TEL AVIV, Israel & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI), Israel’s leading life sciences investment company, today announced the appointment of Julian Adams, Ph.D., as Chief Science Officer and President. Dr. Adams will oversee CBI’s Cambridge, Mass. office, evaluate investment opportunities and support portfolio companies.
In addition to his role at CBI, Dr. Adams was recently elected to positions in two of CBI’s portfolio companies: Executive Chairman of Vedantra Pharmaceuticals, an immunotherapy company focused on developing products for cancer and infectious diseases, and; Chairman of Gamida Cell, a world leader in cellular and immune therapies for the treatment of cancer and orphan genetic diseases.
“Julian brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge in pharmaceutical R&D that will enhance CBI’s capabilities as we continue to grow,” said Avi Fischer, Chairman of CBI. “We are excited to welcome Julian and his new roles with Vedantra and Gamida Cell, and highlight the exciting potential impact on society they represent. His vast experience in drug development is a huge asset, and we are confident that Julian will play a major role in CBI's success in the years to come."
Dr. Adams has more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery and development with a strong focus on oncology. Until recently, Dr. Adams served as President of Research and Development at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Infinity, Dr. Adams was the Senior Vice President of Drug Discovery and Development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where he headed multiple global drug discovery programs, including the successful Velcade® (bortezomib) program. Dr. Adams also held senior positions in research and development at LeukoSite (acquired by Millennium) and at ProScript, as well as in Boehringer Ingelheim, where he was credited with the discovery of Viramune® (nevirapine) for HIV.
“CBI’s portfolio is very diverse and covers multiple therapeutic indications with unmet medical needs. With several of CBI’s holdings in the cutting-edge field of immuno-oncology, we’ll be working towards not only evaluating potential additions and new investments, but also shepherding their interests into key areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, wound healing and stem cell therapy,” said Dr. Adams. “I’m delighted to join a life science company with such an innovative investment pipeline, and I look forward to advancing many new therapies for patients while creating exceptional value for CBI’s shareholders.”
Dr. Adams has received multiple awards, holds over 40 patents and has authored more than 100 papers and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Adams earned a B.S. from McGill University and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his Doctor of Science, honoris causa, from McGill University in 2012.
About Clal Biotechnology Industries
Clal Biotechnology
Industries (TASE: CBI) is Israel’s leading life sciences investment
company. It identifies and supports promising innovative ventures with
proprietary solutions to unmet medical needs. CBI holds and manages an
international portfolio of some fifteen biotechnology and medical device
companies For more information please visit www.cbi.co.il.
