to market allogenic natural killer cell therapies to treat the still unmet medical needs of patients with cancer as well as autoimmune diseases. Prior to joining Indapta, Dr. Frohlich served as a consultant and strategic advisor for several immuno-oncology biotechnology companies. Before that, he led portfolio strategy at Juno Therapeutics, which developed the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy Breyanzi® for large B-cell lymphoma, until the company was sold to Celgene, now part of Bristol Myers Squibb. Prior to joining Juno, he held various roles at Dendreon Corporation, a pioneer in the development of cellular immunotherapy, with his most recent role being chief medical officer and executive vice president of Research & Development. At Dendreon, he led the clinical team responsible for the development and U.S. and European regulatory approval of PROVENGE®, one of the first commercially available cancer immunotherapies.

Prior to joining Dendreon, Dr. Frolich was an assistant adjunct professor of hematology/oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he specialized in urologic oncology and conducted laboratory, translational and clinical research. Dr. Frohlich earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Economics from Yale College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. At UCSF, he served as chief resident in medicine and completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology and a Howard Hughes postdoctoral fellowship.

"I am excited to join Rigel as it continues to advance its development pipeline," said Dr. Frohlich. "I believe the IRAK1/4 and IDH1 inhibitor programs have a significant potential to benefit patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and glioma, respectively. I look forward to collaborating with the team as we further study these product candidates with the goal of bringing them to patients that need new treatment options."

About Rigel
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL ) is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing and providing novel therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders and cancer. Founded in 1996, Rigel is based in South San Francisco, California. For more information on Rigel, the Company's marketed products and pipeline of potential products, visit www.rigel.com .

Annexon Expands Senior Leadership in Commercial, Medical Affairs and Health Economics to Advance Global Late-Stage Neuroinflammatory-Targeted Portfolio

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:29:20 GMT

BRISBANE, Calif., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Annexon, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANNX), a biopharmaceutical company advancing novel complement therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases of the body, brain, and eye, today announced the strengthening of its senior leadership team with the appointment of Shikhar Agarwal, M.B.A. as senior vice president, head of commercial, Sunil B. Mehta, Pharm.D as senior vice president of medical affairs and Myoung Kim, PHD, M.A., M.B.A. as vice president of health economics and outcomes research.

“We are excited to welcome Shikhar, Sunil and Myoung to the Annexon family as we prepare for commercial development of our flagship programs in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and geographic atrophy (GA),” said Douglas Love, president and chief executive officer of Annexon. “Attracting strong talent with extensive experience in developing winning product strategies and leading some of the most successful immunology product launches to-date is a win. These leaders will help Annexon to realize the significant market opportunities for our first-in-kind product candidates and allow us to achieve our mission of aiding millions of patients that are impacted by devastating neuroinflammatory diseases.”

Shikhar Agarwal, M.B.A. is a seasoned leader with over 20 years in pharmaceutical marketing, market access, sales and commercial operations, and a track record of successfully leading portfolio strategy, organization build and product launch execution across therapeutic areas. Prior to joining Annexon, he was vice president, head of marketing at argenx SE, where he led the launch of VYVGART® in Myasthenia Gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), delivering $400 million in first year revenue and achieving blockbuster status in second year of launch amidst multiple competitive launches. Prior to that he held commercial roles of increasing responsibility at Amgen Inc. across market access, marketing, sales and market research. Early in his career, he worked as a senior consultant at Proxicom, Inc., where he developed commercial and analytical solutions for Fortune 500 clients. Mr. Agarwal holds an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management, and a B.S. from St. John’s College in Agra, India.

Sunil B. Mehta, Pharm.D. brings 20 years of medical affairs experience including successfully building and leading U.S. and global medical affairs teams and infrastructure for product launches and fostering strong relationships with key opinion leaders across multiple therapeutic areas, including nephrology, hematology, rare neurological and autoimmune disorders. Prior to joining Annexon, he served as vice president and head of medical affairs at argenx where he successfully built and led highly competent medical affairs teams through the launches of VYVGART in Myasthenia Gravis and CIDP. For almost a decade Dr. Mehta also held various roles of increasing responsibility at Alexion in medical affairs and built the U.S. medical affairs teams in preparation of Myasthenia Gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder launches. Prior to Alexion, he worked at Amgen in medical affairs roles of increasing responsibility. Dr. Mehta holds a Pharm.D. degree from Rutgers University.

Myoung Kim, Ph.D., M.A., M.B.A. brings over 25 years of experience in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and observational research. Prior to Annexon, Dr. Kim was vice president and head of U.S. HEOR, real world evidence and population health at Novartis, where she led office- and field-teams spanning the entire portfolio. Prior to that she served a similar role as vice president of real-world value and evidence at Janssen Pharmaceuticals where she led value evidence generation and communication across the Janssen portfolio. Early in her career she also held increasing roles of responsibility at J&J Medical Devices and held positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer Corporation, and Merck & Co. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in health economics and policy from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She also earned an M.B.A. of international business from the University of South Carolina and a B.A. from Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea.

About Annexon
Annexon Biosciences (Nasdaq: ANNX) is a biopharmaceutical company advancing a late-stage clinical platform of novel therapies for people living with devastating classical complement-mediated neuroinflammatory diseases of the body, brain, and eye. Annexon’s novel scientific approach targets upstream C1q to block the classical complement inflammatory cascade before it starts, and its therapeutic candidates are designed to provide meaningful benefits across multiple autoimmune, neurodegenerative and ophthalmic diseases. With proof-of concept data in Guillain-Barré syndrome, Huntington’s disease and Geographic Atrophy, Annexon is rigorously advancing its mid-to late-stage clinical trials to bring their potential treatments to patients as quickly as possible. To learn more visit annexonbio.com .

ENGENE APPOINTS RICHARD BRYCE, MBChB, MRCGP, MFPM, AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:44:23 GMT

enGene, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company mainstreaming gene therapy through its novel platform for the delivery of therapeutics to mucosal tissues and other organs, today announced the appointment of Richard Bryce, MBChB, MRCGP, MFPM as its Chief Medical Officer, effective September 19, 2023. Dr. Bryce will oversee the clinical development of EG-70, enGene's lead product candidate for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), as well as the development strategy for enGene's therapeutic pipeline of tissue-targeted non-viral gene therapies.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Bryce join enGene during a pivotal period in our growth as we advance our Phase 1/2 registrational LEGEND study for EG-70 in NMIBC," said Jason Hanson, CEO of enGene. "We believe that the potential efficacy and ease of administration of EG-70 could transform how NMIBC is managed, and Dr. Bryce's extensive track record advancing oncology therapeutics through late-stage trials and approval makes him well positioned to lead this program, while also leveraging our Dually Derivatized Oligochitosan (DDX)® platform to expand our pipeline."

Before joining enGene, Dr. Bryce was most recently Chief Medical Officer at Rain Oncology, a late-stage company developing precision oncology therapeutics, where he built a clinical development team and oversaw multiple clinical studies, including a global Phase 3 registrational study in dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Prior to that, he was Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Puma Biotechnology, where he led the development strategy for neratinib. His leadership of this program resulted in FDA, EMA and multiple other global approvals, a diverse clinical development program, and an active translational program with several hundred scientific and clinical publications during his tenure. Earlier in his career, Dr. Bryce was Senior Director of Clinical Science for Onyx Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw the Phase 3 registrational studies for carfilzomib.

"I am excited to join the enGene team and share in its relentless focus on patient needs and dedication to the translation of innovative science into practical non-viral genetic medicines," said Dr. Bryce. "I believe EG-70 has the potential to change the treatment paradigm for NMIBC patients and clinicians, and I look forward to advancing the pivotal LEGEND study and expanding our pipeline of non-viral genetic medicines."

Dr. Bryce obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) Degrees from the University of Edinburgh and is certified in the EU in primary care/general practice and pharmaceutical medicine. He holds numerous postgraduate specialist clinical qualifications including those from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). He also served as a Surgeon Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.

MYTHIC THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF GILLES GALLANT AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:13:42 GMT

MYTHIC THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF GILLES GALLANT BPHARM PHD POPQ AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

August 23, 2022

WALTHAM, Mass.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Mythic Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugate-based therapies for the treatment of a wide range of cancers, announced today the appointment of Gilles Gallant, BPharm, PhD, FOPQ, to the new position of Chief Development Officer. The company also announced that Mythic co-founder and CEO Alex Nichols, PhD, has transitioned in order to pursue new opportunities.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to welcome Gilles to Mythic as well as extend our sincere appreciation to Alex for his dedication and contributions to Mythic since its founding in 2017”

“We are delighted to have Dr. Gallant join our team at Mythic,” said Brian Fiske, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. “His extensive experience in oncology drug development, in particular antibody-drug conjugates, and proven track record building and leading global clinical development teams will strengthen our capability to pursue the clinical development of our lead program in lung cancer as well as our broader product pipeline.”

