Flexion Therapeutics Announces Appointment of Liz Kwo, MD, to its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Flexion Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Elizabeth Kwo, an experienced healthcare leader, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Kwo brings over 15 years of expertise in healthcare technology and commercialization from her role at Anthem and her previous ventures, including co-founding InfiniteMD. The company's CEO, Michael Clayman, expressed confidence in Dr. Kwo's ability to enhance strategic thinking and drive growth. Flexion is known for ZILRETTA, an extended-release treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain, highlighting its commitment to innovative therapies in musculoskeletal conditions.

Positive

• Dr. Kwo's extensive experience in healthcare technology and commercialization.
• Potential for enhanced strategic insights and growth initiatives under Dr. Kwo's guidance.

Negative

• No specific financial metrics or projections mentioned that demonstrate immediate impact.

BURLINGTON, Mass., Aug. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flexion Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FLXN) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Kwo, MD, Staff Vice President, Clinical Data Analytics at Anthem, to its Board of Directors.

"We are delighted to welcome Liz to our Board of Directors as her broad and deep background uniquely complements our existing skills and experiences,” said Michael Clayman, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Flexion Therapeutics. “We are confident that she will provide important insights and extend our thinking as we seek to execute our strategy, drive growth and build long-term shareholder value."

Dr. Kwo has more than 15 years of experience specializing in healthcare technology product development and commercialization, marketing and sales, strategic partnerships, and post-merger integration. As Staff Vice President of Clinical Data Analytics at Anthem, she is responsible for creating an improved automated patient and provider experience to drive down cost of care. Prior to Anthem, Dr. Kwo co-founded and served as the CEO of InfiniteMD, a telemedicine company connecting patients with physicians for second opinions. She previously worked at Medtronic, American Well and she also founded multiple venture-backed companies in educational technology, digital healthcare and healthcare supplies. Dr. Kwo earned a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University and her MD from Harvard Medical School. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPH from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. She completed her residency in Preventive Care at Harvard Preventive Care and is Board Certified in Preventive Care and Occupational Medicine. 

"I am honored to join Flexion’s Board of Directors, excited by the potential of ZILRETTA^® and the pipeline candidates and eager to help guide the company as it advances its critical mission of discovering, developing and commercializing innovative treatments for musculoskeletal conditions,” said Dr. Kwo.

Indication and Select Important Safety Information for ZILRETTA (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension)

Indication: ZILRETTA is indicated as an intra-articular injection for the management of osteoarthritis pain of the knee.

Limitation of Use: The efficacy and safety of repeat administration of ZILRETTA have not been demonstrated.

Contraindication: ZILRETTA is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to triamcinolone acetonide, corticosteroids or any components of the product.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Intra-articular Use Only: ZILRETTA has not been evaluated and should not be administered by epidural, intrathecal, intravenous, intraocular, intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous routes. ZILRETTA should not be considered safe for epidural or intrathecal administration.
• Serious Neurologic Adverse Reactions with Epidural and Intrathecal Administration: Serious neurologic events have been reported following epidural or intrathecal corticosteroid administration. Corticosteroids are not approved for this use.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious reactions have been reported with triamcinolone acetonide injection. Institute appropriate care if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
• Joint infection and damage: A marked increase in joint pain, joint swelling, restricted motion, fever and malaise may suggest septic arthritis. If this occurs, conduct appropriate evaluation and if confirmed, institute appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Adverse Reactions: The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) in clinical studies included sinusitis, cough, and contusions.

Please see ZilrettaLabel.com for full Prescribing Information.

About ZILRETTA
On October 6, 2017, ZILRETTA was approved by the U.S. FDA as the first and only extended-release intra-articular therapy for patients confronting osteoarthritis-related knee pain. ZILRETTA employs proprietary microsphere technology combining triamcinolone acetonide — a commonly administered, short-acting corticosteroid — with a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) matrix to provide extended pain relief. The pivotal Phase 3 trial on which the approval of ZILRETTA was based showed that ZILRETTA significantly reduced OA knee pain for 12 weeks, with some people experiencing pain relief through Week 16. Learn more at www.zilretta.com.

About Flexion Therapeutics
Flexion Therapeutics (Nasdaq:FLXN) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, local therapies for the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions, beginning with osteoarthritis, a type of degenerative arthritis. The Company's core values are focus, ingenuity, tenacity, transparency and fun. Visit flexiontherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Flexion. Statements in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the future of Flexion; future contributions of Dr. Kwo and potential growth and shareholder value creation, are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the fact that the impacts and expected duration of the COVID-19 pandemic are uncertain and rapidly changing; the risk that we may not be able to successfully maintain an effective sales force to commercialize ZILRETTA; competition from alternative therapies; the risk that we may not be able to maintain and enforce our intellectual property, including intellectual property related to ZILRETTA; the risk that ZILRETTA may not be successfully commercialized or adopted; risks regarding our ability to obtain adequate reimbursement from payers for ZILRETTA; risks related to the manufacture and distribution of ZILRETTA, including our reliance on sole sources of supply and distribution; risks related to clinical trials, including potential delays, safety issues or negative results; risks related to key employees, markets, economic conditions, health care reform, prices and reimbursement rates; and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 filed with the SEC on August 5, 2020 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the statements. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact:

Scott Young
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
T: 781-305-7194
syoung@flexiontherapeutics.com

Julie Downs
Associate Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
T: 781-305-7137
jdowns@flexiontherapeutics.com

FAQ

Who has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Flexion Therapeutics?

Dr. Elizabeth Kwo has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Flexion Therapeutics.

What is Dr. Elizabeth Kwo's background?

Dr. Kwo has over 15 years of experience in healthcare technology, having held leadership roles at Anthem and co-founding InfiniteMD.

What is the significance of Dr. Kwo's appointment for Flexion Therapeutics?

Her appointment is expected to provide valuable insights and support the company's growth and strategy execution.

What is ZILRETTA?

ZILRETTA is an extended-release injectable treatment indicated for managing osteoarthritis knee pain.