RAPT Therapeutics Strengthens Leadership Team with Two New Key Hires

Rhea-AI Summary

RAPT Therapeutics has announced the appointment of Jennifer Nicholson as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, and Adnan Rahman as Vice President of Commercial. These appointments come at a crucial time as the company progresses its RPT193 program into late-phase trials for atopic dermatitis and asthma, and continues developing FLX475 for various cancers. Both executives bring extensive experience from notable biopharmaceutical companies, which will enhance RAPT's regulatory and commercial strategies.

Positive

• Jennifer Nicholson and Adnan Rahman's extensive backgrounds in regulatory and commercial roles are likely to strengthen RAPT's leadership and strategic direction.
• The appointments align with RAPT's advancement into late-stage trials for key therapies, potentially enhancing investor confidence.

Negative

• Concerns may arise regarding the transition phase of leadership and the potential impact on ongoing projects.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPT), a clinical-stage, immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Nicholson as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance and Adnan Rahman as Vice President of Commercial.

“It is a pleasure to welcome both Jennifer and Adnan to the RAPT leadership team at this exciting time of growth for the Company,” said Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of RAPT Therapeutics. “The combination of their regulatory, commercial and marketing expertise is invaluable as we advance our RPT193 program into late stage trials in atopic dermatitis and asthma and continue development of FLX475 program in multiple cancer indications.”

Jennifer Nicholson
Jennifer brings over 20 years of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry regulatory expertise, with significant experience across all stages of development in oncology including hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Kronos Bio. Prior to Kronos Bio, she was Head of Global Regulatory Science at Acerta Pharma, a member of the AstraZeneca Group.  Jennifer was the Global Regulatory Lead for the Calquence® (acalabrutinib) US NDA, which was granted accelerated approval in 2017, as well as for subsequent global filings. Prior to joining Acerta, Jennifer was Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Bavarian Nordic, where she focused on immuno-oncology and vaccine products. Earlier in her career, Jennifer worked as the Global Regulatory Lead on various hematology and oncology products at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Genentech. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego and an M.H.A. from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Adnan Rahman
Adnan brings over 20 years of biopharmaceutical commercial and marketing expertise. Most recently, he served as Global Commercial Lead of Dermatology at Arena Pharmaceuticals, acquired by Pfizer., where he led global commercial strategy for its principal asset, Etrasimod, in atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. Prior to Arena Pharmaceuticals, he was U.S. Commercial Director of XGEVA® (denosumab) at Amgen and held various senior marketing positions in oncology, bone health and inflammation business units. Earlier in his career, Adnan held various marketing positions at Pharmacia and Procter & Gamble. Adnan holds an M.B.A. from Rutgers University and an M.A and B.A. in Electrical Engineering from University of Cambridge.

About RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology. Utilizing its proprietary discovery and development engine, the Company is developing highly selective small molecules designed to modulate the critical immune drivers underlying these diseases. RAPT has discovered and advanced two unique drug candidates, RPT193 and FLX475, each targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), for the treatment of inflammation and cancer, respectively. The Company is also pursuing a range of targets that are in the discovery stage of development.

RAPT Media Contact:
Aljanae Reynolds
areynolds@wheelhouselsa.com

RAPT Investor Contact:
Sylvia Wheeler
swheeler@wheelhouselsa.com

FAQ

Who are the new executives appointed at RAPT Therapeutics on September 28, 2022?

RAPT Therapeutics appointed Jennifer Nicholson as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, and Adnan Rahman as Vice President of Commercial.

What experience do Jennifer Nicholson and Adnan Rahman bring to RAPT Therapeutics?

Jennifer Nicholson has over 20 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, particularly in regulatory affairs for oncology. Adnan Rahman has over 20 years in commercial and marketing roles in biopharmaceuticals.

What programs is RAPT Therapeutics focusing on with the new executive appointments?

RAPT is advancing its RPT193 program into late-stage trials for atopic dermatitis and asthma, and continuing development of the FLX475 program for various cancers.

How might the leadership changes impact RAPT Therapeutics' stock?

The leadership changes could enhance strategic direction and investor confidence, but there are concerns about continuity during the transition phase.