As Chief Development Officer, Dr. Gallant is responsible for the strategy, direction, and execution of the company’s clinical development program. He will provide leadership and direction to Clinical Operations, Clinical Sciences, Data Management/Biometrics, and Drug Safety.

Dr. Gallant joins Mythic from Daiichi Sankyo, where he was Senior Vice President Global Head of Oncology Clinical Development and led the development of the company’s global oncology portfolio. At Daiichi, he built and led the team that guided the clinical development, the global regulatory submission and worldwide approval of the antibody-drug conjugate Enhertu® for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer (NSCLC).

Dr. Gallant previously held leadership roles in clinical oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb, Human Genome Sciences and Biomarin, leading programs for Taxol® and Talzenna™. He received his doctorate in medicinal chemistry and bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Université de Montréal in Québec, Canada and is a Fellow of the Order of Pharmacists of Québec (FOPQ).

“I am delighted to be joining Mythic’s leadership team at an exciting time for the company and the field of ADCs,” said Dr. Gallant. “It is an extraordinary opportunity to blend the experience I have gained in research and development of ADCs in oncology with a truly creative approach to dramatically improve their clinical performance in both efficacy and safety."

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to welcome Gilles to Mythic as well as extend our sincere appreciation to Alex for his dedication and contributions to Mythic since its founding in 2017,” said Bryan Roberts, Partner of Venrock and a member of Mythic’s Board of Directors. “Beginning with nothing other than a mission to improve patient care, over the last five years Mythic has built a strong foundation and world-class team. The company is well-positioned to develop a pipeline of safer and more effective ADCs, beginning with its lead program.”

The Mythic Board of Directors has initiated a search for Dr. Nichols’ successor. In the interim, Brian Fiske, PhD, Co-founder, and Chief Scientific Officer and Sandra Poole, MASc, PEng, Chief Operating Officer, together with Dr. Gallant, have assumed responsibilities for the operational management of the Company.

About Mythic Therapeutics

Mythic Therapeutics is a product-platform company developing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to exhibit unparalleled therapeutic index and efficacy. The Company’s FateControl technology specifically enhances ADC uptake in targeted tissues by manipulating the fate of the ADC within the cell, thereby expanding the disease and patient profiles that can be treated with Mythic’s ADCs. The Company’s major investors include Venrock, Viking Global Investors, and First Round Capital.

For more information, visit: www.mythictx.com

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, DR. AYMAN ELGUINDY, ELECTED TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH ON EPSTEIN-BAR VIRUS AND ASSOCIATED DISEASES

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:10:38 GMT

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS CSO, ELGUINDY ELECTED TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOC. FOR RESEARCH ON EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND ASSOCIATED DISEASES

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, today announced that the International Association for Research on Epstein-Barr Virus and Associated Disease (EBV Association) has elected Viracta's Chief Scientific Officer, Ayman Elguindy, Ph.D., to its Governing Board.

The International Association for Research on Epstein-Barr Virus and Associated Diseases is a 35-year-old non-profit organization. The primary objective of the EBV Association is to promote research on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and to stimulate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and research materials among scientists throughout the world who study EBV and related diseases. The association organizes the International Symposium on EBV research; a convention that encourages cooperative activities between institutions, organizations and societies that have interests in common relating to basic and applied research on EBV and associated diseases.

"It is a great privilege to serve with the world's premier key opinion leaders on the Epstein-Barr virus as a member of the EBV Association's Governing Board," said Dr. Elguindy. "I've spent the past 25 years working to better understand virus-associated cancers, with a core focus being the identification of novel targets for drug development and I am thrilled to be applying and expanding these efforts at Viracta. I look forward to contributing to further advancements in the understanding of EBV, and the treatment of EBV-associated diseases."

Ivor Royston, M.D., President, and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta added, "I'd like to congratulate Ayman on this international recognition, which speaks to his standing as a well-recognized leader in the study of cancer-causing viruses and associated diseases."

Ayman Elguindy, Ph.D.

Dr. Elguindy joined Viracta Therapeutics as Chief Scientific Officer in July 2021. He has over 24 years of experience studying the role of viruses in cancer and spent the last decade as a faculty member at Yale University School of Medicine, most recently as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Disease, and the Department of Pathology. At Yale, Dr. Elguindy ran a laboratory focused on the involvement of oncogenic herpesviruses in the etiology and prognosis of cancer. His group studied the fundamental role of herpesvirus protein kinases in viral pathogenesis and as potential targets for drug development. Additionally, he made seminal contributions to the understanding of oncogenic herpesvirus reactivation from latent to lytic state, the process of viral DNA replication, role of virally encoded cytokines in mediating cell proliferation, and temporal regulation of viral gene expression during infection. He has been awarded numerous grants from organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute to study the mechanisms regulating EBV gene expression and the role of viruses in cancer as both a Principal and Co-Investigator. Dr. Elguindy has authored over two dozen peer-reviewed publications and serves in editorial roles at the scientific journals Pathogens and Frontiers in Microbiology. He also serves as a reviewer for multiple journals including PloS Pathogens and the Journal of Virology. He received his Ph.D. and M.Ph. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies. Viracta's lead product candidate is an all-oral combination therapy of its proprietary investigational drug, nanatinostat, and the antiviral agent valganciclovir (collectively referred to as Nana-val). Nana-val is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical trials, including a pivotal, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial for the treatment of multiple subtypes of relapsed/refractory Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV ⁺ ) lymphoma (NAVAL-1), as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 trial for the treatment of EBV ⁺ recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other EBV ⁺ solid tumors. Viracta is also pursuing the application of its inducible synthetic lethality approach in other virus-related cancers.

For additional information please visit www.viracta.com .

APPIA BIO NAMES DAMIANO, PHD AS CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER

terry@sandersonmcleod.com (Terry Sanderson) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 17:03:50 GMT

Appia Bio Appoints Margo Roberts, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors and Names Jason Damiano, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

Appia Bio, Inc., a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing engineered allogeneic cell therapies from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for cancer patients, today announced the appointment of Margo Roberts, Ph.D. to its board of directors and Jason Damiano, Ph.D. as chief scientific officer (CSO). Dr. Roberts brings three decades of biotech and academic immunology experience, having led early development and application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology to T cells and stem cells, advancing the first CAR T cells into clinical trials. Dr. Damiano brings research experience in cancer biology, inflammation, new target identification, and drug discovery. He has led numerous therapeutic projects from concept through preclinical development and investigational new drug (IND) application filings.

Appia Bio is focused on discovering and developing off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies across a broad array of cancer indications, utilizing a scalable technology platform with the goal to increase access for patients. With its ACUA (Appia Cells Utilized for Allogeneic) technology platform, Appia Bio leverages the biology of lymphocyte development with CAR and T cell receptor (TCR) gene engineering to generate CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (CAR-NKT) cells from HSCs. The ACUA platform was developed from groundbreaking research in the laboratory of Lili Yang, Ph.D., at UCLA and benefits from collaboration with Appia Bio's other scientific founders David Baltimore, Ph.D. and Pin Wang, Ph.D.

"With Margo joining our board and Jason leading our research efforts, we are affirming our commitment to high-quality research and investing in the future of our company. Margo is one of the world's foremost experts in immuno-oncology and cell therapy research, and she has seen cell therapy from concept to commercialization. Jason brings wonderfully diverse, innovative, and rigorous research experience in both small and large companies. They will be instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission to create novel, curative, and accessible cell therapies for cancer patients," said JJ Kang, Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of Appia Bio.

"Appia Bio's ACUA platform technology holds significant potential to transform cancer treatment and I am thrilled to continue sharing my experience of developing novel therapeutic approaches and ongoing passion for innovative science," said Dr. Roberts. "I have been impressed by Jason in our time working together at UNITY and I anticipate his contributions and leadership will have a great impact at Appia Bio."

"I am excited to join Appia Bio and partner with our talented team and collaborators to advance our ACUA cell therapy platform toward life-changing cancer treatments. I look forward to applying my research experience to help develop therapies that can make a real difference in the lives of people living with cancer," said Dr. Damiano.

