Thrombogenics, Inc.

July 19, 2022 12:00 UTC Will Lead SymBiosis’ Engagement with Industry and Clinical Partners Firm Names Five Operating Advisors to Help Portfolio Companies Advance Missions Launches New Website BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Symbiosis, an investment firm focused on advancing biotherapeutics innovations, announced today that Dr. Jahan Ali, PhD has joined the firm as Vice President of Business Development. Dr. Ali will focus on investment sourcing, due diligence, execution and advisory, particularly in connection with SymBiosis’ engagement with industry and clinical partners. She joins SymBiosis from Weill Cornell Medicine where she provided entrepreneurial education and helped to launch companies as the Director of Bioventure ELab. Chidozie Ugwumba, Managing Partner at SymBiosis, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jahan, who brings years of experience in commercializing early-stage biotechnologies, launching life science startups, and developing strategic programs to forge regional biotherapeutics ecosystems. Her educational and business development expertise will be invaluable as we work to increase SymBiosis’ capabilities to help our portfolio companies advance their missions.” SymBiosis also announced the addition of five Operating Advisors whose skillsets are directly relevant to the firm’s broad focus on biotherapeutics as it continues to expand its portfolio. The Operating Advisors will collaborate with SymBiosis and portfolio company management teams across the full investment life cycle in a range of critical areas—including drug development, clinical investigation, biomanufacturing, regulatory, market access, and commercialization. The Operating Advisors are: Dr. Andrew Badley, MD, Professor of Infectious Diseases, and Professor and Chair of Molecular Medicine at Mayo Clinic Dr. Gene Kym, PhD, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Co-founder of ConjugateBio Dr. Jennifer Miller, PhD, advisor and executive for startup companies in life science and technology Tony Khoury, Executive Vice President, Project Farma Wesley Winn, CEO, LifeCycle Advisors Mr. Ugwumba added, “We are excited to have assembled a group of extraordinary industry executives to serve as Operating Advisors. Having high-caliber professionals who are leaders in their respective fields join SymBiosis is a testament to the business we are building and, even more important, the impact our portfolio companies will have on the future of biotherapeutics. We look forward to working closely with our Operating Advisors to help our portfolio companies achieve their missions of developing medicines with the potential to cure diseases and improve lives across the globe.” SymBiosis also has launched a new website at , which provides expanded information on the firm and its investment activities. Biographies Dr. Jahan Ali, PhD Prior to joining SymBiosis, Dr. Ali spent the past 20+ years commercializing early-stage biotechnology products. Most recently, she led the Bioventure entrepreneurship lab at Weill Cornell, where she worked closely with scientist entrepreneurs. Dr. Ali has held roles leading biotech investments at the Partnership Fund; in technology commercialization at the Hospital for Special Surgery, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine; and as a Business Development director at Mojave Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing therapeutic vaccines. She has a PhD from New York University School of Medicine and did a post-doc at Rockefeller University. Dr. Andrew Badley, MD Dr. Badley supports the team in scientific due diligence on potential investments and provides ongoing advice to our portfolio companies from a clinician’s perspective—both informally, and as a board observer or member. He is a Professor of Infectious Diseases, and Professor and Chair of Molecular Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where he is actively involved in discovery and translational research focused on therapeutic immune response. Dr. Badley has led several INDs and clinical trials on novel therapeutic interventions. He graduated from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and did residency and fellowship training at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Gene Kym, PhD Dr. Kym supports the team in investment sourcing—both in the US and internationally—and scientific due diligence. He is SVP of Corporate Development and Co-founder of ConjugateBio, a therapeutics company focused on innovative antibody-drug conjugates. Prior to ConjugateBio, Dr. Kym