Zura Bio Forms Scientific Advisory Board with Prominent Specialists in Rheumatology, Dermatology, and Immunology
Zura Bio, a clinical-stage immunology company, has formed a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with experts in rheumatology, dermatology, and immunology. The board includes Johann Gudjonsson, Dinesh Khanna, Ajay Nirula, Michael Weinblatt, and Steven Ziegler. This initiative aims to advance their clinical and translational science efforts, particularly in Phase 2 clinical development for systemic sclerosis and hidradenitis suppurativa. The SAB will also focus on the roles of BAFF and IL-17A in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, enhancing Zura Bio's research and clinical trials.
- Formation of a Scientific Advisory Board with leading experts can enhance research capabilities.
- Focus on Phase 2 clinical development for systemic sclerosis and hidradenitis suppurativa could lead to significant breakthroughs.
- Expertise of SAB members in dermatology, rheumatology, and immunology ensures a strong multidisciplinary approach.
- Enhanced understanding of targeted pathways like BAFF and IL-17A across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- No immediate financial gains or stock price impacts reported from the formation of the SAB.
- Potential high costs associated with assembling a board of high-profile experts.
- Clinical trials and Phase 2 developments may still face regulatory hurdles and delays.
“With the launch of the SAB, we are strengthening our commitment to advancing solutions in translational and clinical science across our portfolio,” stated Michael Howell, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Translational Medicine. “We welcome these esteemed advisors whose expertise will enhance our understanding of targeted pathways and their pivotal role in disease pathogenesis. This understanding will be impactful across our portfolio, particularly in directing our efforts towards supporting Phase 2 clinical development in systemic sclerosis and hidradenitis suppurativa, as well as elucidating the roles of BAFF and IL-17A across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.”
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Johann Gudjonsson, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Molecular Skin Immunology and Dermatology at the University of Michigan Dermatology Department and a foremost expert in dermatological science. He leads a National Institutes of Health - funded research group examining the immunological and genetic drivers of inflammatory skin disease, with projects directed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus, hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Since 2008, Dr. Gudjonsson has provided dermatology patient care at the University of Michigan Taubman Center. He is a graduate of the University of Iceland Medical School and completed his internship and dermatology residency training at the University of
Michigan . - Dinesh Khanna, M.D., M.Sc., is a Professor of Medicine and serves as the Director of the University of Michigan Scleroderma Program. Guiding a multidisciplinary team of caregivers, scientists, and clinical researchers, Dr. Khanna is dedicated to advancing knowledge about scleroderma and related conditions. His research interests include developing new patient-reported outcome measures in patients with scleroderma and leading clinical trials evaluating new treatments for scleroderma. Dr. Khanna received an M.D. from University College of Medical Sciences and completed a clinical and research rheumatology fellowship and an M.Sc. in Clinical Research from UCLA.
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Ajay Nirula, M.D., Ph.D., is the Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development at Recludix Pharma. He was previously a Senior Vice President and the Immunology Therapeutic Area Head for Eli Lilly & Co, which he joined in 2015. He was responsible for the company’s research and early clinical development work in immunology. Before his tenure at Lilly, Dr. Nirula held leadership roles at Amgen and Biogen Idec, contributing to various research programs and regulatory filings across diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and vasculitis. Dr. Nirula received his undergraduate degree in molecular biology from UC Berkeley, followed by a medical degree from the University of
California ,Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. - Michael Weinblatt, M.D., is the Co-Director of Clinical Rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. As a recognized authority in rheumatology with 40 years of experience, his clinical interests have been focused on innovations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Dr. Weinblatt leads the Brigham and Women’s clinical trial program in rheumatology and was involved in the development of methotrexate for the treatment of RA. Dr. Weinblatt earned an M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has been board certified in rheumatology since 1980.
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Steven Ziegler, Ph.D., is a Director of External Collaborations and a Member of the Center for Fundamental Immunology at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI). He is also an Affiliate Professor in the Immunology Department at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Ziegler graduated with honors from the University of
Michigan in 1979, and in 1984 received his Ph.D. in molecular biology from UCLA. Following post-doctoral training at the University ofWashington , Dr. Ziegler spent five years as a staff scientist at Immunex, followed by three years as the Director of Immunology/Molecular Biology at Darwin Molecular. He joined BRI as an Associate Member in 1997.
ABOUT ZURA BIO
Zura Bio is a clinical-stage, multi-asset immunology company developing novel dual-pathway antibodies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Currently, Zura Bio is developing three assets which have completed Phase 1/1b studies and are Phase 2 ready. The company is developing a portfolio of therapeutic indications for tibulizumab (ZB-106), ZB-168, and torudokimab (ZB-880), with a goal of demonstrating their efficacy, safety, and dosing convenience in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic sclerosis and other novel indications with unmet needs.
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Megan K. Weinshank
Head of Investor Relations
ir@zurabio.com
Source: Zura Bio Limited
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