Aziyo Biologics Appoints Michelle LeRoux Williams, Ph.D as Chief Scientific Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Aziyo Biologics has appointed Michelle LeRoux Williams, Ph.D. as its new Chief Scientific Officer, a decision aimed at enhancing the company’s pipeline development in regenerative medicine. Dr. Williams brings over 20 years of experience, having successfully launched products such as Osteocel, which achieved cumulative sales exceeding $1 billion. Her previous role at Osiris Therapeutics involved overseeing the development of key therapies generating more than $400 million annually. Dr. Williams expressed enthusiasm to align her expertise with Aziyo’s vision for innovative product development.

Positive

• Appointment of a highly qualified CSO with a proven track record in regenerative medicine.
• Dr. Williams' leadership is expected to enhance product development efficiency and innovation.
• Previous success with products generating substantial revenue positions the company for growth.

Negative

• Transition period could lead to temporary disruptions in ongoing projects.

Renown Pioneer in Regenerative Medicine to Lead Company’s Pipeline Development Initiatives

SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aziyo Biologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZYO), a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company announced today that Michelle LeRoux Williams, Ph.D. has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer.

“Aziyo strives to have the best products in the markets in which we choose to compete, and Dr. Williams has the expertise and leadership to help us deliver just that,” said Dr. Randy Mills, Chief Executive Officer. “Michelle has been a thought leader in regenerative medicine for two decades. She has a track record of consistently developing commercially successful products, including Osteocel®, the world’s first stem cell product with cumulative sales of over $1 billion. We believe her ability to develop great products, backed by strong science, and through efficient use of capital will create significant value for Aziyo.”

Michelle LeRoux Williams, Ph.D., a fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, is an internationally recognized expert in biologics and regenerative medicine. Previously, Dr. Williams served as the Chief Scientific Officer of Osiris Therapeutics, where she spearheaded the development of novel cell therapy products including Prochymal®, Osteocel®, Grafix®, Cartiform® and Ovation®, which accounted for more than $400 million in annual sales. Dr. Williams oversaw the regulatory approval of the world’s first approved stem cell drug, Prochymal® (remestemcel‐L) for the treatment of severe graft‐versus‐host disease and the first expanded access approval from FDA for a stem cell drug. She is a member of the Grants Working Group of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor’s degree from Rice University, a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Duke University and completed her post-doctorate training at Columbia.

“I look forward to teaming up with some familiar faces to create some serious value at Aziyo,” said Dr. Williams. “My background and personal interests align well with Aziyo’s vision, and I am excited to get started.”

About Aziyo Biologics
Aziyo Biologics is a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company focused on creating the next generation of differentiated products and improving outcomes in patients undergoing surgery, concentrating on patients receiving implantable medical devices. Since its founding in 2015, the Company has created a portfolio of commercial-stage products used in cardiovascular, orthopedic, and reconstructive specialties. For more information, visit www.Aziyo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding management’s future expectations, beliefs, intentions, goals, strategies, plans or prospects are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited, to statements regarding the Company’s advancement and development of its products and its business potential. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believe,” “continue,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan to,” “potential,” “projects,” “will,” and other similar words or expressions, or the negative of these words or similar words or expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, including, without limitation, the risks referred to under the section “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which filings are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investors page of the Company’s website at https://investors.aziyo.com. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company has no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
        
Investors:
Leigh Salvo
Gilmartin Group
investors@aziyo.com

Media:
Courtney Guyer
Aziyo Biologics, Inc.
PR@aziyo.com

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Scientific Officer of Aziyo Biologics?

Michelle LeRoux Williams, Ph.D. has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Officer of Aziyo Biologics.

What experience does Michelle Williams bring to Aziyo?

Dr. Williams has over 20 years of experience in regenerative medicine, including previous leadership at Osiris Therapeutics.

What impact might Dr. Williams have on Aziyo's product pipeline?

Her expertise is expected to improve product development and potentially increase revenue through innovative therapies.

What notable products has Dr. Williams developed in her career?

Dr. Williams is known for developing Osteocel and Prochymal, which generated significant sales in the regenerative medicine market.

When was Dr. Williams appointed as CSO of Aziyo Biologics?

Dr. Williams was appointed as CSO on August 26, 2022.