Dr. Roberts is an accomplished industry leader with deep experience both building research organizations and guiding groundbreaking research through from concept to commercialization. Dr. Roberts is former CSO of Kite Pharma, Inc. (acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc. in 2017) and Lyell Immunopharma. At Kite, she built a talented research organization that played an instrumental role in the successful development of Yescarta® (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and the advancement of additional CAR/TCR-engineered T-cell therapies. Previously, Dr. Roberts was principal scientist and director of immune and cell therapy at Cell Genesys, where she led the development and application of CAR technology to T cells and stem cells, culminating in the very first CAR T-cell clinical trial in 1994. Dr. Roberts continues to serve on Appia Bio's Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Damiano joins Appia Bio from UNITY Biotechnology where he was vice president of biology, advancing a diverse portfolio of programs across multiple disease areas. Previously, he was the director of therapeutic antibody discovery and translational medicine at Achaogen and director of biology at Igenica Biotherapeutics, where he was responsible for establishing and advancing pipelines of novel biological therapeutics. Prior to that, Dr. Damiano was a senior research investigator in Oncology Biotherapeutics at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, and a scientist at Chiron. He received his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular pharmacology with a focus in cancer biology from the University of Arizona and completed his postdoctoral work in apoptosis and inflammation research under John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., at the Sanford Burnham Medical Discovery Institute.

About Appia Bio:
Appia Bio is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2020, Appia Bio is focused on discovering and developing engineered allogeneic cell therapies across a broad array of indications with a scalable technology platform that can increase access for patients. With its ACUA (Appia Cells Utilized for Allogeneic) technology platform, Appia Bio leverages the biology of lymphocyte development with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) gene engineering to generate CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (CAR-NKT) cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). For more information, please visit www.appiabio.com .

SOURCE Appia Bio

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF FLAVIA BORELLINI, PH.D., AND JANE F. BARLOW, M.D., MPH, MBA, TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:20:52 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, today announced the appointments of Flavia Borellini, Ph.D., and Jane F. Barlow, M.D., MPH, MBA, as independent members to Viracta's Board of Directors.

"We are very pleased to welcome both Dr. Borellini and Dr. Barlow, two accomplished industry leaders with proven track records to the Viracta Board," said Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viracta. "Their collective experience in corporate strategy, oncology drug development and navigating the regulatory landscapes, in addition to their deep commercial and pricing experience, will be invaluable as we position Viracta for long-term success in new oncology modalities. We look forward to their guidance and contributions to our future initiatives."

Dr. Borellini commented, "It is an honor to be a member of Viracta's Board. The Company has shown impressive clinical data and possesses a unique therapeutic approach with the potential to address unmet needs across multiple indications. I look forward to working with the fellow directors to provide valuable insights and counsel to the company's management team."

Dr. Barlow added, "This is an exciting time for Viracta, and I am thrilled to be joining the Board. The company's EBV-positive lymphoma program has advanced into an innovative pivotal trial, while its solid tumor program is poised to enter the clinic later this year. It also has a strong financial foundation and the backing of a premier group of institutional and healthcare-focused investors, which I believe positions the company well for sustained success."

Appointee Bios

Flavia Borellini, Ph.D. , has more than 25 years of executive management experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, with a particular focus on global development of targeted oncology drugs, from preclinical to commercial stage. She is the former Chief Executive Officer for Acerta Pharma, where she oversaw the successful development and approval of Calquence® (acalabrutinib), a selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). During her career, Dr. Borellini has also held key senior level positions within AstraZeneca, most recently Global Franchise Head, Hematology, with responsibility for the hematology portfolio in the company's oncology business unit. While at AstraZeneca, she led the global development, approval, and commercialization of Tagrisso® (osimertinib), a first-in-class epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by the T790M mutation.

Prior to her tenure with AstraZeneca, Dr. Borellini spent nearly seven years at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. During this time, she led the global development, approval and launch of Zelboraf® (vemurafenib), a first-in-class BRAF inhibitor for the treatment of melanoma caused by the V600E BRAF mutation. Dr. Borellini also served as the program leader for Herceptin® (trastuzumab), a targeted treatment for HER2 receptor positive cancers, including breast cancer, and Tarceva® (erlotinib), an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of NSCLC and pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Borellini also serves on the Board of Directors of Kartos Therapeutics, Cantargia AP, and Revolution Medicines.

Jane F. Barlow, M.D., MPH, MBA , is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Jane Barlow & Associates, LLC and a Board Director for ContraFect Corporation. She is Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Real Endpoints, a market access consultancy, Senior Advisor to MIT's Center for Biomedical Innovation and serves on the biotech advisory board of Pictet Asset Management. Prior to her current roles, she was Associate Chief Medical Officer at CVS Health and Chief Medical Officer of CVS Health Government Services where she successfully implemented industry-leading clinical strategies supporting drug purchasing, distribution, and utilization management. Formerly, she served as Vice President of Clinical Innovation at Medco Health Solutions, leading the adoption of cutting-edge therapeutic programs through all aspects of pharmacy. Dr. Barlow has extensive experience in steering pharmaceutical development and commercialization by strategically weighing the value and economic impact that drug candidates bring to the healthcare ecosystem at large. Dr. Barlow previously served on the boards of Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (prior to and during its sale to Johnson and Johnson), TherapeuticsMD Inc., and SilverScript Insurance Company.

Dr. Barlow received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and subsequently completed her residency in occupational and environmental medicine at The Johns Hopkins University, where she also earned her MPH She is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and served as Chief of Flight Medicine at the Beale and Maxwell Air Force Bases. Additionally, she holds an MBA from the University of Alabama. She is board-certified in occupational medicine and a fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the American College of Preventive Medicine. She is a diplomat of the American College of Physician Executives and a member of the American Medical Association.

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies. Viracta's proprietary investigational drug, nanatinostat, is currently being evaluated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an oral combination therapy in two Phase 2 clinical trials for EBV-positive lymphoma. Viracta is also pursuing application of its inducible synthetic lethality approach in other EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, and other virus-related cancers.

For additional information please visit www.viracta.com.

Stop Worrying About Turnover and Focus on Building a Great Product

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:24:08 GMT

Stop Worrying About Turnover and Focus on Building a Great Product

How many of you have received an unsolicited newsletter in your inbox with the title, "Employee turnover is the silent killer of workplace productivity."

As a headhunter for 20 years, I instantly think of how ridiculous such a statement is. Employee turnover is a given. People are going to leave for two main reasons, 1) a better opportunity has been presented to them outside of the company, or 2) they are not happy with their current company/position.

Rather than working out retention strategies and effectively putting "gates" in place that will hopefully keep people from leaving, companies should focus on what they can control which is building a phenomenal product and a great company culture. Focusing here is really what attracts and retains outstanding employees anyway.

And if an employee leaves for a better opportunity, congratulate them and wish them well. After all, the best employees are the ones that understand their value and also understand when leaving is the best thing for everyone involved.

Go Ahead, I Am Listening

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 22:29:43 GMT

Go ahead I am Listening

"u..huh, â€¦.yeah,â€¦ rightâ€¦ yupâ€¦.makes sense to meâ€¦.., what was that?"

I was hoping that my colleague was actually listening to me but, it sounds like he was sending emails and perhaps even texting someone else while we were on the phone. How many times has this happened to you? It seems today that we have become incapable of doing one thing at a time. The next time you are in the car, take a look the people driving by and make a mental note of how many are speaking on the phone. Or, when you are walking down the street, count how many people are fixed to their smart phones. These trappings have made it impossible for most of us to really listen.

Which is a huge problem when you are interviewing.

If you are a candidate interviewing for a job the most important words out of your mouth will be the ones that reflect how well you have been listening to the interviewer. Assuming you have done your homework and understand what the company does, your conversation will need to resonate with what the interviewer has been speaking about. It is not what you have done or can do. It is how what you have done or do can help solve the challenges that the interviewer has been speaking about.

If you are a company interviewing a candidate, you will want to listen carefully to what the candidate is saying. Do their answers reflect a deep understanding of what your company does? Do they articulate their experiences solving problems with a level of detail that reflects a "hands on" approach or, do they sound like someone that needs a lot of other people to get anything done?

Recruiters can be some of the worst listeners on the planet. In the rush to fill a position, they often don't effectively listen to what the client is asking for and subsequently send candidates that don't accurately fit the job description.

In F. Scott Peck's book, "The Road Less Traveled", the author speaks of a lecture he attended where he had to make a super conscious effort to listen to the speaker. At the end of the lecture he had a headache and was sweating. I don't believe we will always be faced with having to display that level of concentration when listening but perhaps stepping away from the keyboard or the screen is a good start.

