SAN DIEGO, July 2, 2019 /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 Kathy Rouan,
Ph.D., to its board of directors. With nearly 30 years of
pharmaceutical industry experience, Dr. Rouan provides Viking with
drug discovery and development expertise across a broad range of
therapeutic areas including gastroenterology, cardiovascular,
immune-inflammation and oncology.
Dr. Rouan most recently served as senior vice president and head
of Projects, Clinical Platforms and Sciences (PCPS) at
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). GSK's PCPS encompasses the company's
global clinical operations, statistics and programming, clinical
pharmacology, GCP quality, third party resourcing and project
management functions and includes approximately 1,800 individuals
in 20 countries. Dr. Rouan first joined GSK in 1989 with a
background in pharmaceutical sciences, focusing on formulation
development of protein pharmaceuticals. In 1993, she
transitioned into project leadership and management becoming vice
president and head of metabolism and pulmonary project
management in 1999.
In 2007, Dr. Rouan led the development, submission
and approval of Arzerra® (ofatumumab) for
refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In 2012, she became
head of biopharmaceutical development, assuming responsibility
for delivery of GSK's portfolio of biopharmaceutical
medicines. In December 2013,
Dr. Rouan was appointed senior vice president and head
of research and development for Stiefel, GSK's dermatology
therapy area unit.
"We are pleased to have Dr. Rouan join our board of directors at
this exciting time in the company's history," said Brian Lian, Ph.D., chief executive officer of
Viking. "Her extensive experience in drug development adds
breadth and depth to the company's board and management
expertise. She has established an impressive track record
during her career with GSK, contributing to many of the company's
successful therapeutic programs across a range of indications.
We look forward to leveraging her experience as we continue
to advance our clinical-stage programs, led by VK2809 for the
treatment of NASH."
Dr. Rouan earned a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the
University of Rhode Island and a
B.Pharm. from the University of London. Dr. Rouan is also a
member of the board of directors of Navidea Pharmaceuticals.
About Viking Therapeutics, Inc.
Viking Therapeutics
is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development of novel, orally available, first-in-class or
best-in-class therapies for the treatment of metabolic and
endocrine disorders. Viking's research and development
activities leverage its expertise in metabolism to develop
innovative therapeutics designed to improve patients' lives.
The company's clinical programs include VK2809, a novel, orally
available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor beta
agonist for the treatment of lipid and metabolic disorders,
including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In a Phase 2
trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) and elevated LDL-C, patients who received VK2809
demonstrated statistically significant reductions in LDL-C and
liver fat content compared with patients who received
placebo. The company is also developing VK0214, a novel,
orally available, small molecule selective thyroid hormone receptor
beta agonist for the treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
(X-ALD).
Viking's other programs include VK5211, an orally available,
non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator. In a
Phase 2 trial in patients recovering from hip fracture, patients
who received VK5211 experienced significant improvements in
measures of lean body mass compared with patients who received
placebo. Other programs also include VK0612, a
first-in-class, orally available drug candidate in Phase 2
development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as two
earlier-stage programs targeting metabolic diseases and
anemia. The company holds exclusive worldwide rights to a
portfolio of five therapeutic programs, including those noted
above, which are based on small molecules licensed from Ligand
Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
Follow Viking on Twitter @Viking_VKTX.
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SOURCE Viking Therapeutics, Inc.