Distinguished Clinical Researcher and Institute Founder Joins Intrexon as Chief Medical Officer - Oncology
Ronald B. Herberman, M.D., to oversee all clinical and regulatory affairs directed to Intrexon's anti-cancer programs
BLACKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intrexon Corporation, a privately held life sciences company focused on modular DNA control systems for biotherapeutics and other industry sectors, today announced the appointment of Ronald B. Herberman, M.D., as its Chief Medical Officer - Oncology. Dr. Herberman will be responsible for overall leadership of Intrexon's expanding anti-cancer clinical programs and related regulatory affairs.
Prior to joining Intrexon, Dr. Herberman was founding director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Associate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Research, Hillman Professor of Oncology and Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Herberman is an internationally recognized tumor immunologist who has made major discoveries in his field and has fostered the application of this information to novel approaches to cancer therapy, diagnosis and prevention. The phenomenon of natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumors was first discovered in Dr. Herberman's laboratory at the National Cancer Institute in the early 1970s. In addition to his pioneering investigation of NK cells, Dr. Herberman has played a leading role in multiple areas of tumor immunology and has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Lifetime Science Award from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Immunology and Aging. The significance of Dr. Herberman's foundational scientific discoveries is underscored by his recognition as one of the 100 most-cited research authors during the period from 1981 until 1990.
"We are honored that Dr. Herberman has chosen to join Intrexon at this point in his highly influential career," stated Randal J. Kirk, Intrexon's Chairman and CEO. "The combination of Dr. Herberman's top-tier scientific talent and world-class clinical management experience will enhance and expedite our expanding cancer therapeutic initiatives. I look forward to working with Ron and supporting his leadership to the fullest extent possible."
According to Dr. Herberman, "I have closely observed Intrexon's technical, clinical and business progress over the past several years and believe they are in the best position to deliver the next generation of biotherapeutics. The company has, in my opinion, correctly anticipated the essential role that modular DNA control systems must play if we are to realize substantial improvements in patient outcomes across a spectrum of cancerous disease states. As such, I am most eager to help this unique company achieve those breakthroughs in the shortest time possible, particularly in light of the rapidly growing socio-economic challenges that demand robust clinical advancements coupled with meaningful reduction in the overall cost-of-care."
About Intrexon Corporation
Intrexon Corporation is a privately held life sciences company whose Therapeutics Division is focused on the research and development of biotherapeutic control systems to reduce toxicity while enhancing clinical outcomes. The company's technology employs special genetic components and activator ligands to tightly control the delivery, targeting, activation, regulation and location of biologics. The company is headquartered at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Virginia, with additional R&D operations in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. More information is available at www.DNA.com.
Intrexon's most advanced immunomodulatory therapy is intended to control and enhance the immune-modulating performance of dendritic cells to treat solid tumor cancers. The company's current Phase 1b clinical trial is an open-label, dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerance, transgene function, pharmacokinetics and immunological effects of intratumoral injection of transduced dendritic cells engineered for inducible expression of human Interleukin 12 (hIL-12) using regimented dosing of an orally administered small molecule.