Paul J. Hastings Joins Specific Biologics as New Board Chair, Paving the Way for Innovation

Specific Biologics Welcomes Paul J. Hastings as Chair of the Board

On June 11, 2025, Specific Biologics Inc., a leading biotechnology company known for its innovative Dualase® genome editing platform, announced the appointment of Paul J. Hastings as the Chair of its Board of Directors.

Paul J. Hastings brings with him a wealth of experience from the biopharmaceutical industry, having held top executive roles in several notable companies. He has been the CEO of Nkarta, a company specializing in engineered cell therapies, since 2018. Moreover, Hastings has served on various boards, including EnGene, a non-viral gene therapy firm, and as Chair of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). His prior leadership experience includes key roles at OncoMed, QLT, Axys Pharmaceuticals, and LXR Biotechnology. Additionally, Hastings has been a recognized figure at Chiron BioPharmaceuticals and other prestigious organizations.

The new Chair, whose extensive career also saw him rise to President of Genzyme Therapeutics Europe, is committed to advancing Specific Biologics' mission. In a statement, Hastings expressed honor in joining the Board at a critical time for the organization, stating, "The Dualase® technology has the potential to reshape how we approach treating some of the most challenging genetic diseases. I look forward to working with the leadership team and Board to support Specific’s mission and drive meaningful impact for patients with limited therapeutic options."

CEO Brent Stead remarked on the significance of Hastings’s extensive background in guiding biotechnology firms. He believes Hastings will play a crucial role in advancing the Dualase® platform as it moves towards clinical applications. Stead noted, "His proven ability to lead and scale high-impact biotechnology companies with breakthrough technologies will be instrumental as we advance our Dualase® platform toward the clinic for patients in need. We are entering an exciting new phase of growth, and Paul's leadership of the Board will be invaluable."

Specific Biologics specializes in the development of Dualase®, which is recognized for its precise and efficient approach to genome editing. This platform focuses on addressing genetic disorders, particularly by collapsing pathogenic repeat expansions linked to neurodegenerative diseases. What sets Dualase® apart is its ability to perform accurate editing with minimal off-target effects, making it a leading choice in bioengineering.

Stead also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Board member, Dr. Steven Kanner, for his invaluable contributions during a pivotal phase of the company's evolution. Kanner played a vital role in shaping the company’s early strategy and establishing the foundation necessary for its current progress.

As Specific Biologics looks ahead, the addition of Paul J. Hastings to its Board is set to propel the company forward in the challenging and competitive field of genome editing, promising hope for patients facing serious genetic conditions. With Hastings at the helm of the Board, stakeholders can anticipate exciting developments as they harness Dualase® technology's full therapeutic potential.

For more updates and information, visit Specific Biologics' website or follow them on their LinkedIn page.