Solid Biosciences Announces Appointment of Ian F. Smith as Chairman of the Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Solid Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDB) appointed Ian F. Smith as the new Chairman of the Board, effective June 16, 2020, succeeding co-founder Andrey Zarur, Ph.D. CEO Ilan Ganot praised Zarur's contributions to advancing Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapies. Smith brings extensive biopharmaceutical experience, previously serving as COO and CFO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Solid Biosciences focuses on developing gene therapy candidate SGT-001 to address Duchenne at its core.

Positive

• Ian F. Smith's leadership is expected to bring valuable operational expertise to the board.
• Smith's extensive background in biopharmaceuticals may enhance the company's clinical programs.

Negative

• Transition in leadership may create temporary uncertainty during the adjustment period.
• Concerns about continuity given the departure of co-founder Andrey Zarur.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solid Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDB), a life sciences company focused on advancing meaningful therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, announced today the appointment of board member Ian F. Smith as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Smith succeeds Andrey Zarur, Ph.D., who served as Chairman of the Board since 2013 and is one of the co-founders of Solid Biosciences. The appointment is effective June 16, 2020.

“I want to thank Andrey for putting Duchenne patients and their families first. His contributions enabled the advancement of Solid from an idea to a clinical stage company that is developing a potentially meaningful therapy for patients with Duchenne,” said Ilan Ganot, Chief Executive Officer, President and Co-Founder of Solid Biosciences. He added, “We are honored to have Ian lead the board in this next phase for Solid Biosciences. His extensive operational leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry will be instrumental as we progress our company and clinical program for the benefit of patients with Duchenne.”  

Mr. Smith has held multiple roles in biotechnology companies, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Prior to that, Mr. Smith served as Chief Financial Officer of Vertex. Mr. Smith currently serves as Executive Chairman of ViaCyte, Inc. Mr. Smith previously has served on the Board of Directors of Acorda Therapeutics and Infinity Pharmaceuticals, both public biotechnology companies, as well as other private biotechnology companies.

About Solid Biosciences
Solid Biosciences is a life sciences company focused on developing transformative treatments to improve the lives of patients living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). Disease-focused and founded by a family directly impacted by Duchenne, our mandate is simple yet comprehensive – work to address the disease at its core by correcting the underlying mutation that causes Duchenne with our lead gene therapy candidate, SGT-001. For more information, please visit www.solidbio.com.

Investor Contact:
David Carey
FINN Partners
212-867-1768
David.Carey@finnpartners.com

Media Contact:
Erich Sandoval
FINN Partners
917-497-2867
Erich.Sandoval@finnpartners.com

FAQ

Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of Solid Biosciences?

Ian F. Smith has been appointed as the new Chairman of Solid Biosciences.

When was Ian F. Smith appointed as Chairman of the Board for SLDB?

Ian F. Smith's appointment became effective on June 16, 2020.

What role did Andrey Zarur have at Solid Biosciences?

Andrey Zarur was the Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Solid Biosciences.

How might Ian F. Smith's experience impact SLDB?

Smith's extensive experience in biopharmaceuticals may enhance the company's operational strategy and clinical programs.