#United States #Boston #Sionna Therapeutics #Marcella Ruddy #Jo Viney

Sionna Therapeutics Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointments

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its leadership in the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF), Sionna Therapeutics has announced the appointment of Dr. Marcella Kuhlman Ruddy and Dr. Jo Viney to its Board of Directors. This strategic addition brings together decades of expertise in drug development, particularly in biotechnology and clinical care for cystic fibrosis.

Who Are the New Appointees?
Dr. Marcella Kuhlman Ruddy, currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Tectonic Therapeutic, has a rich history in the biopharmaceutical space. With over 20 years of experience in drug development, she has held pivotal roles including a Vice President position at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Ruddy’s journey began with her training as a pulmonologist, during which she founded the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her academic background includes a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.D./M.S. from Washington University in St. Louis.

Joining her is Dr. Jo Viney, who brings her own commendable track record as a co-founder and CEO of Seismic Therapeutics. Dr. Viney has a background in autoimmunity biotherapeutics and previously served as the Chief Scientific Officer of Pandion Therapeutics, which was acquired by Merck. She received her B.Sc. with Honors from the University of East London and a Ph.D. from St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School.

Both appointees are expected to contribute their deep knowledge and insights as Sionna advances its clinical development pipeline of novel therapies. The company's goal is to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis, particularly by focusing on the functionality of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein.

The Vision for Cystic Fibrosis
Sionna Therapeutics is intently focused on providing new hope for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. With an ambitious strategy, the company aims to normalize CFTR protein function through groundbreaking medicine. The newly appointed directors are poised to support this mission. Mike Cloonan, the President and CEO of Sionna, expressed his enthusiasm over the addition of Dr. Ruddy and Dr. Viney, highlighting their exceptional qualifications and the pivotal role they will play as the company navigates its innovative research projects.

Dr. Ruddy emphasized the urgent need for new treatment options in the CF landscape. "I'm thrilled to work with Sionna’s team as they push forward in developing novel NBD1 stabilizers. These advancements could significantly enhance clinical outcomes for patients venturing through CF care, which is profoundly necessary,” said Dr. Ruddy.

Dr. Viney echoed these sentiments, praising Sionna’s pioneering research, which has positioned the company as a trailblazer in the development of NBD1-specific therapies. With innovative compounds on the horizon, Dr. Viney is eagerly looking towards bringing these treatments to market, fundamentally aiming to change the lives of CF patients for the better.

About Sionna Therapeutics
Sionna Therapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company devoted to changing the treatment paradigm for cystic fibrosis. With a research focus on normalizing CFTR function near the baseline, Sionna is keen on improving the quality of life for those living with cystic fibrosis. The company's relentless pursuit of advancements includes a pipeline of unique small molecules targeting the F508del genetic mutation that is crucial in cystic fibrosis management.

As Sionna Therapeutics paves its way through the biopharmaceutical landscape, the expertise brought by Dr. Ruddy and Dr. Viney promises exciting developments in the therapeutic landscape for cystic fibrosis, with the hope of meaningful clinical improvements for patients suffering this chronic condition.