#USA #Waltham #Apogee Therapeutics #Paragon Labs #Velaris Therapeutics

Paragon Labs Strengthens Leadership Team with New Talent

In a bold move to solidify its position in biotechnology, Paragon Labs has recently expanded its leadership team by incorporating members from the former senior team of Apogee Therapeutics. This strategic shift is expected to enhance Paragon's operational capabilities and accelerate its journey toward groundbreaking therapies. The leadership transition comes on the heels of Apogee's remarkable sale to AbbVie for a staggering $10.9 billion, a deal that further highlights the potential of Paragon's discovered assets.

The revamped leadership team led by CEO Michael Henderson, M.D., includes notable figures such as Carl Dambkowski, M.D., Head of Research and Development, Dan Mulreany, Chief Business and Financial Officer, Matt Batters, J.D., Chief Legal Officer, and Emily Cox, Chief People Officer. All these experts previously collaborated at Apogee, where they facilitated the clinical development of five Paragon-discovered assets. Their collective experience is poised to drive Paragon's mission to develop differentiated biologics focused on pressing medical needs.

"At Apogee, we gained invaluable insights into turning Paragon's discoveries into medicine ready for clinical trials," commented Henderson. He emphasized the significance of leveraging these lessons to refine clinical strategies and enhance execution from the very onset of development. This approach aims to streamline decision-making, which in turn can accelerate the path to market for the therapies derived from Paragon's assets.

In conjunction with this leadership enhancement, Paragon announced the acquisition of Velaris Therapeutics, further broadening its portfolio. Velaris Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative therapies for pulmonary hypertension and related cardiopulmonary diseases. The acquisition underscores Paragon’s commitment to harnessing scientific advancements to address critical health challenges.

Velaris is now the ninth company to rise from Paragon-discovered assets, showcasing the company's robust track record in nurturing successful biotech ventures. The new leadership's expertise will be integral in transitioning Velaris's pipeline from concept to promising clinical candidates, which includes ActRII-Fc ligand traps aimed at restoring normal signaling pathways in patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

"The acquisition of Velaris is a significant leap in our journey, allowing us to pursue therapies with the potential for transformative impact on patients suffering from debilitating cardiopulmonary diseases," said Henderson.

Paragon Labs has made its name in the biotech field since its inception, applying innovative science and cutting-edge technologies to develop a new generation of biologics tailored for major medical needs. Founded in 2021 by the investment firm Fairmount, the Waltham, MA-based company continues to support its portfolio companies with not just foundational scientific insights but also operational acumen fueled by its seasoned leadership.

In summary, the merging of experienced Apogee executives into Paragon’s leadership team, alongside the acquisition of Velaris Therapeutics, opens up avenues for new therapeutic developments. By leveraging past successes and current acquisitions, Paragon aims to redefine the landscape of biotech and further its mission to create rapid, impactful healthcare solutions for patients worldwide. This step sets a promising foundation for the future, ensuring that revolutionary therapies reach the patients who need them most.

For more details on Paragon Labs and Velaris Therapeutics, visit their respective websites or contact their media relations teams.