STOCKHOLM, July 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Therapeutics AB, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for patients with Wilson's Disease, today announced the appointment of Dr. Carl Bjartmar as chief medical officer (CMO). Dr. Bjartmar will report to Jonas Hansson, chief executive officer, and will join the company's management team.
"We are pleased to welcome Carl to Wilson Therapeutics," said Jonas Hansson. "We believe that Carl's extensive expertise within the development of novel therapies for rare diseases will be a tremendous asset to the company to help us reach our goal of developing new treatments for this serious and devastating disease."
Dr. Bjartmar has extensive experience in clinical drug development with 13 years in pharmaceutical industry. He has been global medical and scientific lead for neurology and neuromuscular programs, including rare diseases. Dr. Bjartmar has directed numerous large and small international studies, and served as sponsor member of study steering committees. He has authored more than 25 international publications, including peer-reviewed articles, review articles and book chapters.
Dr. Bjartmar joins Wilson Therapeutics from Genzyme, a Sanofi Company, where he had roles leading clinical development of treatments for rare and neurological disorders. Prior to Genzyme, Dr. Bjartmar held positions in Clinical Development, Neurology, at Lundbeck A/S, Denmark. Dr. Bjartmar received his Medical and PhD Degrees at the University of Linkoping, Sweden. Between 1998 and 2002 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA.
About Wilson's Disease
Wilson's Disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, resulting in deficient production of the copper-transporter ATPase-2. Deficient or absent production of ATPase-2 leads to impaired incorporation of Cu into ceruloplasmin and impairment of biliary Cu excretion, which allows copper to accumulate in the body. The build-up of copper in liver, brain, kidneys and other tissues of Wilson's Disease patients produces significant organ damage and dysfunction. Untreated or inadequately treated Wilson's Disease can result in brain damage, liver failure and death. The overall prevalence of Wilson's Disease is estimated to be 1-2 in 30,000 individuals.
About Wilson Therapeutics
Wilson Therapeutics is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of patients with Wilson's Disease through development of new treatment options and support for increased awareness and education about Wilson's Disease. The Company's lead product candidate, WTX101, is currently in clinical development as a treatment for Wilson's Disease. Investors in Wilson Therapeutics include Abingworth, HealthCap, MVM Life Science Partners and NeoMed. Visit www.wilsontherapeutics.com for more information.
Contact:
Jonas Hansson
CEO
+46709441877
OR
Ami Knoefler
Spark BioComm LLC
+ 1 650 739 9952