Dr. Bo Jesper Hansen joins supervisory board Amylon Therapeutics
LEIDEN, The Netherlands, February 21st 2018, Amylon Therapeutics, a biotechnology company using an ultra-genetic approach towards neurological disorders, announces the appointment of Bo Jesper Hansen MD, PhD, as its new supervisory board member and investor. Dr. Hansen brings with him a wealth of experience from his extensive career in orphan drug development and numerous supervisory board roles.
Amylon is developing an ultra-genetic platform with a lead program AT-010, an antisense-oligonucleotide that aims to prevent the formation of the toxic peptide amyloid beta. By targeting a rare genetic orphan population, Amylon aims to quickly develop their program and pivot their research into therapies for larger, global CNS indications. Amylon is currently developing a candidate drug to treat Katwijk’s disease, officially known as Hereditary Cerebral Haemorrhage with Amyloidosis of the Dutch type (HCHWA-D), Amylon is led by founder Thomas de Vlaam, complemented by a scientific board of experienced scientists and biotech veterans.
“I am truly honored Bo Jesper is joining the board of Amylon. Bo’s incredible experience in the orphan space provides an invaluable addition to our team”, said Thomas de Vlaam, Chief Executive Officer of Amylon. “Having Bo Jesper on board to help us expand our ultra-genetic approach is a fantastic boost for the company. His broad industry and leadership experience will be of great help as we move forward.”
Dr. Hansen has been a key figure in shaping the modern European orphan disease market. He previously served as the president and CEO of Swedish Orphan International AB where he was directly involved in bringing over sixty products to market. “Amylon has shown great potential with its lead program AT-010”, said Bo Jesper Hansen.
“I am very pleased to support Amylon and Thomas with this exciting venture. Currently there is no treatment for the Katwijks’s disease and although there are many steps still to be taken, I’m delighted to assist Amylon in the further development of its groundbreaking technology.”
About Amylon
Amylon Therapeutics targets CNS disorders through an ultra-genetics approach, focusing on rare genetic disorders that can serve as a possible gateway to more frequently occurring indications. The anti-amyloid technology of Amylon allows a focus on different disorders, with a primary focus on HCHWA-D and CAA. Amylon is led by founder Thomas de Vlaam, complemented by a scientific board of experienced scientists and biotech veterans. As a spin-off from the publicly-traded ProQR Therapeutics, Amylon enjoys a wealth of knowledge and experience through its shareholders and network.
About AT-010
AT-010 is a first-in-class RNA-based oligonucleotide that induces splicing modulation in the mature Amyloid Precursor Protein mRNA resulting in a protein that lacks the aggregation prone Beta-amyloid peptide.
About Katwijk’s disease/HCHWA-D
Hereditary Cerebral Hemorrhage with Amyloidosis of the Dutch type (HCHWA-D), more commonly known as Katwijk’s disease, is the genetic subtype of CAA, in which a point mutation leads to the accelerated onset of disease. The condition is characterized by a progressive loss of intellectual function (dementia), stroke, and other neurological problems starting in mid-adulthood. Most affected individuals die within a decade after signs and symptoms first appear, and after the onset the quality of life diminishes quickly and severely. There is currently no intervention available nor in development to battle the cause and/or symptoms of HCHWA-D.
About ProQR
ProQR Therapeutics N.V. (Nasdaq: PRQR) is dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA medicines for the treatment of genetic rare diseases including cystic fibrosis, Leber’s congenital amaurosis 10 and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Since its inception in 2012, ProQR has invested significantly in developing innovative RNA therapies for severe rare diseases. This has led to an extensive pipeline of discovery-stage programs. In 2017, one of these programs focused on CNS disorders was spun out into Amylon Therapeutics. For more information about ProQR, please visit the company’s website.