#United States #Philadelphia #gene therapy #Franklin Biolabs #Vatsala Naageshwaran

Franklin Biolabs' New Leadership

In a significant announcement from Franklin Biolabs, it has appointed Dr. Vatsala Naageshwaran as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Naageshwaran joins a company firmly rooted in advancing genetic medicine, having been founded by gene therapy pioneer Dr. James Wilson. The organization aims to transform the landscape of gene therapy with innovative solutions and therapies for patients in need.

A Rich Background in Biopharmaceuticals

Dr. Vatsala Naageshwaran arrives with an impressive two-decade track record in the biopharmaceutical field. Having held various pivotal roles, she has consistently demonstrated her proficiency in overseeing technical and commercial operations. Notably, Dr. Naageshwaran has been instrumental in leading cross-functional teams dedicated to expanding product portfolios and driving multi-million dollar revenues.

Dr. James Wilson, the Chairperson of Franklin Biolabs, expressed great enthusiasm regarding the appointment. He highlighted her blend of scientific expertise and business acumen, which he views as vital as the company seeks to extend its reach within the gene therapy domain.

Previous Roles and Notable Contributions

Before joining Franklin Biolabs, Dr. Naageshwaran held notable positions at Myriad Genetics and Astex Pharmaceuticals. Her previous experience at Absorption Systems, where she served as Chief Business Officer, involved developing and executing global strategies that bridged diverse services, particularly around cell and gene therapies. Most recently, she was the Vice President of Business Development at Pharmaron, where she further honed her expertise in facilitating the development of therapeutic products aimed at substantial market sectors.

Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Naageshwaran stated, “I am absolutely thrilled to join Franklin Biolabs and be a part of the groundbreaking work that Dr. Wilson and his team are doing at the forefront of gene therapy and healthcare innovation.” She emphasized her commitment to advancing the development of new therapeutics that will have a significant impact on patients' lives.

Academic Credentials and Recognitions

Dr. Naageshwaran possesses advanced degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, having graduated from Mount Holyoke College. She also holds a degree in pharmacometrics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Further, her doctoral work in pharmaceutical drug research was conducted jointly between the University of Helsinki and Eastern Finland. This solid educational background has equipped her with the necessary tools to innovate and lead in the biopharmaceutical space.

Throughout her career, she has received accolades such as the FDA's IDIQ and BAA grants aimed at studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of complex products. Her leadership abilities have been recognized with her site at Pharmaron being named a Top Contract Research Organization from 2018 to 2021, and she was also nominated for the San Diego Business Woman of the Year Award in 2021.

Commitment to Innovation in Gene Therapy

Under Dr. Naageshwaran’s leadership, Franklin Biolabs aims to bridge the gap between high-level research and the practical implementation of transformative therapies for patients suffering from rare and debilitating diseases. The firm’s services will encompass a wide range of specialties including immunology, vector production, analytics, next-generation sequencing, and non-clinical pharmacology studies.

Franklin Biolabs endeavors to partner with biotechnology firms, seeking to optimize market entry for their products. As they embark on this journey, the collective focus is on fostering disruptive solutions that invigorate the gene therapy industry.

Dr. Naageshwaran's appointment is aimed at invigorating Franklin Biolabs’ strategy as they seek to expand their impact significantly within the genetic medicine field. With her on board, the organization is poised to elevate its mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients worldwide.

For further information on Franklin Biolabs’ initiatives, visit franklinbio.com.