Generation Bio Appoints Yalonda Howze, J.D. as Chief Legal Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Generation Bio Co. (Nasdaq:GBIO) has appointed Yalonda Howze, J.D., as its chief legal officer and secretary. Howze brings nearly two decades of legal experience in biotechnology and life sciences, having previously served at Codiak BioSciences and as a partner at Mintz Levin. CEO Geoff McDonough expressed optimism about her contributions to the company’s ambitious goal of developing transformative genetic medicines for rare and prevalent diseases. Generation Bio focuses on innovative genetic therapies using its proprietary non-viral delivery system, aiming for long-lasting and adjustable treatments.

Positive

• Appointment of Yalonda Howze as chief legal officer is expected to provide fresh perspectives and strengthen the leadership team.
• Howze's extensive experience in biotechnology law could enhance Generation Bio's strategic legal compliance.

Negative

• Transition to a new chief legal officer may create initial disruptions in legal operations.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Generation Bio Co. (Nasdaq:GBIO), a biotechnology company innovating genetic medicines for people living with rare and prevalent diseases, announced that Yalonda Howze, J.D. has been appointed chief legal officer and secretary.

“We are delighted to welcome Yalonda to the Generation Bio leadership team and look forward to drawing on her extensive legal expertise as we continue to execute on our vision of reaching the full potential of genetic medicine,” said Geoff McDonough, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Generation Bio.

“Generation Bio is pursuing an ambitious goal to develop lifelong, titratable gain of function DNA therapeutics that have the potential to transform the lives of patients with rare and prevalent diseases across the globe,” said Yalonda Howze, J.D., chief legal officer and secretary of Generation Bio. “I am thrilled to be joining Generation Bio to support the next stage of its trajectory.”

With nearly two decades of legal experience in the biotechnology and life science sectors, Howze has led strategy and operations across legal, corporate governance and compliance functions for both private and public companies making the transition from discovery to clinical stage. She most recently served as chief legal officer, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary of Codiak BioSciences. Prior to her role at Codiak, Howze was a partner at Mintz Levin, PC, where she advised many prominent life science companies during her 13 years at the firm. Howze received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, M. Div. from Harvard University, and B.A. from the University of Michigan.

About Generation Bio  
Generation Bio is innovating genetic medicines to provide durable, redosable treatments for people living with rare and prevalent diseases. The company’s non-viral genetic medicine platform incorporates a novel DNA construct called closed-ended DNA, or ceDNA; a unique cell-targeted lipid nanoparticle delivery system, or ctLNP; and a highly scalable capsid-free manufacturing process that uses proprietary cell-free rapid enzymatic synthesis, or RES, to produce ceDNA. This approach is designed to enable multi-year durability from a single dose, to deliver large genetic payloads, including multiple genes, to specific tissues and cell types, and to allow titration and redosing to adjust or extend expression levels in each patient. RES has the potential to expand Generation Bio’s manufacturing scale to hundreds of millions of doses to support its mission to extend the reach of genetic medicine to more people, living with more diseases, around the world. 

For more information, please visit www.generationbio.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the company, including statements about the company’s strategic plans or objectives, cash resources, technology platform, research and clinical development plans, and preclinical data and other statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the identification and development of product candidates, including the conduct of research activities, the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials and clinical development of the company’s product candidates; uncertainties as to the availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; whether results from earlier preclinical studies will be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties regarding the RES manufacturing process; challenges in the manufacture of genetic medicine products; whether the company’s cash resources are sufficient to fund the company’s operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for the period anticipated; the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s business and operations; as well as the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in subsequent filings the company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the company’s views as of the date hereof. The company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the company’s views to change. However, while the company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date on which they were made.

Investors and Media Contact 
Maren Killackey 
Generation Bio 
mkillackey@generationbio.com 
857-371-4638

FAQ

What is the significance of Yalonda Howze's appointment at Generation Bio (GBIO)?

Yalonda Howze's appointment as chief legal officer is significant as it brings nearly two decades of experience in biotechnology, which could enhance the company's strategic focus and legal compliance.

What experience does Yalonda Howze have in the biotechnology sector?

Yalonda Howze has nearly 20 years of legal experience in biotechnology, including roles at Codiak BioSciences and as a partner at Mintz Levin, advising life science companies.

How might Yalonda Howze's appointment impact Generation Bio's future plans?

Her extensive legal background is expected to support Generation Bio's ambitious goals in developing genetic medicines, potentially facilitating their progression in clinical stages.

When did Generation Bio announce Yalonda Howze's appointment?

Generation Bio announced Yalonda Howze's appointment as chief legal officer on April 5, 2023.