BIOCEPT APPOINTS SAMUEL D. RICCITELLI TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:36:47 GMT

Diagnostic Industry Veteran Plans Immediate Start

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire

Biocept, Inc . (Nasdaq: BIOC ), a leading commercial provider of molecular diagnostic tests and services, announces the appointment of Samuel D. Riccitelli to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Riccitelli is joining the Board ahead of the planned retirement of Bruce A. Huebner, who will retire from the Biocept Board of Directors on November 30, 2020.

Mr. Riccitelli brings to Biocept extensive experience in the molecular diagnostics industry, having served in executive-level positions and on the Boards of multiple publicly traded companies. At Biocept, he will initially serve on the Audit Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

"Sam's proven success with high-growth diagnostics companies, strong knowledge of the public equity markets and extensive corporate governance experience make him a welcome addition to our Board. We expect Sam will make significant contributions toward achieving our strategic growth initiatives and opening new opportunities as we build upon our position as a leader in molecular diagnostics and continue to rapidly grow," said Biocept Chairman David F. Hale. "We very much appreciate the many contributions Bruce has made as a valued member of our Board for the past seven years, consistently bringing to Biocept keen insights in diagnostics sales, marketing and reimbursement. We wish him well in his retirement."

"This is an exciting time to join the Biocept Board as liquid biopsy moves toward the goal of becoming standard of care and the company is experiencing rapid growth with its infectious disease offering," said Mr. Riccitelli. "I see a substantial opportunity for Biocept and its proprietary Target Selector™ technology to play an ever-increasing role in improving clinical outcomes for patients. I look forward to working with the team in advancing Biocept's programs and delivering value to stockholders."

Mr. Riccitelli has been in the healthcare industry for more than 35 years. He currently serves as an independent consultant to healthcare companies and is a Director of OrthoPediatrics Corp. (Nasdaq: KIDS ), a company focused on the orthopedic implant needs of children. He previously was Chief Executive Officer of Pathnostics, LLC, a molecular diagnostics company focused on improving antibiotic stewardship. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of Precipio, Inc., a publicly traded diagnostic services company, as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Signal Genetics, Inc., a publicly traded molecular diagnostic company acquired by miRagen Therapeutics, Inc., and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Genoptix, Inc., a publicly traded diagnostic company acquired by Novartis. Earlier in his career, Mr. Riccitelli held a number of R&D and general management positions at Becton, Dickinson and Company, and served as Vice President, General Manager and Director for BD Ventures, LLC, a venture capital fund. Mr. Riccitelli received a B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College and an M.S. in Engineering from The University of Texas.

About Biocept

Biocept, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company with commercialized assays for lung, breast, gastric, colorectal and prostate cancers, and melanoma. The Company uses its proprietary liquid biopsy technology to provide physicians with clinically actionable information for treating and monitoring patients diagnosed with cancer. The Company's patented Target Selector™ liquid biopsy technology platform captures and analyzes tumor-associated molecular markers in both circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). With thousands of tests performed, the platform has demonstrated the ability to identify cancer mutations and alterations to inform physicians about a patient's disease and therapeutic options. In addition, Biocept conducts COVID-19 testing to support efforts to fight the pandemic. For additional information, please visit  www.biocept.com .

VIRACTA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF LISA ROJKJAER, MD, AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:44:27 GMT

SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company"), a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, today announced the appointment of Lisa Rojkjaer, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective May 1, 2020. Dr. Rojkjaer brings more than 15 years of clinical development and medical affairs expertise in biotechnology companies and large pharma to Viracta and is a board-certified hematologist. In her new role, Dr. Rojkjaer will oversee the clinical and medical affairs functions and will lead efforts to advance Viracta's lead program toward regulatory approvals for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphomas and expand the Company's pipeline into other virus-associated malignancies.

"Viracta has grown substantially over the past year and our pipeline has many compelling opportunities to treat virus-associated cancers," said Ivor Royston, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta. "Lisa's extensive experience in drug development and demonstrated track record of leading clinical teams at large organizations comes at an important time as we prepare for key clinical milestones with our lead program. Lisa's addition will strengthen our capabilities to bring novel therapies to patients in need and we're thrilled to welcome her to our team."

Prior to joining Viracta, Dr. Rojkjaer served as Chief Medical Officer of Nordic Nanovector, a publicly traded precision oncology company located in Oslo, Norway, where she led the clinical development and medical affairs functions. Prior to that, she served in several senior positions focused on the advancement of small molecule and biologic programs, from Phase 1 - Phase 4 development, for hematology/immunology indications, and brings significant US and ex-US regulatory experience. She served as Global Clinical Program Head, Oncology Global Development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Chief Medical Officer at Molecular Partners, Vice President, Head of Clinical Development at Morphosys AG and both Director of Clinical Development, Hematology in the US and Head, Global Medical Affairs, Biopharmaceuticals for Novo Nordisk. Dr Rojkjaer received her medical degree from the University of Toronto and is board-certified in both internal medicine and hematology.

Dr. Rojkjaer commented, "This is an exciting time at Viracta, with its oral drug combination in a Phase 2 clinical trial for EBV-positive lymphomas, and the expected expansion of the Company's approach into other virus-related cancers. I look forward to helping the Company realize its vision of driving the lead program toward approval and transforming the treatment paradigm for virus-associated cancers."

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies. The Company's investigational lead molecule, nanatinostat, is currently being evaluated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an oral combination therapy in a Phase 2 clinical trial for Epstein-Barr virus positive lymphomas. Viracta is pursuing application of this Kick and Kill platform approach in other EBV associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma and other viral related cancers.

FRACTYL ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF REVITA FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADING UK PRIVATE CLINIC

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:00:38 GMT

January 28, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

LEXINGTON, Mass.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Fractyl Laboratories Inc. ( Fractyl ) today announced its first commercial partnership with HCA Healthcare UK (United Kingdom), making its Revita® treatment commercially available for the first time for patients with type 2 diabetes. HCA Healthcare UK is the largest provider of privately funded healthcare in the UK and is part of the US-based HCA Healthcare, the world’s largest private hospital group.

Revita is a first-in-class intervention designed to target insulin resistance and metabolic disease progression by resetting key pathways in the gut that drive metabolic disease. This minimally-invasive, outpatient, endoscopic procedure is a non-drug and non-surgical alternative that has been shown in clinical trials to enhance insulin sensitivity, lower HbA1c, and reduce liver fat to create long-lasting improvements in both blood sugar control and fatty liver disease to help patients with type 2 diabetes avoid further medication escalation. (1)

“Our first commercial market in the UK represents a significant milestone for Fractyl. It demonstrates our evolution from developing the initial science and clinical evidence behind Revita to an organization now also focused on accelerating its availability for patients with type 2 diabetes who are seeking alternatives to current approaches,” said Harith Rajagopalan, M.D. Ph.D, co-founder and CEO of Fractyl. “This commercial availability is supported by data from several multinational clinical studies in hundreds of patients showing significant and sustained metabolic benefits from a single Revita DMR treatment.”

“We are excited to be the first medical facility in the world to be able to offer the Revita procedure to our patients with type 2 diabetes,” said Miranda Dodd, CEO of The Princess Grace Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare UK network where the Revita procedure will be performed. “Led by a specialist team of experts, our hope is that Revita will allow patients all over the UK – and internationally – to take back control of their lives with a single treatment.”

“HCA Healthcare UK is an ideal inaugural hospital system partner in the UK market. HCA’s focus on bringing pioneering treatments to market aligns with Fractyl’s commitment to improving the health of patients suffering from metabolic diseases. We are thrilled with the strong support from physicians as well as the collaboration with HCA’s key stakeholders in making Revita available to their patients,” said Margaret Borys, Chief Commercial Officer of Fractyl. “This partnership and UK commercial availability represents an important first step in bringing Revita to patients around the world.”

The commercial launch of Revita in the UK comes following a series of global clinical trials on the procedure, involving close to 300 patients at over 20 centers across three continents. The research published to date shows five important metabolic benefits for patients: improved overall insulin sensitivity, lowered HbA1c (by nearly 1%), weight loss, improved liver health (more than 35% reduction in liver fat, a key factor in the development of NAFLD/NASH) and increased ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol (a parameter that correlates with a reduction of CV risk).2 Furthermore, reductions in HbA1c and liver fat were observed through 24 months of follow-up from a single outpatient Revita DMR procedure, indicating the potential for Revita DMR to offer durable improvements in both type 2 diabetes and NAFLD/NASH for a full two years thus far.3 Revita DMR has been shown to be safe and well tolerated with no long term adverse events in clinical studies to date.

