Precision BioSciences Strengthens Leadership, Appoints Cindy Atwell, Cassie Gorsuch to Key Roles

Precision BioSciences has strengthened its senior leadership team by promoting Cindy Atwell to Chief Development and Business Officer and Cassie Gorsuch, PhD, to Chief Scientific Officer. Atwell will oversee all development functions, including clinical, translational, and regulatory, while Gorsuch will lead Precision's gene editing programs. The company is progressing its lead in vivo gene editing program, PBGENE-HBV, through Phase 1 clinical study and preparing to advance additional programs into clinic.

Precision BioSciences, a pioneering gene editing company leveraging its proprietary ARCUS platform for sophisticated in vivo gene editing therapies, has recently announced notable changes within its senior leadership team. These appointments come as the company prepares to initiate development of its first in vivo gene editing candidate for hepatitis, PBGENE-HBV [1].

Murray Abramson, MD, MPH, an accomplished infectious diseases and drug development expert, has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development. In his new role, Dr. Abramson will oversee all clinical, safety, and medical affairs activities, including clinical and operational strategy for PBGENE-HBV and the company's PBGENE-PMM program [1]. Prior to joining Precision BioSciences, Dr. Abramson served as the Senior Vice President of clinical innovation at Tempus A.I., following nine years as Vice President of Global Clinical Operations at Biogen [1]. His extensive experience also includes over twelve years at Merck, where he held various medical and medical research operations roles [1].

Cassie Gorsuch, PhD, a seasoned gene editing expert, has been promoted to the role of Chief Scientific Officer. In this position, Dr. Gorsuch will lead Precision's gene editing programs, including the company's progressing lead in vivo gene editing program, PBGENE-HBV [1]. Dr. Gorsuch joined Precision BioSciences in 2019 as Vice President of Gene Editing and has made significant contributions to the company's research and development efforts [1].

Alan List, MD, the company's Chief Medical Officer, will be retiring and assuming a role as Clinical Consultant within Precision's Scientific Advisory Board [1]. Dr. List's expertise and experience will undoubtedly prove invaluable in supporting the company's ongoing research and development efforts.

These strategic appointments reinforce Precision BioSciences' commitment to advancing its gene editing therapies for infectious diseases and hepatitis. As the company prepares to enter the clinical stage with PBGENE-HBV, the leadership team's collective experience and expertise will be crucial in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring successful clinical execution.

References:
[1] Precision BioSciences. (2024, September 12). Precision BioSciences Strengthens Senior Leadership Team Ahead of Anticipated PBGENE-HBV Clinical Execution. BusinessWire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912727351/en/Precision-BioSciences-Strengthens-Senior-Leadership-Team-Ahead-of-Anticipated-PBGENE-HBV-Clinical-Execution