BURLINGAME, Calif., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Igenica, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of first-in-class cancer antibody therapeutics, today announced the appointment of Mary Haak-Frendscho, Ph.D., to the role of Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Haak-Frendscho succeeds David Goeddel, Ph.D., who remains as Igenica's Chairman of the Board.
Dr. Haak-Frendscho brings more than twenty years of experience in building robust biotechnology organizations for the discovery and development of novel therapeutic antibodies. Dr. Haak-Frendscho joins Igenica from Takeda, where she served as founding President and Chief Scientific Officer of Takeda San Francisco, establishing and overseeing Takeda's Center of Excellence for antibody biologics. Prior to Takeda, Dr. Haak-Frendscho held positions of increasing responsibility at XOMA, Abgenix and Genentech, where she secured collaborative relationships with external corporate partners, led antibody programs, and played a key role in the development of omalizumab (Xolair®, Genentech/ Novartis). An immunologist by training, Dr. Haak-Frendscho holds degrees from the University of Michigan,Washington University, Stony Brook University (S.U.N.Y.), and the University of Wisconsin.
"Dr. Haak-Frendscho brings an exceptional range of experience and skills spanning antibody drug discovery and development, operations, strategic alliances and executive management," said Dr. Goeddel. "Her team-oriented approach will serve Igenica well as it transitions into its next stage of growth."
"I am delighted to be joining Igenica at this pivotal time in the company's history," said Dr. Haak-Frendscho. "With strong support from The Column Group, 5AM Ventures, Orbimed Advisors and Third Rock Ventures, Igenica is well-positioned to be a powerhouse in target and antibody discovery exemplified by an exciting lead program, established discovery platforms and superb management team and scientific staff."
About Igenica, Inc.
Igenica, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering breakthrough antibody-based cancer medicines. The company has integrated innovative technology platforms to address the major challenges to developing effective treatments for multiple oncology indications, with sTAg, a new approach to discovering and prioritizing novel tumor antigens, and iTAb, a functional in vivo antibody screening approach. Collectively, the two technology platforms drive Igenica's drug discovery efforts and promise to identify novel and more effective cancer therapeutics.
Igenica's Board of Directors includes David Goeddel, Ph.D., Managing Partner, The Column Group; John Diekman, Ph.D., Managing Partner, 5AM Ventures; Mark A. Goldsmith, M.D., Ph.D., Venture Partner, Third Rock Ventures; Carl Gordon, Ph.D., CFA, General Partner, Orbimed Advisors; Robert Schreiber, Ph.D., Alumni Endowed Professor of Pathology and Immunology, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Tumor Immunology Program Leader for the Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine.
Contact:
John K. Celebi, MBA
Chief Business Officer
Igenica, Inc.
(650) 231-4320
SOURCE Igenica, Inc.