About Type 2 Diabetes in the U.K.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, which can cause complications such as heart disease, stroke, liver and kidney damage. There are 3.8 million people living with type 2 diabetes in the UK, and the number diagnosed has more than doubled over the last 20 years.4 People with type 2 diabetes may attempt to control blood glucose levels with lifestyle changes and medications, but when these are ineffective, patients may face daily insulin injections. Patients who are looking for alternatives to adding more daily medications, including insulin,5 may find that Revita DMR offers a unique, non-drug alternative with compelling benefits beyond blood sugar control.

About HCA Healthcare UK

HCA Healthcare UK includes London Bridge Hospital, The Portland Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, Roodlane Medical Ltd, and Blossoms Healthcare. HCA UK also partners with leading NHS Trusts to provide care at The Christie Private Care, HCA UK at University College Hospital and Private Care at Guy’s. For more information, visit www.hcahealthcare.co.uk .

About Fractyl and Revita® DMR

Fractyl Laboratories is a private biotechnology company based in Lexington, Mass. Fractyl is developing Revita DMR, a same-day, minimally invasive procedural therapy to treat highly prevalent metabolic diseases. The Revita DMR procedure harnesses breakthrough insights in intestinal biology and leverages the body’s inherent regenerative capacity to reverse insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. Fractyl’s approach aims to improve the health of patients with metabolic diseases with device-based interventions for patients and healthcare systems. The Revita DMR System received a CE mark in the European Union in April 2016. It is approved for investigational use only by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. The Revita DMR System may be available for investigational use in other regions. For more information, visit www.fractyl.com or www.twitter.com/FractylLabs .

_____________________________

(1.) Van Baar, et al. Gut , 2020; 69:295-303.

(2.) Rajagopalan, et al. Diabetes Care , 2016; 39:2254-2261.

(3.) Fractyl, Diabetes Technology Meeting , 2019.

(4.) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-preventing-type-2-diabetes/health-matters-preventing-type-2-diabetes

(5.) https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/

The Chief Medical Officer

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:42:19 GMT

As a headhunter with an agency focused in hiring leaders for emerging biotech and device companies, I must maintain a solid understanding of hiring trends in the industry as well as the personality phenotype that can work well with the frantic pace of these emerging companies.

Perhaps one of the most critical executive hires that you need to get right for an emerging biotech or device company is the Chief Medical Officer. (CMO)

In a large biotech or device company you may find a CMO with a very strong therapeutic pedigree, prior head of cardiology at John Hopkins for example. This experience is invaluable when it comes to influencing key opinion leaders and plays well in both the clinical and medical affairs area. However this CMO may not have had any prior experience in front of an FDA panel bringing a product through the approval process. Additionally, if there had been any clinical protocol writing experience it may have been done long ago.

In an emerging company, CMO requirements are broader. I like to think of this job as the one where a person can beneficially employ any "ADD" personality traits; you have to be able to do a lot of things and do them very well with limited resources.

Assuming the CMO has strong leadership skills, this Chief Medical Officer has must also have these three attributes:

"Hands on" experience with protocol writing. Even if there is someone in the clinical group that can do this, the CMO needs to have an active part in writing the protocol. There is certainly the possibility that in a smaller company the CMO will be writing the entire protocol.

An established network with the key opinion leaders (KOL)s in the company's segment. The CMO will need to be influential with the KOLs in order to establish and maintain a rock solid foundation of trust.

History presenting in front of an FDA panel. The CMO will need to have had experience presenting phase III data or pivotal trial data to the FDA. Experience with an FDA approval is even better.

The other piece that is extremely important: Being comfortable working with limited resources in a "roller coaster" environment. All it takes is one investigator going off the handle to set a process off the rails. The CMO will be the one meeting the investigator and getting things back on track. This can be a tough thing for an MD to do because it means putting the "sales hat" on.

I mentioned in the second paragraph that the CMO is perhaps one of the most critical hires that an emerging biotech or medical device company can make. My experience holds that other than the CEO, it is the most important hiring decision. In my next blog I will detail why this is the case.

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS CLOSES SERIES D FINANCING

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 21:42:49 GMT

Published on October 28, 2019 FINSMES

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. , a San Diego, CA-based precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, closed a Series D financing of undisclosed amount.

The round was led by Taiwania Capital Management with participation from existing investors. In conjunction with the financing, Michael Huang, Managing Partner at Taiwania Capital Management, joined Viracta’s Board of Directors.

Led by Ivor Royston, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Viracta is a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies. The company’s proprietary lead molecule, nanatinostat, is currently being evaluated as an oral combination therapy with valganciclovir in a Phase 2 clinical trial for Epstein-Barr virus positive lymphomas. Viracta is pursuing application of this Kick and Kill approach in other EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and other virus-related cancers.

Proceeds from the financing are expected to be used to complete the Phase 2 study and subsequent initiation of registration studies, as well as for other general corporate purposes. Additionally, the company intends to pursue the application of its Kick and Kill approach in other EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and other virus-related cancers.

SENTI BIOSCIENCES ANNOUNCES DR. BRENDA COOPERSTONE AS NEW INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBER

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:47:51 GMT

Leading gene circuit company recruits experienced drug developer for board of directors’ position to help steward clinical translation of gene circuit therapies

October 17, 2019 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Senti Biosciences, the leading gene circuit company focused on outsmarting complex diseases with intelligent medicines, today announced that Brenda Cooperstone, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer (CDO) for rare disease in Global Product Development at Pfizer Inc., has joined the company as an independent member of its board of directors.

“We’re excited to have Brenda join us as an independent board member”

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“We’re excited to have Brenda join us as an independent board member,” said Dr. Tim Lu, CEO of Senti Biosciences. “She‘s spent her career developing transformative therapies to help patients in need. Brenda’s wealth of medical expertise and experience in translating advanced medicines into the clinic will be critical as Senti moves our gene circuit therapies toward human trials.”

“I’m thrilled to join a team committed to building intelligent cell and gene medicines that can outsmart devastating diseases,” said Dr. Cooperstone. “Senti Biosciences is at a critical point in its organizational growth, and I look forward to working with the company to move its pipeline of oncology cell therapy programs into solid tumor clinical studies, while also exploring other therapeutic areas for the gene circuit technology platform.”

As Pfizer’s CDO, Dr. Cooperstone is responsible for advancing and managing the development portfolio of its rare disease business, including advanced technology platforms such as gene therapy. In addition, she is site leader for the company’s Collegeville campus.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Cooperstone held a variety of leadership positions at Pfizer in clinical development and global medical affairs, with oversight over a wide range of therapeutic areas, including small and large molecules in early through late phase development, and in-line support. She started her career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1999 at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and joined Pfizer in 2009.

Dr. Cooperstone earned her M.D. from McGill University, and completed her residency in pediatrics at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, her clinical fellowship in pediatric nephrology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Renal Electrolyte division. Dr. Cooperstone then practiced pediatric nephrology at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, a member institution of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, before joining the pharmaceutical industry in 1999.

Senti’s gene circuit platform enables next-generation cell and gene therapies. For example, Senti’s engineered promoters, untranslated regions and logic gates enable highly specific gene therapies with programmable specificity and high activity in defined cell types. In addition, Senti’s Pro-Dial™ platform allows for gene therapies to be titrated up or down in a rheostat fashion with FDA-approved small molecule drugs. These technologies have the potential to make cell and gene therapies controllable, targeted and dynamic, thus able to address indications not accessible by current therapies.

About Senti Biosciences

Senti Biosciences is a next-generation therapeutics company that is developing gene circuits and programming cells for tremendous therapeutic value. Our mission is to outsmart complex diseases with more intelligent medicines that will transform people’s lives. By programming cells to respond, adapt and make decisions, we are creating smarter therapies with computer-like logic, enhanced functionality and greater therapeutic control. Senti Biosciences is based in South San Francisco and was founded in 2016 by Drs. Tim Lu, Philip Lee, Jim Collins and Wilson Wong. Senti is proud to count NEA, 8VC, Amgen Ventures, Lux Capital, Menlo Ventures, Pear Ventures, Allen & Company, Nest.Bio, Omega Funds, Goodman Capital, and LifeForce Capital among its investors. For more information on Senti Biosciences, please visit https://www.sentibio.com/ .

CONTACTS

CONTACT

Curt Herberts

CFO and CBO

650-906-1674

press@sentibio.com

VIRACTA STRENGTHENS EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:51:21 GMT

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Aug 01, 2019, 08:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has appointed Dan Chevallard as Chief Financial Officer and Xiaohu Deng, Ph.D. as Senior Vice President of Product Development. Mr. Chevallard brings important financial and operational experience to Viracta and will lead the Company's finance functions. Dr. Deng brings significant product development and chemical manufacturing and controls (CMC) experience to Viracta and will oversee its investigational drug product development activities.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dan and Xiaohu to the Viracta team," said Ivor Royston, MD, Viracta's CEO. "Their proven track record and expertise in finance and product development will be critical as we continue to grow and advance our nanatinostat/valganciclovir combination toward registration trials and expand development to additional indications and geographies."

