Proteostasis Therapeutics strengthens leadership team

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Proteostasis Therapeutics has bolstered its leadership team with three new appointments.

James DeTore (pictured) becomes the biopharmaceutical firm's chief financial officer, bringing experience from bluebird bio, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Microbia.

Meenu Chhabra, president and chief executive officer of Proteostasis Therapeutics, said: “Jim's breadth and depth of experience with small-and-large-scale biotech and pharmaceutical companies will be invaluable as we put into place the financial and operational infrastructure necessary to advance our clinical programme.”

Dr Geoffrey Gilmartin, meanwhile, has been appointed as the company's chief development officer.

Dr Gilmartin joins from AstraZeneca, where he most recently served as its senior medical lead for global medicines development, and has previously worked at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Chhabra said: “Geoffrey's extensive experience leading clinical development for companies such as AstraZeneca and Vertex Pharmaceuticals will help shape our regulatory and commercial strategies moving forward.”

Lastly, Dr Marija Zecevic takes on the role of vice president of business development, having collaborated with Proteostasis Therapeutics on multiple projects over the past two years.

Prior to this, Dr Zecevic founded Italy-based Zebra Ventures and served as its managing director, and also brings experience from Roche spin-off Bioxell.

Chhabra added: “Marija's track record in driving business development initiatives will further support the execution of value-generating strategic transactions from our DRT platform.”