US biotech Rubius Therapeutics has made two appointments to its board of directors with the addition of Francis Cuss and Catherine Sohn (pictured).
Cuss has spent 14 years in leadership roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb, most recently as the pharma giant’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer, and he is currently a member of the Novo Nordisk board of directors.
Cuss said: “Rubius is pioneering the development of a new class of medicines for patients with very serious diseases, and is uniquely positioned to deliver on the potential of red cell therapeutics.
“I have had the privilege during my career to be part of several companies translating highly innovative science into successful medicines, and I am thrilled to be able bring that experience to Rubius as they progress development of breakthrough cellular therapies for patients in need.”
Alongside Cuss, Catherine Sohn, currently non-executive chairman of BioEclipse Therapeutics, has also joined the biotech’s board.
She has previously served GlaxoSmithKline as senior vice president of worldwide business development and strategic alliances and before that was vice president of worldwide strategic product development for the cardiovascular, metabolic and pulmonary therapeutic areas at SmithKline Beecham pharmaceuticals.
Sohn said: “I am excited to join the board of Rubius and I look forward to working with the talented team at Rubius at the continue to pioneer the next generation of cellular therapies.”
Harvey Lodish, a member of the board since 2014, will step down from the board and transition to Rubius’ scientific advisory board.