was Director of Open Innovation at Samsung Biologics in Korea. He was also a management consultant with ZS Associates in California focused on biopharma strategy and operations. He has personally consulted for numerous early-stage biotech groups, including antibody startup companies in Asia and Arix Bioscience VC in New York and London. Dr. Kym began his biotech career as a researcher at Ion Torrent developing bench-top DNA sequencers. He holds a PhD in Biology from Caltech, a MS in Biology from Seoul National, a BA in Biochemistry from UC Berkeley, and also studied Mandarin at Beijing Language and Culture University. He splits his time between Asia and the US. Dr. Jennifer Miller, PhD Dr. Miller supports the team in investment sourcing and technical due diligence, with a particular focus on AI/ML and computational drug discovery. She also serves as an advisor and board member for portfolio companies. In addition to SymBiosis, Dr. Miller serves as an advisor and fractional executive for startup companies working at the intersection of life science and technology. Previously, she led Strategy and Corporate Development for Depomed and served in the Corporate Development and Technology group at Amphora Discovery. Dr. Miller began her career as a scientist and held R&D leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Signature Bioscience, DuPont Pharma Research Labs and CombiChem. She has served as a “Big Data in Health” NIH SBIR grant program reviewer and as a member of MyoKardia’s Digital Health Steering Committee. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UCSF and her B.S. in Computer Science from San Diego State University. Tony Khoury Mr. Khoury supports the team in investment sourcing, technical due diligence—with a particular focus on biomanufacturing—and special projects related to building a biotechnology ecosystem. As Executive Vice President at Project Farma, he has spearheaded the firm’s growth in the biotech space with a focus on next generation medicines including gene therapy, cell therapy, and gene editing. Mr. Khoury has extensive experience with small and large molecules including biologics, biosimilars, RNA, and cell and gene therapies across life science sector including startups, academic centers, financial institutions and CMOs/CROs. He has led global programs with greater than $1 billion in value across business and technical operations strategy, program management, turnkey facility builds, automation, validation, quality, engineering and serialization track and trace. Mr. Khoury has played an integral role in pioneering the industrialization of advanced therapies including two FDA-approved cell and gene therapies. He has led the creation of Project Farma's Advanced Therapy Manufacturing Playbook which has helped develop the largest cell and gene therapy manufacturing footprints in the world. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago. Wesley Winn Mr. Winn supports the team by advising portfolio companies on business development and commercialization strategy. He is currently the CEO of LifeCycle Advisors, a firm supporting clients in commercial launch planning and deal diligence. Mr. Winn was formerly SVP of Business Operations at Global Blood Therapeutics supporting the launch of a novel Sickle Cell Disease Therapy. He served as VP of Commercial Operations, Market Access and Supply Chain for Hyperion Therapeutics, until their acquisition by Horizon Pharma. Prior to Hyperion, Mr. Winn was the Head of Commercial Operations and Market Access at Belgium based ThromboGenics. He also held senior marketing, field and reimbursement roles for product launches at Amgen and Genentech. Mr. Winn has experience as a practice administrator in the Johns Hopkins Health System and as a reimbursement consultant at Andersen Consulting. He holds a MHS in Health Policy from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, an MBA from University of California Berkeley and a BS in Health Administration from University of Central Florida. About SymBiosis Capital Management, LLC SymBiosis Capital Management, LLC is an investment firm focused on advancing biotherapeutics innovations. Led by Chidozie Ugwumba, Managing Partner, along with an experienced team of professionals, SymBiosis invests across disease area, financing stage, and geography, with a focus on programs in, or about to enter, human trials. The firm currently manages a portfolio of more than 25 investments and has significant, long-term capital commitments to fund future investments. For more information, please visit or follow us on LinkedIn.

