RNA-focused group Silence Therapeutics has appointed Dimension Therapeutics chief executive officer Dr Annalisa Jenkins as the non-executive chair of its board of directors.
She succeeds Dr Stephen Parker, the company’s non-executive chairman since September 2015, who becomes a non-executive director.
She said: “Silence’s technology and IP represent a significant opportunity in the next generation of drugs that will potentially transform the treatment of serious diseases with significant unmet medical need, specifically where the liver is the primary target organ.
“These disorders often have devastating outcomes for patients and their families, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s advancement of these promising product candidates towards the clinic.”
Dr Jenkins brings over 25 years of global industry experience to Silence’s board, with expertise in scientific research, clinical development, regulatory approval and healthcare systems.
Prior to Dimension, Dr Jenkins held multiple leadership positions, including executive vice president, head of global research and development for Merck Serono and senior vice president, head of global medical affairs for Bristol Myers Squibb.
Ali Mortazavi, chief executive officer, Silence Therapeutics, said: “Annalisa’s extensive and broad experience in all aspects of biotechnology, drug development and commercialisation will prove to be invaluable.
“It is a testament to the progress made at Silence that we have been able to attract Annalisa to our Board.”
Dr Jenkins is also a committee member of the science board to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and serves on the advisory board of its Center for Talent Innovation (UK).