HTG Names Renowned RNA Expert Dr. Robert Spitale to Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board

Rhea-AI Summary

HTG Molecular Diagnostics appoints Dr. Robert Spitale to its Scientific Advisory Board, enhancing its expertise in RNA research. Dr. Spitale, an internationally recognized chemical biologist from UC Irvine, specializes in RNA structure and gene expression. His insights are expected to aid HTG's efforts in defining therapeutic targets for various medical needs. Dr. Spitale's extensive background includes numerous prestigious awards, reflecting his significant contributions to genomics and cell biology. This appointment aims to accelerate HTG's precision medicine initiatives through innovative drug development.

Positive

• Appointment of Dr. Robert Spitale strengthens HTG's Scientific Advisory Board with expertise in RNA and gene expression.
• Dr. Spitale's background in emerging technologies may enhance HTG's therapeutic development efforts.

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• None.

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTGM) (HTG), a life science company advancing precision medicine through its innovative transcriptome-wide profiling technology, announced it has appointed Robert Spitale, Ph.D., Associate Director and Associate Dean of Research in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), to the HTG Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Spitale is a chemical biologist with extensive training in genomics and cell biology, and is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of RNA structure and function. His research has focused on developing novel chemical and bioinformatic approaches to better understand how RNA molecules orchestrate gene expression pathways and contribute to disease pathology.

“Dr. Spitale’s thorough understanding of the principles and mechanisms underlying RNA structure and the resulting impact on gene expression pathways can provide HTG with critical knowledge as we define our therapeutic targets addressing a wide range of medical needs,” said Dr. Stephen Barat, Senior Vice President of Therapeutics at HTG. “His enthusiasm, vision and expertise are a tremendous addition to HTG Therapeutics’ expanding team of advisors.”

“Having been involved in a range of projects grounded in emerging technologies and innovative applications over the course of my career, I am delighted to join HTG at this time in their Therapeutic unit’s development,” said Dr. Spitale. “The technology they have developed has the potential to fundamentally transform drug development, and the opportunity to be a part of HTG’s early progress into therapeutics is extraordinarily exciting.”

Dr. Spitale received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry at the University of Rochester in 2009, as an Elon Huntington Hooker Fellow, with Professor Joseph Wedekind. He then transitioned to postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and was awarded the A.P. Giannini Fellowship to support his research with Professor Howard Chang. Joining UC Irvine as an Assistant Professor in 2014 in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, he was promoted to Professor in 2020.

He has received numerous prestigious awards, including a W.M. Keck grant, a Pew Biomedical Scholar award, the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, the Ono Pharmaceuticals Breakthrough Science Initiative Award and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in Neurodegeneration Award in 2020.

About HTG:

HTG is accelerating precision medicine from diagnosis to treatment by harnessing the power of transcriptome-wide profiling to drive translational research, clinical diagnostics and targeted therapeutics across a variety of disease areas.

Building on more than a decade of pioneering innovation and partnerships with biopharma leaders and major academic institutes, HTG’s proprietary RNA platform technologies are designed to make the development of life science tools and diagnostics more effective and efficient and to unlock a differentiated and disruptive approach to transformative drug discovery. For more information visit www.htgmolecular.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the potential and abilities of HTG’s proprietary technology, including their potential to fundamentally transform drug development. Words such as “designed to,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements necessarily contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations, are subject to known and unknown risks, and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks associated with drug discovery and development; the risk that our RNA platform and medicinal chemistry technologies may not provide the benefits that we expect; risks associated with our ability to develop and commercialize our products; the risk that our products and services may not be adopted by biopharmaceutical companies or other customers as anticipated, or at all; our ability to manufacture our products to meet demand; competition in our industry; additional capital and credit availability; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; risks associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on us and our customers; and product liability claims. These and other factors are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including under the “Risk Factors” heading of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the SEC on November 10, 2021. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

HTG Investor Contact:

Ashley Robinson
LifeSci Advisors
Phone: (617) 430-7577
Email: arr@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

Who has been appointed to the HTG Scientific Advisory Board?

Dr. Robert Spitale has been appointed to the HTG Scientific Advisory Board.

What is Dr. Robert Spitale's area of expertise?

Dr. Spitale specializes in RNA structure and functions related to gene expression and disease pathology.

How might Dr. Spitale's appointment impact HTG's operations?

His expertise is expected to help HTG define therapeutic targets and enhance its drug development capabilities.

What awards has Dr. Spitale received?

Dr. Spitale has received several prestigious awards, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and the Pew Biomedical Scholar award.