Rallybio Further Broadens Drug Development Capabilities with Addition of Róisín Armstrong, PhD

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rallybio, a biopharmaceutical company committed to identifying and accelerating the development of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders, today announced the hiring of Róisín Armstrong, PhD. Dr. Armstrong, a seasoned drug developer, will head the development of the Company’s lead program, RLYB211. RLYB211, a plasma-derived hyperimmune globulin, is in development for the prevention of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a potentially life-threatening rare disease that can cause uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns.

“Róisín’s track record of success in shepherding therapeutics through global clinical development, and in securing regulatory approvals for the benefit of patients in need around the world is remarkable. We are delighted that she has joined the Rallybio team,” said Martin Mackay, PhD, co-founder of Rallybio. “We look forward to the rare disease experience and expertise that Róisín brings to the Company as we work to advance RLYB211 into the clinic this year.”

Dr. Armstrong has over 25 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, specifically in advancing products through the development continuum to commercialization. Most recently, Dr. Armstrong served as Vice President and Global Medicine Team leader at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, where she led teams in the development and registration of new treatments for rare and ultra-rare neurology indications. In 2019, Róisín was the recipient of an HBA Luminary Award by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. Prior to Alexion, Róisín worked with Pfizer in the UK and the US in various roles of increasing responsibility, including early and late-stage Development Portfolio Operations and global clinical leadership roles in different therapeutic areas.

“I’m excited to join the Rallybio team, and to lead the development of RLYB211, which has the potential to eradicate a devastating disease,” said Dr. Armstrong. “This team of top-class drug developers has the potential to bring change to the lives of patients with severe and rare diseases, and I’m delighted to be a part of Rallybio’s future.”

Róisín received her PhD in Neuropharmacology from the University of Wales, College of Cardiff, having previously obtained a BSc in Pharmacy from DeMonfort University in Leicester, UK.

About Rallybio

Rallybio is a biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying and accelerating the development of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. Since its launch in January 2018, Rallybio has built a portfolio of promising product candidates, which are now in development to address rare diseases in the areas of hematology, immuno-inflammation, and metabolism. The Company’s mission is being advanced by a team of highly experienced biopharma industry leaders with extensive research, development, and rare disease expertise. Rallybio is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, with an additional facility at the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program in Farmington, Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.rallybio.com.