Pliant Therapeutics Appoints Mike Ouimette as General Counsel

Rhea-AI Summary

Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) has appointed Mike Ouimette as the new general counsel and corporate secretary. Bringing over 20 years of legal expertise, Ouimette previously held executive positions at Portola Pharmaceuticals and Onyx Pharmaceuticals. His appointment aims to enhance Pliant's legal and regulatory strategies as the company progresses its lead drug candidate, PLN-74809, through Phase 2a trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Pliant focuses on developing innovative therapies for treating fibrosis.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced legal executive Mike Ouimette expected to strengthen legal and regulatory strategies.
• Ouimette's background includes crucial roles in two significant biotech acquisitions, reflecting solid operational understanding.

Negative

• Leadership transition may cause temporary disruptions in legal processes due to adaptation period.
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, today announced the appointment of Mike Ouimette as general counsel and corporate secretary of the company.

"Mike is an accomplished biotech executive who brings deep legal and regulatory experience, as well as deal making expertise to Pliant," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Pliant Therapeutics. "He shares our team's passion to advance our lead programs into the clinic and transform the lives of people living with fibrotic diseases."

Mr. Ouimette brings more than 20 years of legal experience to the company, most recently serving as vice president and assistant secretary of Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. prior to the acquisition of Portola by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Ouimette  also served as senior corporate counsel and assistant secretary of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., prior to the acquisition of Onyx by Amgen Inc. Prior to Onyx, Mr. Ouimette was a partner in the San Francisco office of the international law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, where his practice focused on mergers and acquisitions, capital formation, and other public company and regulatory matters. Mr. Ouimette received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law, and A.B. from University of California, Davis.

About Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.
Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for the treatment of fibrosis. Pliant's lead product candidate, PLN-74809, is an oral small-molecule dual selective inhibitor of a_vß₆ and a_vß₁ integrins that is in development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC. PLN-74809 has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both IPF and PSC. Pliant is currently recruiting Phase 2a trials of PLN-74809 for the treatment of IPF and PSC.  Pliant's second product candidate, PLN-1474, is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of a_vß₁ for the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, which Pliant has partnered with Novartis. PLN-1474 is currently undergoing a Phase 1 trial. In addition to clinical stage programs, Pliant currently has two preclinical programs targeting oncology and muscular dystrophies.

Investor Contact:
ir@pliantrx.com

Media Contact:
Cambria Fuqua
Canale Communications
(619) 849-5390
cambria.fuqua@canalecomm.com

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SOURCE Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

Who is Mike Ouimette and what is his role at Pliant Therapeutics?

Mike Ouimette has been appointed as the general counsel and corporate secretary at Pliant Therapeutics, bringing over 20 years of legal experience.

What are Ouimette's previous roles before joining Pliant Therapeutics?

Before Pliant, Ouimette served as VP and assistant secretary at Portola Pharmaceuticals and held senior legal positions at Onyx Pharmaceuticals.

What is PLN-74809 and its significance for Pliant Therapeutics?

PLN-74809 is Pliant's lead product candidate in development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, currently in Phase 2a trials.

How might Ouimette's appointment impact Pliant Therapeutics?

Ouimette's extensive legal background and experience in biotech could enhance Pliant's ability to navigate regulatory challenges and advance its clinical programs.