SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking
Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking") (NASDAQ: VKTX), a clinical-stage
biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel
therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, today announced
the appointment of Charles A. Rowland
Jr. to its board of directors. With more than 30 years of
biopharmaceutical industry experience, Mr. Rowland provides Viking
with broad expertise spanning financial management and strategic
business operations.
Currently a board member and strategic advisor for multiple
biotechnology companies, Mr. Rowland was most recently the
president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Aurinia
Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on
the global lupus nephritis market. Prior to his tenure with Aurinia
Pharmaceuticals, he served as the vice president and chief
financial officer (CFO) of ViroPharma, during which time the
company grew into a global biopharmaceutical business
with $500 million in annual revenues until it was
acquired by Shire plc for $4.2
billion. Before joining ViroPharma, Mr. Rowland was
executive vice president and CFO, as well as interim co-CEO, for
Endo Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company
with $1.3 billion in revenues. He previously held
finance and operational positions of increasing responsibility at
Biovail Pharmaceuticals, Breakaway Technologies, Pharmacia,
Novartis and Bristol-Myers
Squibb.
"We are fortunate to add an individual with Mr. Rowland's
extensive experience and track record to our board of
directors. He has made important contributions to multiple
successful drug development and commercialization companies as both
a senior executive and board member," said Brian Lian, Ph.D., CEO of Viking. "With our
clinical pipeline advancing toward key data readouts, and continued
progress with our earlier stage programs, this is an ideal time to
supplement our board with another experienced, well-regarded
industry voice. We welcome Mr. Rowland and look forward to
his contributions to the success of Viking Therapeutics."
Mr. Rowland currently serves as a member of the board of
directors for Blueprint Medicines and Nabriva Therapeutics, with
previous board appointments including Vitae Pharmaceuticals, BIND
Therapeutics, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals and Idenix Pharmaceuticals,
among others. He holds an M.B.A. from Rutgers
University and a B.S. from Saint Joseph's University.
About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.
Viking Therapeutics,
Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development of novel, first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for
metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's research and
development activities leverage its expertise in metabolism to
develop innovative therapeutics designed to improve patients'
lives. Viking has exclusive worldwide rights to a portfolio
of five therapeutic programs in clinical trials or preclinical
studies, which are based on small molecules licensed from Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. The company's clinical programs
include VK5211, an orally available, non-steroidal selective
androgen receptor modulator, or SARM, in Phase 2 development for
the treatment and prevention of lean body mass loss in patients who
have undergone hip fracture surgery, VK2809, a small molecule
thyroid beta agonist in Phase 2 development for
hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver disease, and VK0612, a
first-in-class, orally available drug candidate in Phase 2
development for type 2 diabetes. Viking is also developing
novel and selective agonists of the thyroid beta receptor for GSD
Ia and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, as well as two earlier-stage
programs targeting metabolic diseases and anemia.
Follow Viking on Twitter @Viking_VKTX.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release
contains forward-looking statements regarding Viking Therapeutics,
including statements about Viking's expectations regarding its
development activities, timelines and milestones, as well as the
company's goals and plans regarding its clinical and preclinical
prospects. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
and reported results should not be considered as an indication of
future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are
not limited to: risks associated with the success, cost and timing
of Viking's product candidate development activities and clinical
trials, risks that prior clinical and pre-clinical results may not
be replicated; and risks regarding regulatory requirements, among
others. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date
hereof. Viking disclaims any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.