CAMBRIDGE, Mass., February 2, 2021— QurAlis Corporation, a biotech company focused on developing precision medicines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurologic diseases, today announced the appointments of Hagen Cramer, Ph.D., to the position of Chief Production Officer (CPO), and Kevin Leach, Ph.D., to the position of SVP, Translational Science & Portfolio Strategy.
“As we transition to a clinical-stage company this year, I am delighted to welcome Hagen and Kevin to the team and look forward to having their unique expertise at this pivotal time,” said Kasper Roet, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of QurAlis. “Hagen’s deep knowledge of genetic diseases and production within the neurology space and Kevin’s extensive drug development experience will be invaluable as we develop treatments for ALS intended to change the expression of genes connected with the disease.”
Dr. Cramer is a veteran in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics and will lead QurAlis’ chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) activities and supply chain operations related to the development of potential therapeutics for ALS. He brings more than 20 years of biotech industry experience, having held numerous positions focused on the discovery, development and manufacturing of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Prior to joining QurAlis, Dr. Cramer functioned as Vice President of Manufacturing at Wave Life Sciences where he was responsible for establishing world-class cGMP operations for the scale up of oligonucleotide synthesis, regulatory filings and process validation.
“I am honored to join QurAlis as they expand their operations to support the development of novel therapeutics that could change ALS patients’ lives,” said Dr. Cramer. “I believe that QurAlis’ targeted approach to therapeutic development is the solution for ALS and other CNS conditions, and I believe the company’s science and approach have immense potential. I look forward to working towards new possibilities for the ALS community.”
Dr. Leach is responsible for translational and preclinical activities and will use his expertise to identify new portfolio opportunities for the company. He brings to QurAlis over 15 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having worked at companies in a variety of stages and sectors. He most recently served as Vice President of nonclinical and translational research at Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals. Before Spring Bank, Dr. Leach served in various scientific and research roles of increasing responsibility at Retrophin, Shire Pharmaceuticals and Merck.
“I am grateful and excited to be joining QurAlis at this significant time point in the company’s story,” said Dr. Leach. “As QurAlis moves forward in developing new therapeutic candidates for the precision treatment of ALS, I am truly honored to contribute to the company’s patient centered mission to conquer this devastating illness in any way I can.”
About QurAlis Corporation
QurAlis is bringing hope to the ALS community by developing breakthrough precision medicines for this devastating disease. Our stem cell technologies generate proprietary human neuronal models that enable us to more effectively discover and develop innovative therapies for genetically validated targets. We are advancing three antisense and small molecule programs addressing sub-forms of the disease that account for the majority of patients. Together with a world-class network of thought leaders, drug developers and patient advocates, our team is rising to the challenge of conquering ALS. Please visit www.quralis.com or follow us on Twitter @QurAlisCo.
Contact
MacDougall
Carolyn Noyes
(781) 235-3060
cnoyes@macbiocom.com
