09.11.14
Agilis Biotherapeutics LLC, a synthetic biology-based company focused on developing, DNA-based therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, announced today the appointment of Mark Pykett, Ph.D., V.M.D., as president and CEO. Pykett, brings more than 20 years of scientific, clinical, operational, and commercial experience, and proven leadership in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
“Pykett is highly accomplished in his field and brings to Agilis extensive management and leadership experience along with a record of strong scientific and business development achievement in public and private healthcare companies,” said G. Houston Hall, managing director and executive chairman of Agilis Biotherapeutics. “We are excited to work closely with Mark to develop life-changing medicines and drive Agilis toward a global leadership position in rare diseases.”
“I’m eager to be joining Agilis at this very exciting time,” said Pykett. “Rare diseases, including the company’s initial focus, Friedreich’s Ataxia, take a devastating toll on patients, families and the health-care system. The Company is well positioned to develop new therapies with the potential to make a dramatic impact on patients’ lives and provide treatment options where few, if any, exist today. By working in collaboration with Intrexon, a leader in synthetic biology, and an outstanding group of scientific advisors and key opinions leaders, I believe Agilis is at the forefront of advanced breakthrough genetic medicines.”
Prior to joining Agilis, Pykett served as president and CEO of Navidea Biopharmaceuticals from 2010 to 2014. During that period, he helped drive the development pipeline to in-license two Phase 3 assets in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, led the company to a successful U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, commercialized its first oncology product, managed highly effective partnerships with three Fortune 500 companies, and addressed the company’s strategic and financial requirements. Prior to Navidea, from 2004 to 2010, he served as president and chief operating officer of Alseres Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on neurodegenerative and central nervous system disorders, playing a critical role in the clinical development of spinal cord and stroke therapeutics, and a best-in-class neuro-imaging agent for Parkinson’s disease. Pykett was also responsible for the management of Alseres key research collaborations. Prior to Alseres, he held senior executive roles and directorships at several public and private companies—including CEO of Cytomatrix and President of Cygenics—focused on a range of therapeutic areas, indications and products. Pykett is also a director of the not-for-profit organization HealthBuilders, developing health infrastructure in central Africa. He received his B.A. degree from Amherst College, a Ph.D. and V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University, and completed post-doctorate fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.
“Pykett is highly accomplished in his field and brings to Agilis extensive management and leadership experience along with a record of strong scientific and business development achievement in public and private healthcare companies,” said G. Houston Hall, managing director and executive chairman of Agilis Biotherapeutics. “We are excited to work closely with Mark to develop life-changing medicines and drive Agilis toward a global leadership position in rare diseases.”
“I’m eager to be joining Agilis at this very exciting time,” said Pykett. “Rare diseases, including the company’s initial focus, Friedreich’s Ataxia, take a devastating toll on patients, families and the health-care system. The Company is well positioned to develop new therapies with the potential to make a dramatic impact on patients’ lives and provide treatment options where few, if any, exist today. By working in collaboration with Intrexon, a leader in synthetic biology, and an outstanding group of scientific advisors and key opinions leaders, I believe Agilis is at the forefront of advanced breakthrough genetic medicines.”
Prior to joining Agilis, Pykett served as president and CEO of Navidea Biopharmaceuticals from 2010 to 2014. During that period, he helped drive the development pipeline to in-license two Phase 3 assets in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, led the company to a successful U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, commercialized its first oncology product, managed highly effective partnerships with three Fortune 500 companies, and addressed the company’s strategic and financial requirements. Prior to Navidea, from 2004 to 2010, he served as president and chief operating officer of Alseres Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on neurodegenerative and central nervous system disorders, playing a critical role in the clinical development of spinal cord and stroke therapeutics, and a best-in-class neuro-imaging agent for Parkinson’s disease. Pykett was also responsible for the management of Alseres key research collaborations. Prior to Alseres, he held senior executive roles and directorships at several public and private companies—including CEO of Cytomatrix and President of Cygenics—focused on a range of therapeutic areas, indications and products. Pykett is also a director of the not-for-profit organization HealthBuilders, developing health infrastructure in central Africa. He received his B.A. degree from Amherst College, a Ph.D. and V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University, and completed post-doctorate fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.