-- Julie Clark, M.D., appointed chief medical officer -- -- Brigit Riley, Ph.D., appointed chief scientific officer – REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADVM), a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting unmet medical needs in ocular and rare diseases, today announced the appointment of two highly experienced leaders, Julie Clark, M.D., as chief medical officer, and Brigit Riley, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer effective immediately, both reporting directly to Laurent Fischer, M.D., Adverum’s chief executive officer. “Patient safety is our top priority as we continue to conduct a thorough review of data on the INFINITY SUSAR and the ADVM-022 program​,” said Dr. Fischer. “Our goal is to realize the potential of ADVM-022 and our pipeline to benefit patients worldwide and Julie and Brigit both bring extensive experience in gene therapy and ophthalmology drug development to Adverum. Julie and Brigit will collaborate cross functionally to understand the INFINITY SUSAR to advance the field of gene therapy and we are excited to have them take on these critically important roles. Their skill sets and collective deep knowledge of drug development, gene therapy, and retina from discovery into the clinic and through regulatory review, are invaluable as we conduct a thorough review of patient safety data from the ADVM-022 program and look to expand our pipeline.” Dr. Clark added, “I have dedicated my career to clinical development programs and commercial launch initiatives for new therapies for ocular diseases. ADVM-022 is a potential transformative gene therapy program and as a physician and a leader I am thrilled to be part of the journey to advance the understanding and potential of this novel therapy on behalf of patients.” Dr. Riley added, “AAV gene therapy represents the forefront of genomic medicines and Adverum has unique capabilities and world-class scientific minds that enable us to advance the science. I am excited to join at this important time to lead our pipeline expansion and the broader gene therapy field forward.” Julie Clark, M.D., Promoted to Chief Medical OfficerAs chief medical officer, Dr. Clark will be responsible for clinical strategy and implementation of clinical trials across all phases of development. Dr. Clark brings 14 years of experience in clinical development programs and commercial launch initiatives for new therapies for ocular diseases, including Eylea® and BEOVU®. Previously, she worked with Novartis over a five-year period in positions of increasing responsibility. As lead medical director – retina, she was responsible for the Phase 3b clinical trial for BEOVU® and served as medical lead for cross-functional team initiatives for product launch. Earlier, she was medical director, U.S. medical affairs for ThromboGenics, where she supported the Jetrea® launch and late-stage clinical studies. Previously, she worked with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where as associate director, medical affairs – ophthalmology she supported the clinical development and commercial launch of Eylea®. Before Regeneron, she worked with ISTA Pharmaceuticals as medical affairs product director and helped align strategy and communications for Xibrom®/Bromday®, Bepreve®, Istalol®, Vitrase®. Dr. Clark earned an M.D. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and a B.S. in Biology from Wake Forest University. In addition, she holds an M.S. in Biotechnology from the Center for Biotechnology Education and Advanced Biotechnology Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Brigit Riley, Ph.D., Appointed Chief Scientific Officer In her position as chief scientific officer, Dr. Riley will be responsible for leading Adverum’s portfolio of drug discovery and development programs. Dr. Riley has more than 15 years of experience in the biotechnology industry and in academia, identifying and advancing promising drug candidates into the clinic. Most recently Dr. Riley has been an advisor to several gene therapy companies. Previously, she was with Sangamo Therapeutics serving as vice president, discovery and translational research. She led the Hemophilia A program from initial gene cassette engineering to successful first in man clinical trial, resulting in a partnership with Pfizer. Additionally, she led Sangamo’s CNS portfolio and pipeline expansion, ultimately leading to a partnership with Biogen. Dr. Riley was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University, earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics from University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Chemistry from Northwestern University. Inducement GrantOn June 1, 2021, Adverum granted Dr. Riley a stock option to purchase 450,000 shares of Adverum’s common stock pursuant to the inducement grant exception under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4), as an inducement that is material to her entering into employment with Adverum. The option has a per share exercise price equal to the closing sales price of Adverum’s common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the grant date, and will vest over four years, subject to her continued service with Adverum. About Adverum BiotechnologiesAdverum Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: ADVM) is a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting unmet medical needs in serious ocular and rare diseases. Adverum is advancing the clinical development of its novel gene therapy candidate, ADVM-022, as a one-time, intravitreal injection for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. For more information, please visit . Forward-looking StatementsStatements contained in this press release regarding the events or results that may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: the roles in which Dr. Clark and Dr. Riley will serve and the benefits that they are expected to bring to Adverum. