CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eterna Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ERNA), a leader in cell therapies for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, today announced a significant boost to its strategic direction with the appointment of Dr. Elena Ratner, M.D., M.B.A., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Ratner, a distinguished expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, will spearhead the company's efforts to combat ovarian cancer, leveraging her extensive expertise to accelerate advancements in innovative therapies targeting high-priority areas in women's health.

Dr. Ratner's appointment comes on the heels of Eterna's recent collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, further solidifying the company's commitment to groundbreaking research in women's health. With a focus on developing novel approaches to improve outcomes for patients affected by ovarian and breast cancers, Eterna is well-positioned to make significant strides in the field under Dr. Ratner's guidance.

"I'm thrilled to join Eterna and contribute my passion for fighting ovarian cancer to the company's inspiring mission," said Dr. Ratner. "Treating ovarian cancer is an incredibly challenging task, given its resistance to treatment and high rate of recurrence. However, Eterna's scientific data has been very impressive, and I'm eager to work closely with the team to advance ERNA-101 in ovarian cancer."

ERNA-101, Eterna's lead product, is a cell therapy designed to enhance the immune system's response against tumors by improving immune cell infiltration and activation. The company's initial focus is to develop ERNA-101 in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), with the potential to expand into other indications in the future.

"Dr. Ratner's unparalleled expertise and strategic insights will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and deliver transformative solutions for patients," said James Bristol, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board at Eterna Therapeutics. "Her reputation as a trailblazer in ovarian cancer research and treatment makes her an ideal addition to our team."

Dr. Ratner serves as a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine. She is involved in numerous research initiatives focused on developing new targeted drugs for ovarian cancer and reversing chemotherapy resistance in ovarian and uterine cancers. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Discovery to Cure Early Ovarian Cancer Detection program and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2024 David and Cindy Leffell Clinical Excellence Award and the 2015 Yale Cancer Center Award for Clinical Excellence.



Eterna Therapeutics is a publicly traded, preclinical-stage company focused on developing highly innovative, effective, and safe off-the-shelf synthetic iMSC therapies. The company's lead product, ERNA-101, is an allogeneic pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-7/IL-15)-secreting iMSC designed to slip through the tumor's defenses and deliver potent pro-inflammatory factors directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME), limiting systemic exposure and potential toxicity while unleashing potent anti-cancer immune responses.



In conclusion, Eterna Therapeutics' appointment of Dr. Elena Ratner to its Board of Directors represents a significant step forward in the company's mission to combat ovarian cancer and develop innovative therapies targeting high-priority areas in women's health. With Dr. Ratner's unparalleled expertise and strategic insights, Eterna is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver transformative solutions for patients, ultimately improving outcomes for those affected by ovarian and breast cancers. As the company continues to advance its lead product, ERNA-101, in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), investors can expect to see significant progress in the coming years.