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DURHAM – Precision BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTIL), a clinical stage biotechnology company using its ARCUS genome editing platform to develop allogeneic CAR T and in vivo gene editing therapies, on Monday announced Michael Amoroso as its new chief executive officer.
Michael Amoroso (Precision Bio photo)
He also will become member of the Precision BioSciences Board of Directors, in each case effective October 15, 2021. Mr. Amoroso will succeed Matt Kane, Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, who is expected to serve as an advisor to the Company to help ensure a smooth transition.
Mr. Amoroso is a biotech CEO with significant operational experience leading organizations focused on cell and gene therapies. He brings extensive experience leading teams across research, clinical development, regulatory and medical affairs, and commercial operations, with direct operational experience in the U.S. and major world markets with a particular focus on oncology drugs, including CAR T cell therapies for hematologic malignancies.
“We are very pleased that Michael will lead the Precision BioSciences team as we embark on the next phase of the company’s growth and seek to maximize the opportunities for our ARCUS platform,” said Kevin Buehler, Chair of Precision BioSciences Board of Directors. “Michael’s deep commercial and operational expertise in hematology, oncology, and gene therapy is an excellent fit for Precision and very relevant as we develop our strategy for late-stage clinical development and ultimately aim for commercialization. We believe that Michael’s priorities and motivations align well with the culture at Precision BioSciences and position him to successfully lead the Precision team as we pursue novel treatments to overcome cancer and cure genetic diseases.”
Mr. Amoroso is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Abeona Therapeutics, Inc., a fully-integrated gene and cell therapy company. Prior to this role, Mr. Amoroso served as Abeona’s Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for overseeing the operational management of Abeona, including research and clinical development, regulatory, medical, commercial, corporate affairs, and business development. Previously, Mr. Amoroso was the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kite Pharma, Inc. He held various senior level executive positions at leading biopharmaceutical companies, including Eisai Inc., Celgene Corporation, and began his biopharmaceutical career at Aventis (now Sanofi S.A.). Mr. Amoroso earned his Executive M.B.A. in Management from the Stern School of Business, New York University, and his B.A. in Biological Sciences, summa cum laude, from Rider University.
“I am excited to join Precision BioSciences as its next President and Chief Executive Officer and to advance Precision’s novel genome editing platform, ARCUS, in two cutting edge sectors of biotech, allogeneic CAR T therapy and in vivo gene editing. I look forward to working alongside co-founders Derek Jantz, Chief Scientific Officer and Jeff Smith, Chief Technology Officer, and the team of Precisioneers who are driving the development of our potentially breakthrough treatments with their perseverance and continuous technical innovation. I’m particularly optimistic about the potential opportunity to bring novel cell therapies to patients who suffer from hematologic malignancies, and about the prospects of filing three Investigational New Drug/Clinical Trial applications in the next three years for our gene editing treatments,” commented Mr. Amoroso.
Mr. Buehler added, “Over the last 15 years, Matt has played a critical role in the formation, development, and growth of Precision BioSciences. The Board of Directors sincerely thank him for his commitment to the company and the significant accomplishments made by the Precision team under his leadership.”
