New President and CEO at Agilis Biotherapeutics

Agilis Biotherapeutics LLC, a synthetic biology-based company focused on developing DNA-based therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, has appointed 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,” Pykett in a statement. “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 developer of synthetic biology, and a 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 Inc. 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, commercialized its first oncology product, managed partnerships with three Fortune 500 companies, and addressed the company’s strategic and financial requirements, Agilis bigwigs noted. Prior to Navidea, from 2004 to 2010, he served as president and chief operating officer of Alseres Pharmaceuticals Inc., 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 also was 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 Cyto-Matrix Inc. and president of CyGenics Ltd.—focusing on a range of therapeutic areas, indications and products. Pykett also is a director of the non-profit organization HealthBuilders, which develops 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.