Therini Bio, Inc., a biotech company dedicated to researching and developing fibrin-targeted therapies, is ushering in a new era of medical treatments with the start of its first-in-human Phase 1 trial of THN391, a fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. This pioneering effort is expected to bring hope to millions of people suffering from debilitating inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases.
THN391 is a potential game-changer in treating inflammation-driven diseases like neurodegenerative and ophthalmologic disorders. By targeting the component of fibrin which activates pathological immune responses, THN391 can effectively reduce inflammation without compromising fibrin’s vital role in maintaining blood clotting and coagulation. Clinical data for its safety and proof of mechanism is expected to be released by the end of 2024, giving us hope for a better treatment for these diseases.
Therini Bio’s initiation of first-in-human dosing for THN391 marks a significant milestone in the development of potential first-in-class therapies targeting toxic fibrin accumulation, and presents a promising approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases. As an early investor in Therini, the Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) is eager to continue supporting this mission and the many patients who desperately need new treatments.
Frank D. Lee, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in product development and commercial leadership across a wide range of therapeutic areas in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, has been appointed as Executive Chairperson of the Board at Therini Bio. Most recently, Frank served as President and CEO of Forma Therapeutics, which was acquired by Novo Nordisk for a staggering $1.1B in 2022.
During his tenure at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Product Strategy and Therapeutic Area Head for Immunology, Ophthalmology and Infectious Diseases, where he drove development and commercial strategy for a broad portfolio of molecules and was responsible for global in-line product sales of more than $11B. As Therini Bio enters a new era of growth, Frank’s appointment marks a milestone in the company’s journey.
Frank’s incredible 13-year career at Genentech has been a journey of increasing responsibility and growth, delivering transformative medicines to countless patients. Before that, Frank honed his skills in engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing and business development over 13 years with Novartis, Janssen and Eli Lilly.
With a degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA in marketing and finance from the Wharton Graduate School of Business, Frank now serves as the chair of the board for Catamaran Bio, as well as an independent board member of Bolt Bio. His previous experience on the board of directors of the Genentech Foundation further demonstrates his dedication to providing quality healthcare solutions.
Therini Bio is delighted to announce the commencement of the first-in-human dosing for THN391, its promising fibrin-targeting therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. To mark this momentous occasion, the company is honored to welcome Frank as Executive Chairperson of the Board.
His impressive background in product development and commercial management will be an invaluable asset as Therini Bio makes its transition into a clinical-stage company. Michael Quigley, Ph.D., President and CEO of Therini Bio, commented, “We are excited to be entering this new stage of growth and are thrilled to have Frank on board.”
Frank D. Lee is thrilled to join Therini Bio as Executive Chairperson of the Board, as the company pushes forward its groundbreaking clinical candidate THN391, a fibrin-targeted therapeutic designed to tackle Alzheimer’s disease.
With a passionate team of pharmaceutical and biotechnology experts, Lee is excited to be part of the journey towards finding better treatments and care for patients in need. He looks forward to helping advance THN391 and the company’s other fibrin-targeted therapeutic candidates.
Sanofi Ventures is delighted to welcome Frank as the Executive Chairperson of the Board of Therini Bio, a trailblazing company developing innovative therapies for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and retinal diseases.
We are excited to join forces with them to bring their fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate to fruition. As we embark on this captivating journey together, we look forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
About Therini Bio, Inc.
Therini Bio is a biotech company on a mission to develop revolutionary fibrin-targeted therapies that treat a range of inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases. With a potential first-in-class pipeline of therapies targeting toxic fibrin accumulation, the company is researching treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and a variety of retinal diseases – such as diabetic macular edema (DME).
The science behind these treatments was licensed from research conducted in Katerina Akassoglou, Ph.D. laboratories at the Gladstone Institutes at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and formerly the University of California San Diego (UCSD). With this incredible breakthrough, Therini Bio is paving the way for a healthier future.