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties facing Adverum are described more fully in Adverum’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 6, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors.” All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Adverum undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Re-Vana Therapeutics, a specialty ocular therapeutic and drug delivery company that specializes in the development of photo-crosslinked drug delivery technologies for both biologic and small molecules, today announced the appointment of Michael Nash as Chief Commercial Officer and David Shima, PhD, as Vice President of Research and Development. The two executives will play critical leadership roles at Re-Vana as the company develops innovative sustained release therapies for a broad range of ophthalmic indications, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma. “I am delighted to welcome both Mike and David to the Re-Vana team,” said Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Re-Vana Therapeutics. “Their significant U.S. and European ophthalmic drug development and commercialization experience, particularly in the areas of sustained release technologies as well as biologics and small molecules, will be a major strategic asset as we advance our product portfolio.” Mr. Nash has more than 35 years of experience working with early stage, venture-backed drug delivery medical device and molecular diagnostic companies. With more than 25 years of experience in ophthalmology, Mr. Nash’s previous roles include serving as Executive Vice President at Oculex Pharmaceuticals, the first company to develop a biodegradable drug delivery system. Mr. Nash began his career in finance and progressed to marketing, sales, R&D, general management, founder and CEO roles. He has raised more than $160M in venture capital and strategic investments over the course of his illustrious career. “It is a very exciting time to join Re-Vana,” said Mr. Nash. “Sustained release ocular technology has been a strong passion of mine for many years. I am delighted to join the world class Re-Vana team consisting of employees, scientific advisors and investors.” In addition to his role as Vice President of R&D, Professor Shima will serve as visiting scholar to Queens University Belfast. Since obtaining his PhD at Harvard, Prof. Shima has become a leading researcher in ophthalmology in both academic and biopharma settings, where he has focused for over 30 years on the role of angiogenesis in diseases of the eye. Prof. Shima has worked as a consultant to numerous ocular-focused biopharmaceutical companies and has held senior executive roles at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Jerini Ophthalmic, Roche and Thrombogenics. He has worked in both the development and commercialization stages of ground-breaking drugs in ocular diseases whilst pursuing academic interests as Professor of Translational Vision Research at University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology. “It is a remarkable opportunity to be able to join Re-Vana to advance the sustained delivery of biologics and small molecules,” said Prof. Shima. “I look forward to working with an incredibly dynamic and experienced team to achieve our major strategic goals within ophthalmology.” Re-Vana is developing sustained release ophthalmic therapeutics that reduce the frequency of intravitreal injections required to treat a wide range of retinal diseases, including wet AMD and DR. The Re-Vana platform, which includes EyeLief® and OcuLief® technologies, have the potential to deliver at least 6 months sustained delivery of large molecule biologics, including anti-VEGF therapies. Re-Vana’s technology could also spur a new generation of glaucoma medications that may reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops by delivering small molecules for 6 to 9 months or longer. In addition, Re-Vana's technologies may enable the development of a new class of therapeutic products built on the company’s proprietary photocrosslinked sustained-release platforms. Re-Vana also has secured the rights to a novel nanoparticle polymer-based drug delivery technology for ophthalmic applications. About Re-Vana Therapeutics Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd, founded in 2016 as a spin out from Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a specialty ocular therapeutic and drug delivery Company with the main office located in Belfast and a U.S. office, Re-Vana Therapeutics, Inc., based in Tampa, Florida. Re-Vana is focused on the development of internal therapeutics as well as external strategic collaborations with industry. In 2019, Re-Vana secured funding from Innovate U.K. totaling more than $400K to support the development of a sustained release drug. Additionally in 2020, the Company closed a pre Series A round of $3.25M and entered into a strategic feasibility collaboration with a leading global pharmaceutical company for a novel therapeutic. For more information, visit . EyeLief® and OcuLief® are trademarks of Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd.