#USA #San Francisco #Devyn Smith #RNA Medicines #Therna Biosciences

Therna Biosciences Enhances Leadership Team

In a significant move to bolster its strategic and scientific capabilities, Therna Biosciences, a pioneering entity in the field of programmable RNA medicines, has announced the addition of seasoned biotech veteran Dr. Devyn Smith to its Board of Directors. Alongside this notable appointment, the company is also expanding its advisory team, reinforcing its ambition to lead in RNA biology, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced delivery technologies.

New Leadership at Therna

Dr. Devyn Smith joins the Therna Board of Directors as an independent member. Bringing years of expertise, he serves as the CEO of Arbor Bio, known for its clinical-stage gene editing advancements. With a distinguished background, Dr. Smith has previously held high-level roles in strategic operations at renowned companies such as Sigilon Therapeutics and Pfizer. His experience spans a broad spectrum of advancements in genetic medicine, making him an invaluable addition to Therna’s mission of translating programmable RNA design into successful therapeutic outcomes.

As commented by Nazli Azimi, CEO of Therna, "Devyn brings a rare combination of scientific depth, operational leadership, and strategic perspective. His extensive experience in genetic medicine and company-building will be pivotal as we navigate the innovative landscape of programmable RNA medicines."

With a Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Smith has been influential in various critical realms of the biological sciences, emphasizing his capability in navigating the complexities of RNA therapeutics. His focus on integrating computational modeling with experimental biology aligns perfectly with Therna's strategic vision of disciplined therapeutic development.

Expanding the Advisory Network

Alongside Dr. Smith, Therna has also enlisted several other prominent advisors to enhance its scientific advisory board. Noteworthy additions include:

• - Ron Philip: As a Strategic Advisor, Mr. Philip brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles in multiple biotech firms. His insights into corporate strategy and operational development will assist Therna in scaling its platform capabilities and expanding therapeutic programs. Mr. Philip's previous roles include CEO of Orbital Therapeutics and Spark Therapeutics, both pivotal companies in the biotech landscape.
• - Brian Hie, Ph.D.: An Assistant Professor at Stanford and a leader in machine learning applications for biological sequences, Dr. Hie's research focuses on bridging AI with biological design. His expertise will guide Therna in refining its AI-enabled RNA language models.
• - Bo Wang, Ph.D.: Currently the Senior VP and Head of Biomedical AI at Xaira Therapeutics, Dr. Wang specializes in computational biology and machine learning. His work in predictive modeling can significantly advance Therna’s understanding of therapeutic applications.
• - Hamideh Parhiz, Pharm.D., Ph.D.: A specialist in RNA delivery technologies, Dr. Parhiz's research at the University of Pennsylvania will further Therna's capabilities in RNA therapeutics. Her insights into drug delivery systems are critical as the company aims to optimize the safe distribution of RNA-based medications.

Scientific Collaborations and Future Endeavors

Therna is also embarking on a scientific collaboration with Dr. Parhiz’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania, aiming to enhance their mRNA delivery technologies. This collaboration underscores Therna's commitment to harnessing scientific rigor in the design, evaluation, and development of therapeutic solutions.

"The addition of these advisors not only enhances our strategic capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to advanced AI modeling integrated with experimental RNA biology," stated Dr. Azimi. "With this expanded leadership team, we are poised to accelerate our initiatives and advance the forefront of programmable RNA medicines."

About Therna Biosciences

Therna Biosciences is redefining RNA therapeutics by intertwining deep RNA biology with cutting-edge RNA foundation models and generative AI. Its innovative platform enables the rapid engineering of optimized mRNA molecules tailored for specific therapeutic applications. With headquarters in San Francisco, Therna continues to attract leading investors and advisors who are at the forefront of RNA and AI innovation. By advancing the design and application of RNA medicines, Therna is committed to addressing a wide range of diseases, thereby paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in genetic and cellular therapies.

For more details, please visit Therna’s official website at therna.com and follow their updates on LinkedIn.