Histogenics Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Histogenics Corp., a regenerative medicine company focused on developing products in the musculoskeletal space, named Jonathan Lieber as its chief financial officer (CFO), effective July 2.

Waltham, Mass.-based Histogenics’ regenerative medicine platform combines expertise in cell processing, scaffolding, tissue engineering, bioadhesives and growth factors to provide solutions that can be used individually or in concert to treat musculoskeletal-related conditions. Histogenics’ first investigational product candidate, NeoCart, provides treatment in the orthopedic space, specifically cartilage damage in the knee.

Lieber has more than 20 years of executive management experience at emerging-growth life-sciences companies and in investment banking. He has led development-stage and commercial companies throughout his career, according to his new employers, and will oversee all financial, business development, investor relations and administrative functions at Histogenics.

“Jonathan is an optimal cultural fit for Histogenics, and we’re delighted that he’ll be joining our executive management team at this exciting time in our development,” said Adam Gridley, president and CEO of Histogenics. “His public company expertise with investors, transactional and operating acumen, and experience growing and financing biotechnology organizations will be extremely valuable as we seek to advance our lead program NeoCart through the ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial and to prepare for potential commercialization. Jon will work closely with our executive team and board of directors to execute against our near-term operational goals, and as a proven strategist, he’ll lead our longer term strategic initiatives targeted at building out our pipeline and creating shareholder value.”

Prior to Histogenics, Lieber most recently served as the CFO of Metamark Genetics Inc., a privately held, urology-focused, molecular diagnostics company, as the CFO and treasurer of Repligen Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer and supplier of high-value consumables to the life-sciences industry, and the CFO of Xcellerex Inc. (acquired by GE Healthcare), a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of capital equipment and related consumables to the life-sciences industry. Previously, Lieber served as the CFO of Altus Pharmaceuticals where he led all public and private capital raising activities at the company, including its $110 million initial public offering and a subsequent $90 million follow-on offering. Prior to joining Altus, Lieber was an investment banker for 10 years where he originated and executed on numerous corporate financings and merger and acquisition transactions at SG Cowen and Salomon Brothers Inc.

He received a B.S. in business administration and finance from Boston University and an M.B.A. in finance from New York University Stern
School of Business.