Mr. Chevallard joins Viracta from Regulus Therapeutics Inc. where he held various key positions including Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance and Accounting and Vice President, Accounting and Financial Reporting. At Regulus, Mr. Chevallard led the finance and operations teams, played a key role in the execution of $270M in equity and growth capital financings, and implemented all integrated finance functions. Prior to Regulus, Mr. Chevallard spent seven years at Prometheus Laboratories Inc. (acquired by Nestlé Health Science) where he held senior roles in corporate finance. Prior to joining industry, Mr. Chevallard spent five years in public accounting at Ernst & Young, LLP. Mr. Chevallard has a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of San Diego and is a Certified Public Accountant in California.

Dr. Deng joins Viracta from Kura Oncology, Inc. and Wellspring Biosciences, where he was Senior Director, Head of CMC. Dr. Deng led the CMC function - including development, manufacture, quality control, and clinical supply - of multiple programs through various phases of development (I, II and III and registrational). Prior to Kura, Dr. Deng spent thirteen years at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in various roles of increasing responsibility associated with process chemistry R&D, CRO management, and project management of discovery/preclinical development. He has more than 30 peer-reviewed journal publications, a book chapter and 14 issued patents to his credit. Dr. Deng holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Emory University and MS and BS in chemistry from Fudan University.

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on advancing novel epigenetic therapeutics derived from its proprietary Kick & Kill therapeutic approach to benefit patients with viral-associated cancers and other serious diseases. Viracta has entered into partnerships with Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to bring treatments for EBV-associated cancers to China, and with NantKwest, Inc. to utilize nanatinostat in combination with their clinical-stage Natural Killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. Viracta plans to enter into additional geographic and combination therapy partnerships.

For additional information please visit www.viracta.com .

ANNEXON BIOSCIENCES EXPANDS SENIOR LEADERSHIP AS IT ADVANCES ITS NOVEL COMPLEMENT APPROACH TO AUTOIMMUNE AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 21:55:20 GMT

July 09, 2019 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Annexon Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of first-in-class therapies for classical complement-mediated autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the following additions to its senior leadership team:

Sanjay Keswani, MBBS, BSc, FRCP, Chief Medical Officer
Jennifer Lew, Chief Financial Officer
Lesley Stolz, PhD, Chief Business Officer

“Sanjay, Jen and Lesley bring extensive strategic and operational expertise to our team which will greatly enhance our ability to advance Annexon’s clinical development and corporate goals,” commented Doug Love, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of Annexon. “We are encouraged by the clinical progress of our lead programs to date and look forward to advancing these and other programs over the next several months. We enthusiastically welcome Sanjay, Jen and Lesley to the Annexon family at this important juncture.”

“I’m excited to help realize the tremendous therapeutic potential of Annexon’s pioneering work in C1q, the most upstream molecule in the classical complement pathway,” stated Sanjay Keswani. “We believe our dual approach to prevent tissue damage inflicted by autoantibodies and to protect against loss of functional synapses has broad relevance to several autoimmune, neurodegenerative and ocular diseases, where we could positively impact patients and their families.”

Dr. Keswani brings more than 20 years of research and drug development experience to his new role, particularly in the areas of neurology, ophthalmology and autoimmune disorders. He previously served as SVP and Global Head of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases Research & Development at Roche. Prior to Roche, Dr. Keswani held senior roles at other global pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly & Co. Dr. Keswani completed his medical residency in Neurology and fellowships in Neuroimmunology and Neurophysiology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and his MBBS in medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. In addition, Dr. Keswani holds a first-class honors degree from St. Mary’s Hospital, London in Pathology & Basic Medical Sciences (Immunology) and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP). Dr. Keswani is a former Neurology faculty member at Johns Hopkins.

Ms. Lew joins Annexon with 15 years of financial operations experience in the biotechnology sector. Most recently, Ms. Lew served as Chief Financial Officer of Aduro Biotech, overseeing fundraising, investor relations, strategic planning and board governance. She also played a lead role in the preparation and execution of Aduro’s initial public offering. Ms. Lew previously held various finance leadership roles at Dynavax Technologies Corporation, where she was responsible for finance and accounting operations, and she began her career at Ernst & Young. Ms. Lew holds a B.A. in Economics/Accounting and Government from Claremont McKenna College and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Dr. Stolz has more than 20 years of experience in the biotech industry encompassing business and corporate development. Dr. Stolz was previously with Johnson & Johnson Innovation, where she negotiated transactions and ran the West Coast JLABS business. Prior to Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Dr. Stolz held leadership roles at BioTime, Sutro Biopharma and Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, where she was responsible for corporate strategy, fundraising and all aspects of partnering. Dr. Stolz received her MSc and PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Rochester and performed postdoctoral research in biochemistry at Harvard Medical School.

About Annexon’s Product Pipeline

Annexon’s pipeline of novel therapies includes two clinical-stage product candidates, ANX005, a monoclonal antibody, and ANX007, a fragmented monoclonal antibody, as well as other compounds in preclinical development. ANX005 is currently in a Phase 1/2 study in patients with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Annexon also plans to evaluate ANX005 in complement-mediated neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease. ANX007 is in a Phase 1b study as a potential neuroprotective approach for progressing glaucoma patients.

About Annexon

Annexon is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of therapies for patients with classical complement-mediated autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Our first-in-class product candidates, ANX005, a monoclonal antibody, and ANX007, a fragmented monoclonal antibody, are uniquely designed to inhibit C1q at the initiation of the classical complement pathway to halt the underlying disease process in autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Annexon is pursuing a biomarker-centric approach to clinical development, incorporating quantitative measures of target engagement and pharmacodynamic activity in early proof of concept studies in patients, which can inform rapid clinical advancement and data-driven portfolio expansion. For more information, visit www.annexonbio.com .

SENTI BIOSCIENCES ANNOUNCES DR. LAURENT FISCHER AS NEW INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBER

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 22:00:33 GMT

Leading gene circuit company taps veteran biotech executive for board of director position to help steward company growth, develop its integrated drug development capabilities, and guide business strategy

June 12, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Senti Biosciences, the leading gene circuit company focused on outsmarting complex diseases with more intelligent medicines, today announced that Dr. Laurent Fischer has joined the company as an independent member of its board of directors.

“We are excited to have Laurent join us as an independent board member. He has spent his career as a physician, drug developer and entrepreneur, and brings a wealth of experience to the Senti team”

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“We are excited to have Laurent join us as an independent board member. He has spent his career as a physician, drug developer and entrepreneur, and brings a wealth of experience to the Senti team,” said Dr. Tim Lu, CEO of Senti Biosciences. “Laurent’s technical expertise and business experience in translating advanced therapies into the clinic will be critical as we move toward human trials.”

“I’m thrilled to be part of a company that creates smarter therapies that could transform patients’ lives,” said Dr. Fischer. “Senti Biosciences is unique in that it designs gene circuits and programs cells to respond, adapt, and make decisions, which could potentially provide tremendous therapeutic value for patients suffering from complex diseases.”

Dr. Fischer is currently senior vice president and head of the liver therapeutic area at Allergan, and is also a senior advisor on the Frazier Healthcare Partners’ Life Sciences team. Dr. Fischer has more than 20 years of drug development and commercialization experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. He was previously CEO of Tobira Therapeutics, which was acquired by Allergan for up to $1.7 billion in 2016.

Prior to Tobira, Dr. Fischer was chairman and CEO of Jennerex, Inc., a company with a first-in-class oncolytic immunotherapy acquired for $150 million by Sillajen. Prior to Jennerex, he was co-founder, president and CEO of Ocera Therapeutics. Dr. Fischer has also held senior positions at DuPont-Merck, DuPont Pharmaceuticals, and Hoffmann-La Roche in liver disease, virology and oncology. He launched Sustiva®, the first once-daily anti-HIV and the 10th top-prescribed specialty drug, in 2015, and was involved in the launch of the first protease inhibitor in the United States. Dr. Fischer received his undergraduate degree from the University of Geneva and his medical degree from the Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.

