SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASMB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV), today announced that Lisa Johnson-Pratt, M.D., has joined the company’s board of directors. Dr. Johnson-Pratt, a distinguished physician, has more than 20 years of experience overseeing the business development and marketing efforts for the entire drug development lifecycle, from drug discovery efforts through product commercialization.
“With Lisa’s strong background positioning clinical programs for success and proven leadership developing commercial and marketing strategies for some of the most well-respected pharmaceutical companies in the world, she will be a tremendous asset to Assembly Bio as a member of our board,” said William Ringo, chairman of the board at Assembly Bio. “As evidenced by her accomplishments as a physician, seasoned industry executive and entrepreneur dedicated to advocating for women in leadership positions, it is clear that she is driven to succeed. We look forward to her valuable guidance as Assembly Bio advances its pipeline of HBV programs toward commercialization.”
Dr. Johnson-Pratt currently serves as senior vice president, new product commercial strategy at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, a leading innovator in RNA-targeted therapeutics. She joined Ionis following its acquisition of Akcea Therapeutics where she served as senior vice president, new product strategy and was responsible for the commercialization strategy for three late-stage rare disease programs. Prior to that, Dr. Johnson-Pratt spent several years at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as head of early pipeline commercial strategy and head of Global Commercial Pharma Center of Excellence leading oncology early commercial strategy. Earlier in her career, Dr. Johnson-Pratt also served in leadership roles at GlaxoWellcome; Stiefel, a GSK company; and Merck & Co.
Dr. Johnson-Pratt is the founder of Ananias Ventures, which supports projects focused on issues related to vulnerable women and children. She currently serves on the board of directors for biopharmaceutical company TRACON Pharmaceuticals, as well as for Young People in Recovery, a national non-profit that supports young people to thrive after recovering from substance abuse.
“I am inspired by Assembly Bio’s commitment to curing HBV and impressed by the leadership team’s breadth of scientific expertise in HBV and virology,” said Dr. Johnson-Pratt. “For years, millions of people with HBV have been left to endure burdensome HBV treatment regimens. They deserve a breakthrough and I am thrilled to join Assembly Bio’s journey toward a cure.”
About Assembly Biosciences
Assembly Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to bringing finite and curative therapies to the 270 million people living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. A pioneer in the development of a new class of potent, oral core inhibitor drug candidates, Assembly Bio’s approach aims to break the complex viral replication cycle of HBV to free patients from a lifetime of therapy. Assembly Bio’s strategy toward cure includes a leading portfolio of more potent, next-generation core inhibitors, proof-of-concept combination studies and a research program focused on the discovery of novel HBV targets. For more information, visit assemblybio.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ. These risks and uncertainties include: Assembly Bio’s ability to initiate and complete clinical studies involving its therapeutic product candidates, including studies contemplated by Assembly Bio’s clinical collaboration agreements, in the currently anticipated timeframes; safety and efficacy data from clinical studies may not warrant further development of Assembly Bio’s product candidates; clinical and nonclinical data presented at conferences may not differentiate Assembly Bio’s product candidates from other companies’ candidates; continued development and commercialization of Assembly Bio’s product candidates, if successful, in the China territory will be dependent on, and subject to, Assembly Bio’s collaboration agreement governing its activity in the China territory; Assembly Bio’s ability to maintain financial resources necessary to continue its clinical studies and fund business operations; any impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Assembly Bio’s business and operations, including initiation and continuation of its clinical studies or timing of discussions with regulatory authorities; and other risks identified from time to time in Assembly Bio’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You are urged to consider statements that include the words may, will, would, could, should, might, believes, hopes, estimates, projects, potential, expects, plans, anticipates, intends, continues, forecast, designed, goal or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Assembly Bio intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. More information about Assembly Bio’s risks and uncertainties are more fully detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Assembly Bio’s filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, Assembly Bio assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts
Investor and Corporate:
Lauren Glaser
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs
(415) 521-3828
lglaser@assemblybio.com
Media:
Sam Brown Inc.
Audra Friis
(917) 519-9577
ASMBMedia@sambrown.com