Averna Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Thomas M. Barnes as New CEO to Drive Genomic Medicine Innovations
Averna Therapeutics, previously recognized as Exsilio Therapeutics, has officially appointed Dr. Thomas M. Barnes as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the biotechnology company, which focuses on pioneering genomic medicines designed to deliver therapeutic changes directly to the genome.
Dr. Barnes, a prominent figure in the biotech arena, comes with an impressive track record that spans over 25 years. Most recently, he held the CEO position at Orna Therapeutics, where he made remarkable strides in advancing RNA/lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies. With his extensive experience and expertise in leading transformative early-stage therapies, Dr. Barnes is expected to guide Averna toward new horizons in biotech innovation.
His predecessor, Dr. Tal Zaks, who served as the interim CEO, will continue to contribute to the company as the executive chairman of the board. Dr. Zaks commended Dr. Barnes for his extraordinary talent, emphasizing his ability to convert groundbreaking scientific research into scalable biotech solutions and lead teams toward impactful medical advancements. Under Dr. Barnes's leadership, Averna aims to strengthen its position in the development of RNA/LNP-based genomic medicines which are essential for delivering safe and durable therapeutic genetic material to patients.
Averna Therapeutics specializes in using cutting-edge RNA/lipid nanoparticle technology to facilitate the safe insertion of genes into designated areas of the genome—known as 'safe harbor' sites. These locations are specifically chosen to ensure that the integration of therapeutic genes does not interfere with the normal functioning of cells. Dr. Barnes expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of Averna's technology, noting the progress made under Dr. Zaks's leadership and the promising future ahead.
At Orna Therapeutics, Dr. Barnes drove significant capital raises, amounting to more than $450 million, and spearheaded a landmark collaboration with Merck that set a record for preclinical company agreements in biotech. Additionally, his previous tenure as Chief Scientific Officer and founding team member at Intellia Therapeutics established him as a crucial player in the expansion of the CRISPR platform, leading to extensive funding that included a successful IPO.
With his credentials firmly established, Dr. Barnes's appointment comes in tandem with Averna’s rebranding from Exsilio Therapeutics. The company has been acknowledged as one of BioSpace’s '25 Promising New Biopharma Companies to Watch in 2025,' reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovative treatments for a host of conditions, from genetic disorders to cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Moving forward, Averna Therapeutics plans to leverage its proprietary technology that utilizes a natural system for gene alteration—one which allows for the durable integration of genetic instructions without disrupting cellular integrity. With the capacity for redosing and a focus on scaling operations, the company positions itself as a key player in the genomic medicine landscape.
In conclusion, with Dr. Barnes at the helm, Averna Therapeutics is set to forge ahead in its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions for patients through next-generation genomic therapies. For continuous updates and further details, visit Averna Therapeutics.
Dr. Barnes, a prominent figure in the biotech arena, comes with an impressive track record that spans over 25 years. Most recently, he held the CEO position at Orna Therapeutics, where he made remarkable strides in advancing RNA/lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies. With his extensive experience and expertise in leading transformative early-stage therapies, Dr. Barnes is expected to guide Averna toward new horizons in biotech innovation.
His predecessor, Dr. Tal Zaks, who served as the interim CEO, will continue to contribute to the company as the executive chairman of the board. Dr. Zaks commended Dr. Barnes for his extraordinary talent, emphasizing his ability to convert groundbreaking scientific research into scalable biotech solutions and lead teams toward impactful medical advancements. Under Dr. Barnes's leadership, Averna aims to strengthen its position in the development of RNA/LNP-based genomic medicines which are essential for delivering safe and durable therapeutic genetic material to patients.
Averna Therapeutics specializes in using cutting-edge RNA/lipid nanoparticle technology to facilitate the safe insertion of genes into designated areas of the genome—known as 'safe harbor' sites. These locations are specifically chosen to ensure that the integration of therapeutic genes does not interfere with the normal functioning of cells. Dr. Barnes expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of Averna's technology, noting the progress made under Dr. Zaks's leadership and the promising future ahead.
At Orna Therapeutics, Dr. Barnes drove significant capital raises, amounting to more than $450 million, and spearheaded a landmark collaboration with Merck that set a record for preclinical company agreements in biotech. Additionally, his previous tenure as Chief Scientific Officer and founding team member at Intellia Therapeutics established him as a crucial player in the expansion of the CRISPR platform, leading to extensive funding that included a successful IPO.
With his credentials firmly established, Dr. Barnes's appointment comes in tandem with Averna’s rebranding from Exsilio Therapeutics. The company has been acknowledged as one of BioSpace’s '25 Promising New Biopharma Companies to Watch in 2025,' reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovative treatments for a host of conditions, from genetic disorders to cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Moving forward, Averna Therapeutics plans to leverage its proprietary technology that utilizes a natural system for gene alteration—one which allows for the durable integration of genetic instructions without disrupting cellular integrity. With the capacity for redosing and a focus on scaling operations, the company positions itself as a key player in the genomic medicine landscape.
In conclusion, with Dr. Barnes at the helm, Averna Therapeutics is set to forge ahead in its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions for patients through next-generation genomic therapies. For continuous updates and further details, visit Averna Therapeutics.
Topics Health）
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