About Senti Biosciences

Senti Biosciences is a next-generation therapeutics company that is developing gene circuits and programming cells for tremendous therapeutic value. Our mission is to outsmart complex diseases with more intelligent medicines that will transform people’s lives. By programming cells to respond, adapt and make decisions, we are creating smarter therapies with computer-like logic, enhanced functionality and greater therapeutic control. Senti Biosciences is based in South San Francisco and was founded in 2016 by Drs. Tim Lu, Philip Lee, Jim Collins and Wilson Wong. Senti is proud to count NEA, 8VC, Amgen Ventures, Pear Ventures, Lux Capital, Menlo Ventures, Pear Ventures, Allen & Company, Nest.Bio, Omega Funds, Goodman Capital, and LifeForce Capital among their investors. For more information on Senti Biosciences, please visit https://www.sentibio.com/ .

CONTACTS

CONTACT

Curt Herberts - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer

Senti Biosciences

650-906-1674

press@sentibio.com

Sanderson McLeod looks back at the most robust year in life science investment and recruiting

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 22:04:20 GMT

NEWS PROVIDED BY Paul Sanderson January 14, 2019

2018 saw a record amount of private investment in healthcare stocks. We also witnessed multi-billion dollar acquisitions with both BMS and Lilly buying Celgene and Loxo Oncology days before the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.

Our firm was fortunate to work with some of the best and brightest innovators in the market. Clients included Turnstone Biologics , Logic Biotherapeutics , Annexon Biosciences , Endotronix , IGM biosciences , Onconova , Shockwave Medical , Viracta , and Zymeworks .

Hires were in numerous functional categories including Chief Medical Officer for Onconova , and SVP of Sales and Marketing for Endotronix.

For 2019 we see a number of new modalities gaining traction. With Spark Therapeutics gaining approval for the first gene therapy in the US and EU, and Avexis signing a 8.7 billion dollar deal with Novartis, the road is now well-paved for many others with gene, gene editing and genome editing platforms to move forward.

While Kite and Juno, two companies with CAR T platforms, had huge acquisition numbers in 2018, cell therapy in 2019 will expand into other therapeutic applications with Bluerock Therapeutics a company that raised a record a round of $230 million building new medicines in Neurology, Cardiology and Autoimmunity.

It is not all about Oncology:

While therapeutics in oncology especially immune-oncology have been leading the investment cycle, we started to see expansion into neuroscience with what has been labeled the Neuroscience Renaissance . Companies like Annexon Biosciences , Denali Therapeutics , and Alector have raised huge sums of capital and are poised in 2019 to move forward building medicines for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.

It is a rare time to be in the biotech industry:

Despite the Administration’s plan to cut research dollars for biomedical research utilized by rare disease patients, rare disease biotech’s saw an increase in numbers and we also had some IPOs with Logic Biotherapeutics , Eidos , and Avrobio being a few going out this year. We believe the trend will continue. The patient population is obviously in great need and the path to commercialization is also easier for young companies for a variety of reasons.

We look forward to helping find and hire the talent needed for our clients to help them reach their goals bringing better medicines for patients.

ENDOTRONIX RAISES $45 MILLION IN SERIES D FINANCING FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:12:14 GMT

NEWS PROVIDED BY Endotronix, Inc. Sep 14, 2018

LISLE, Ill., Sept. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Endotronix, Inc. , a digital health, medtech company dedicated to advancing the treatment of heart failure, today announced the close of a Series D financing round totaling $45 million. The round was led by LSP , investing from its LSP Health Economics Fund 2, and included Aperture Venture Partners , BioVentures Investors , Lumira Ventures , OSF Ventures , Seroba Life Sciences , SV Health Investors , Wanxiang Healthcare Investments , and an unnamed corporate strategic investor. Endotronix will expand the board of directors to include Fouad Azzam Ph.D., General Partner at LSP.

This financing supports the commercialization of the Cordella™ Heart Failure System (Cordella System) and clinical development of the Cordella™ Pulmonary Artery Sensor (Cordella Sensor) through CE Marking and FDA Premarket Approval (PMA). The product platform consists of a comprehensive remote patient management software solution coupled with a seamlessly integrated, next generation implantable pulmonary artery sensor to streamline heart failure care management and provide early detection of worsening heart failure.

"We are thrilled with the world-class leadership and support of LSP and our existing investor group as we launch into the next phase of our company," commented Harry Rowland, CEO of Endotronix. "This financing accelerates our U.S. and E.U. launch of the Cordella System and supports our upcoming landmark randomized, controlled clinical study, PROACTIVE-HF, to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of proactive heart failure management."

The Cordella System is designed to address inefficiencies in heart failure management and promote guideline-based therapy so physicians can improve patient care and reduce re-hospitalizations with effective and scalable remote patient management. Over 26 million people worldwide suffer from heart failure and it is a leading cause of re-hospitalization for people over 651,2. With U.S. treatment costs reaching $31B per year, heart failure management remains a pressing unmet clinical need3.

"Endotronix is on the cusp of transforming heart failure management," stated Fouad Azzam. "Their scalable Cordella System enables streamlined and timely flow of clinical-level information that can improve patient outcomes and supports sustainable care delivery revenue for healthcare providers. We're excited to be part of the team to drive this transformation in the heart failure market."

This announcement builds on the earlier news of successful first-in-human use of the Cordella Sensor in Europe and first commercial use of the Cordella System at select U.S. sites.

About the Cordella™ Heart Failure System

The Cordella Heart Failure System is a proactive heart failure management solution that brings patient management into the digital age and allows physicians to treat more patients with guideline-based therapy. The easy-to-use system extends clinical care into the home by collecting and securely transmitting daily patient data and insights to the heart failure clinician to guide therapy and optimal dosing. In the U.S. market, the system drives care delivery revenue using Medicare's existing Chronic Care Management Services to support proactive, high-quality heart failure care. For suitable patients, the system seamlessly integrates pulmonary artery pressure data with a next generation wireless, implantable sensor. Clinical studies have demonstrated that pulmonary artery pressure-guided management can reduce heart failure-related hospitalizations and reduce mortality.

About Endotronix, Inc.

Endotronix, Inc., a digital health, medtech company, is developing an integrated platform to provide comprehensive, reimbursable health management tools for patients suffering from chronic heart failure. The company's comprehensive solution includes a cloud-based disease management data system and outpatient hemodynamic management with a breakthrough implantable wireless pulmonary artery sensor for early detection of worsening heart failure. Learn more at www.endotronix.com

About LSP

LSP (Life Sciences Partners) is an independent European investment firm, providing financing for private and public life sciences companies. LSP's mission is to connect investors to inventors, focusing on unmet medical needs. Since the late 1980s, the LSP team has invested in about 100 innovative enterprises, many of which have grown to become leaders of the global life sciences industry. With over €1.7 billion ($2.0 billion) of investment capital raised to date and offices in Amsterdam, Munich and Boston, LSP is Europe's leading life sciences investor. The LSP Health Economics Fund 2 invests in innovative products that can increase the quality of health care, while reducing the cost of care. For more information, please visit: www.lspvc.com .

1 Ponikowski P et al. Heart failure: preventing disease and death worldwide. ESC Heart Failure 2015;1:4–25

2 Mozzafarian D, et al. on behalf of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2016 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2016

3 Joo H, et al. Cost on Informal Caregiving for Patients with Heart Failure. Am Heart J. 2015 Jan;169(1):142–48.e2.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Carla Benigni

SPRIG Consulting LLC

(847) 951-7430

Carla@sprigconsulting.com

FRACTYL PRESENTS ONE - YEAR DATA ON REVITA DMR IN TYPE II DIABETES

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 21:19:38 GMT

LEXINGTON, Mass., September 12, 2017 – Fractyl Laboratories Inc. ( Fractyl ) and clinical investigators for the Revita-1 clinical trial today report one-year data from the study showing sustained improvement in glycemic parameters following a single treatment with Revita™ DMR in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The data will be presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Lisbon, Portugal. more

SANDERSON MCLEOD HIRES VP OF MANUFACTURING FOR TURNSTONE BIOLOGICS

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 21:23:27 GMT

OTTAWA, Ontario & NEW YORK--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Turnstone Biologics , a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the development of next-generation oncolytic viral immunotherapies, today announced the recent appointment of Kris Elverum as chief business officer and José Manuel (Manny) Otero, Ph.D., as vice president, manufacturing and CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls). Mr. Elverum joins from SQZ Biotech, where he was chief business officer, and Dr. Otero joins from Seres Therapeutics, where he was vice president of bioprocess development and manufacturing. more

The "Absolutes" and the "Superlatives" are coming to our pool party this weekend.

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 22:13:57 GMT

The "Absolutes" and the "Superlatives" are coming to our pool party this weekend.

Ever notice that the more tired and frustrated you get the more likely you are to start speaking in superlatives and absolutes? I see this happen with increased intensity during an election year and I am sure it has NOTHING to do with the DRIVE BY media's LEFT-LEANING manipulations!

