Lassen Therapeutics: scientific advisory board
Lassen Therapeutics, a California biotech company developing antibodies as potential treatments for fibrosis, rare diseases and oncology, has formed its scientific advisory board.
The advisors have been chosen for their expertise in cytokine biology; fibrosis, immunology and oncology.
The board is comprised of:
- Matthias Ernst, Ph.D.: Director of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and Head of the School of Cancer Medicine at La Trobe University. His research is focused on mechanisms that lead to the formation of tumors and the exploration of novel strategies to target these mechanisms. His work includes a focus on IL-11 as a therapeutic target to treat colorectal cancer and the role of IL-11 in immunological function and modulation of T cell anti-tumor activity.
- W. Michael Gallatin, Ph.D.: An experienced biotech executive and drug developer, who has co-founded and led biotechs including Mavupharma (acquired by AbbVie), Calistoga Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Gilead Sciences), Stromedix (acquired by Biogen Idec); and who has expertise in the fields of immunology, inflammation and oncology.
- Cory Hogaboam, Ph.D.: Professor of Medicine and Research Scientist in the Women's Guild Lung Institute in the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His research is focused on elucidating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that drive chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cory’s expertise is in the aberrant fibrotic and repair responses in the lung seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases.
- Andrew Nash, Ph.D.: Chief Scientific Officer of medicine and vaccine biotech CSL Limited. Nash’s research experience is in the areas of immunology and cytokine biology. He leads a large team focused on the discovery and development of new recombinant antibody and protein-based medicines to treat serious human diseases.
Lassen’s lead molecule, LASN01, is a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-11 (IL-11) receptor. The newly formed Board will work closely with Lassen’s leadership team to further advance research and development of the company’s pipeline.