Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Appoints Dr. Carrie Brownstein as Chief Medical Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ZNTL) has appointed Dr. Carrie Brownstein as Chief Medical Officer, effective October 3, 2022. Bringing over 20 years of experience in oncology and hematology, Dr. Brownstein previously served as CMO of Cellectis and held key roles at Celgene, contributing to the approval of several novel products. Zentalis focuses on developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment, with lead programs ZN-c3 and ZN-d5. Dr. Brownstein aims to leverage her expertise to enhance clinical advancement at Zentalis.

Positive

• Appointment of Dr. Carrie Brownstein as CMO expected to strengthen clinical strategy.
• Dr. Brownstein has a proven track record in oncology clinical development, potentially benefiting Zentalis' lead programs.

Negative

• Concerns regarding continuity as Dr. Brownstein transitions from a previous role.
• Potential gaps in experience could arise as she adapts to Zentalis' specific corporate culture.

NEW YORK and SAN DIEGO, Sept. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis™ Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing clinically differentiated small molecule therapeutics targeting fundamental biological pathways of cancers, today announced the appointment of Carrie Brownstein, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective October 3, 2022. Dr. Brownstein, a leading oncologist and hematologist by training, joins Zentalis with over two decades of medical and biopharmaceutical experience executing clinical program strategies across all phases of product development.

“We are honored to welcome Carrie to our team as CMO, where she will play an instrumental role in overseeing the clinical advancement of our lead programs, ZN-c3 and ZN-d5,” said Kimberly Blackwell, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Zentalis. “Carrie brings the ideal combination of expertise to Zentalis, having a medical background and understanding of patient needs, as well as a strong track record in oncology clinical development, which includes multiple successful regulatory filings.”

Prior to joining Zentalis, Dr. Brownstein served as the Chief Medical Officer of Cellectis, where she built and led the global clinical development organization and oversaw multiple early-stage clinical programs in the cell therapy space. Previously, she held roles of increasing responsibility at Celgene, culminating in the role of VP of Global Clinical Research and Development. During her tenure at Celgene, Dr. Brownstein managed a team of physicians and scientists across multiple global sites and was responsible for the development strategy and clinical execution of several late-stage assets, resulting in the approval of four novel products in myeloid diseases. Prior to Celgene, she served as the Executive Director of Clinical Sciences, Oncology at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and implemented first-in-human studies for various malignant hematology and oncology indications including bispecific T-cell engagers in lymphoma. Dr. Brownstein started her industry career at Hoffmann-La Roche, as a Senior Medical Director, where her accomplishments were highlighted by the EMA approval of Xeloda in adjuvant colon cancer. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Shattuck Labs. Prior to her career in industry, Dr. Brownstein practiced medicine as a pediatric oncologist within notable institutions, including New York Presbyterian Columbia University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai Medical Center. She received her BA from the University of Michigan and her MD from Tufts University School of Medicine.

“I have dedicated my career to developing safe and effective therapeutic options that provide physicians and patients with innovative approaches to treat their cancer and transform their lives. Zentalis’ assets have the potential to be life-changing for many patients, and I am delighted to join the team to lead these exciting clinical efforts,” said Dr. Brownstein.

About Zentalis Pharmaceuticals

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics targeting fundamental biological pathways of cancers. The Company is developing a broad pipeline of potentially best-in-class oncology candidates, all internally discovered, which include ZN-c3, a Wee1 inhibitor for advanced solid tumors, ZN-d5, a BCL-2 inhibitor for hematologic malignancies and related disorders and a heterobifunctional degrader of BCL-xL for solid and hematological malignancies. The Company has licensed ZN-c3, ZN-d5 and ZN-c5 to its joint venture, Zentera Therapeutics, Ltd., to develop and commercialize these candidates in China. Zentalis has operations in both New York and San Diego.

For more information, please visit www.zentalis.com. Follow Zentalis on Twitter at @ZentalisP and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zentalis-pharmaceuticals.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding advancing the benefits of our assets; and the potential impact of management additions on our business, operations and financial results. The terms “potential,” “will” and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future success and viability; we have and expect to continue to incur significant losses; our need for additional funding, which may not be available; our substantial dependence on the success of our lead product candidates; the outcome of preclinical testing and early trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials; failure to identify additional product candidates and develop or commercialize marketable products; potential unforeseen events during clinical trials could cause delays or other adverse consequences; risks relating to the regulatory approval process or ongoing regulatory obligations; failure to obtain U.S. or international marketing approval; our product candidates may cause serious adverse side effects; inability to maintain our collaborations, or the failure of these collaborations; our reliance on third parties; effects of significant competition; the possibility of system failures or security breaches; risks relating to intellectual property; our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and risks relating to management transitions; significant costs as a result of operating as a public company; the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact our business, including our preclinical studies and clinical trials; and the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed periodic report on Form 10-K or 10-Q and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and our other filings with the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

ZENTALIS™ and its associated logos are trademarks of Zentalis and/or its affiliates. All website addresses and other links in this press release are for information only and are not intended to be an active link or to incorporate any website or other information into this press release.

Investor Contact:
Adam Levy
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
alevy@zentalis.com

Alexandra Roy
Solebury Strategic Communications
aroy@soleburystrat.com

Media Contact:
Julia Deutsch
Solebury Strategic Communications
jdeutsch@soleburystrat.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Dr. Carrie Brownstein's appointment at Zentalis (ZNTL)?

Dr. Brownstein's appointment as CMO is significant as she brings extensive experience in oncology and clinical development, which may enhance the clinical advancement of Zentalis' lead programs.

When will Dr. Brownstein officially start her role as CMO at Zentalis?

Dr. Carrie Brownstein will officially assume her role as Chief Medical Officer on October 3, 2022.

What previous roles did Dr. Brownstein hold before joining Zentalis (ZNTL)?

Dr. Brownstein previously served as CMO of Cellectis and held roles at Celgene and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, focusing on oncology.

What clinical programs will Dr. Brownstein oversee at Zentalis (ZNTL)?

Dr. Brownstein will oversee the clinical advancement of Zentalis' lead programs, ZN-c3 and ZN-d5.

How might Dr. Brownstein's appointment impact Zentalis (ZNTL) stock performance?

Her extensive background in clinical development may positively influence investor confidence and potential stock performance through optimized clinical advancements.