In the same way that superlatives and absolutes should be ignored when listening to someone trying to sell you on their position or product, you should refrain from using them when speaking about your experience in a job interview. How many times have we heard this or something like this before: "Our process improvement strategy had a HUGE impact on the BOTTOM LINE."

A more convincing and thoughtful way to say this would go something like: "We evaluated a number of process improvement strategies and settled on one that we implemented in four weeks across eight different business lines. Three months later we did an evaluation of this implementation and found that we had reduced costs by 15% . Employees involved with implementation were so excited about the improvements they were seeing that they initiated their own process improvement evolution check list. They now use this to suggest and implement changes on a quarterly basis."

Employers are looking for thoughtful answers to questions that do not sound like they were picked out of an interview handbook. The more your answers sound like you actually lived through the action you are describing the more likely you will be looking at an attractive offer.

SANDERSON MCLEOD HIRES CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER FOR HEAT BIOLOGICS

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 22:28:59 GMT

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heat Biologics, Inc. (“Heat”) (Nasdaq:HTBX), a leader in the development of immunotherapies designed to activate a patient’s immune system against cancer, announced the appointment of Jeff Hutchins, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Preclinical Development. Dr. Hutchins will be overseeing Heat’s research efforts, bringing over 24 years of research and clinical development experience from both large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. more

FRACTYL REPORTS POSTIVE DATA FOR INTESTINAL RESURFACING TO TREAT DIABETES

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 21:36:04 GMT

While multiple diabetes associations have recommended bariatric surgery as a standard treatment for some diabetics, it's still unsuitable for the mass treatment of patients. Enter Fractyl Labs , which just reported data from the first-in-human study of its endoscopic duodenal mucosal resurfacing treatment more

ARCH THERAPEUTICS MEETS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ENDPOINTS IN FIRST CLINICAL STUDY

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 21:32:32 GMT

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/15/16 -- Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: ARTH) ("Arch" or the "Company"), developer of devices for use in controlling bleeding and fluid loss in order to provide faster and safer surgical and interventional care, successfully met the objectives of its recently completed single-center, randomized, single-blind prospective clinical study (NCT 02704104) of the AC5 Topical Hemostatic Device in skin lesion patients with bleeding wounds. This was the first study assessing the safety and performance of AC5 in human more

GEMPHIRE GOES PUBLIC

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 21:44:23 GMT

August 4, 2016 - Gemphire Therapeutics managed to get its IPO out in the dog days of summer. But it languished several weeks and then had to cut its pricing expectations. The company expects to use the $30 million it has raised for late-stage testing of its gemcabene in a trio of dyslipidemia disorders. more

FLAGSHIP CREATES A CMO ROLE FOR THEIR VENTURE FIRM

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 21:42:08 GMT

Flagship Ventures has created a new spot for former Merck EVP and CMO Dr. Michael Rosenblatt, benefiting from the R&D reorg at the pharma. He is joining the venture firm as CMO. Flagship is creating the position with Rosenblatt's hire. more

MEDTRONIC BUYS HEARTWARE IN 1.1 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 21:46:15 GMT

Medical device maker Medtronic said Monday it would buy HeartWare International , a company best known for its HVAD heart pump designed to help with heart failure for $1.1 billion. The mechanical pump requires less invasive surgery than other treatments for heart failure. more

GEMPHIRE THERAPEUTICS SETS IPO FOR THURSDAY 6-23-2016

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:48:55 GMT

Northville-based Gemphire Therapeutics Inc. , a cardiovascular drug development company, is scheduled to have its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange on Thursday, according to a posting on the Nasdaq website Monday. more

PUMA BIOTECHNOLOGY PRESENTS POSITIVE PHASE II DATA AT THE 2016 ASCO ANNUAL MEETING LOS ANGELES, CALIF., JUNE 5, 2016

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 21:53:09 GMT

- Puma Biotechnology , Inc. (NYSE: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, presented positive results from an investigator sponsored Phase II trial of neratinib with HER2-mutated, non-amplified breast cancer. The data were presented today in a poster discussion session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2016 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The poster (Abstract #516), entitled "Phase II Trial of Neratinib for HER2 Mutated, Non-Amplified Metastatic Breast Cancer (HER2mutMBC), was presented from 8:00-11:30 a.m. CDT today with a poster presentation discussion occurring immediately following the poster session. more

HEARTWARE COMPLETES ENROLLMENT IN HVAD® SYSTEM LATERAL STUDY

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 22:00:57 GMT

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HeartWare International, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTWR), a leading innovator of less-invasive, miniaturized circulatory support technologies that are revolutionizing the treatment of advanced heart failure, today announced completion of enrollment in the HeartWare ® Ventricular Assist System (HVAD® System) LATERAL Study. more

Are you driving a porsche or stuffed in a bus?

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 22:13:56 GMT

Saving the planet aside, how many of us would prefer to drive a Porsche to work rather than riding in an overcrowded bus?

And yet that is what most job seekers are doing metaphorically when their strategy for finding work is to apply online with a resume. Think about how many riders are on that bus? Two years ago maybe a hundred per opening but now perhaps a thousand.

Riding this bus suggests one of two things. You can't figure out any other way to get where you need to go or you just don't believe in yourself enough to take a more assertive approach. I am willing to bet that most of us fall into the former category. "Well, here is the bus for that gig at Pfizer, better go ahead and just get on it." Meanwhile there a bunch of stinkers on the bus with you that are pissing off the recruiter on the other end because they have not bothered to "clean" their resume in the appropriate way to show how good of a "fit" they are. Or maybe Pfizer advertised for a role and you are headed to the gig-stop only to find that it is no longer there.

Problem is to drive a Porsche you need to be able to know a little more than where the buses stop. Or maybe the better statement is: you need to work harder up front to be able to drive a fine automobile.

Applying on line, taking the bus, is a little bit like "making the donuts". You just follow a set path. Driving a finally tuned machine will take research and more work on your part. However once you are OK with the work, you will never get on the bus again.

So how do you put your career behind the wheel of a Porsche? Well the first thing you need to do is to think of yourself in the same way that Steve Job's thought of the IPOD when he brought it to market. Or the way Southwest Airlines launched, or any other company you can think of that launched a product that made the competition irrelevant. They certainly did not rely on what everyone else was doing to get their message heard.

Simply put, you need to think of yourself as the solution that the company you want to work for HAS to have. When you start there, all of the work in learning how to drive this fine automobile will be easy.

What is this work?

Check out my upcoming post: "What recruiters prefer you don't know"

Can a recruiter help you find work in a tough economy?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:16:06 GMT

Can a recruiter help you find work in a tough economy?

Sure they can but it's the same in any economy- if you happen to be a perfect fit for the opening they have. The problem in a tough economy (like now) is there are far less openings, and this isn't just because there is less hiring going on, it's also because many companies stop using recruiters. They think they can do it on their own and they want to save money.

Candidates would benefit from a better understanding of the picture from a recruiters perspective, starting with a definition of what makes a recruiter successful, and then in turn, what gives them as the candidate the best chance for success.

A recruiter's success is far more contingent on having lots of good job orders than having lots of good candidates. This is rarely understood by candidates and leads to frustration for both parties. Job orders are power for recruiters, and once again that power only transfers to candidates in a job search if they are a fit for a particular opening.

So candidates will benefit from taking a more proactive or aggressive approach to helping themselves stand out. This applies for when they are working with a recruiter as well. But the best course for a candidate is to be proactive and build their own marketing campaign. This should include creative ways not only to get in front of the highest level hiring authority they can, but being just as creative in ways to make a huge first impression.

The Myth of "Working to Live"

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:19:51 GMT

The Myth of "Working to Live"

We have all heard it before. People come in two categories; those who live to work and those who work to live.

It is time to dispel the myth of working to live.

There is no such thing.

If you spend the majority of your time working, you are living to work, period.

The difference then is those that are finding true fulfillment in their work and those that are not.

Because that is the case, it is imperative that we do everything possible to find work that stimulates us. Or to put it another way, find a way to make our work more stimulating. And the more it stimulates us the healthier we will be.

Taking a quick audit of historic figures or even people we know that have lived long lives shows most have been doing something every day that they were passionate about.

Artists definitely fall into this category and while the majority of them don't make great money, they seem to live life in a constant state of discovery.

Aaron Copeland lived to be 90. Vladimir Horowitz lived well into his late 80's. Marian McPartland, the famous jazz pianist was born in 1918 and is still playing.

So while we can't all be artists we can try to approach our work with a level of passion that will get us up and keep us going.

Live to work!