ALS Therapy Development Institute; the world's largest non-profit biotech, appoints Steve Perrin, Ph.D. as Chief Executive Officer
Steve Perrin, Ph.D. was appointed chief executive officer and Maureen Lister was appointed president of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) during the annual meeting of its Board of Directors. The two appointments come following the passing of Sean Scott, the Institute's previous president, due to complications from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) this past February.
"Simply put, the research and development program at ALS TDI is the most comprehensive one possible today. Under Steve's leadership, the ALS TDI research team has produced tangible results that all ALS community members can be proud of. In this dual capacity as both CEO and CSO, Steve will be able to continue to advance our shared mission on behalf of patients today," said Augie Nieto, chairman of the board of directors at ALS TDI and an ALS patient.
As chief executive officer and chief scientific officer at ALS TDI, Steve Perrin, Ph.D., will be responsible for ensuring the Institute continues to advance its mission to discover and develop effective therapeutics for ALS. ALS TDI executes the largest and most comprehensive therapeutic development effort in the world focused entirely on stopping amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which affects at least 30,000 Americans at any given time. Dr. Perrin is an expert in the drug development process and has nearly two decades of experience in leading preclinical and translational research efforts.
Since coming to ALS TDI in 2007, Dr. Perrin has added new capabilities to the Institute's drug development pipeline, which now includes small molecules, gene therapy, protein biologics and stem cell projects. This multi-faceted approach is designed to meet the unmet medical need posed by ALS by considering an array of therapeutic options in a centralized manner at the Institute's high-tech research facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Perrin has assembled a research team of 30 full-time professionals to execute dozens of projects based on the information the Institute has developed through gene expression and other analysis of the disease, many of which have advanced to the mid and late stages of the drug development pipeline.
"What Steve and his team have created and accomplished in the last 24 months is remarkable, and should translate into more meaningful therapy for our deserving patients with ALS. We look forward to their continued success," said Stanley Appel, M.D. co-director of the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, Texas, and board member of ALS TDI.
Maureen Lister Appointed President
Maureen Lister, a corporate operations and finance expert with experience in both the biomedical and energy industries, joined ALS TDI in the spring of 2007 as its chief financial officer. At the end of 2008, she was named chief operating officer of ALS TDI and will continue to retain both titles as well as the additional responsibilities as the Institute's president.
"I have worked closely with Maureen over the past two plus years and her passion for this effort inspires me and gives me hope. With yesterday's appointment, the entire ALS community gained a vocal and committed leader," said Augie Nieto.
Under Mrs. Lister's leadership, ALS TDI has increased its fundraising revenue to new highs in each of the last two years. According to its most recent audited financial statement, and filing with the IRS, the Institute's 2008 revenue was $11.7 million. The Institute has also substantially increased the percentage it spends on research, the largest in the field, by focusing on creating more efficient administrative and fundraising operations under Mrs. Lister's guidance.
In addition to these two appointments, the board accepted the nomination of Theodore Reich as a full member during its annual meeting. An experienced lawyer and C.P.A., Mr. Reich is a partner at Reich and Walner LLP of Oakland, California. With his appointment, Mr. Reich became the 12th voting board member of the world's largest non-profit biotech.
About ALS TDI
The mission of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is to develop effective therapeutics that slow or stop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) as soon as possible. Focused on meeting this urgent unmet medical need, ALS TDI executes a robust discovery program, as well as a multi-pronged approach to validate potential therapeutics; including small molecules, protein biologics, gene therapies and cell-based constructs. The Institute's unique, industrial-scale platform allows for the development and testing of dozens of potential therapeutics each year. Built by and for patients, the Institute is the world's only non-profit biotechnology company with more than 30 professional scientists. In addition, the Cambridge, Massachusetts based research Institute collaborates with leaders in both academia and industry. For more information, please visit us online at www.als.net.
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Media Contact: ALS TDI, 617.441.7200, marketing@als.net
