Shape Therapeutics Appoints Healthcare Industry Leaders David Epstein and Todd Simpson to its Board of Directors
June 25 2024 - 9:00AM
Shape Therapeutics, Inc. (ShapeTX), a leader at the convergence of
AI and RNA editing to revolutionize genomic medicine, announces the
appointments of David Epstein, former CEO of Seagen, and Todd
Simpson, former CFO of Seagen, to its board of directors.
“We are at a pivotal moment where our investment in breakthrough
technologies is now yielding industry-leading results. As we
prepare to advance our RNA editing therapies to the clinic, we are
thrilled to welcome David and Todd to our board," said Francois
Vigneault, Ph.D., chief executive officer of ShapeTX. "Their
expertise in scaling life sciences companies, from drug development
to clinical success and commercialization, will be invaluable.”
David Epstein is a highly respected leader in the pharmaceutical
and biotech sectors, renowned for steering Seagen towards a pivotal
$44.5 billion acquisition by Pfizer. With over 30 years of global
experience in drug development, commercialization, and leadership,
David has previously served as an executive partner at Flagship
Pioneering and as CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, including its
Oncology and Molecular Diagnostic units, transforming it into the
second-largest oncology division globally. He has overseen the
development and launch of more than 30 new molecular entities,
including notable treatments such as Glivec, Tasigna, Gilenya,
Afinitor, Cosentyx, Entresto and Padcev. David holds a bachelor's
degree in pharmacy from Rutgers University and an MBA from Columbia
University. He also serves on the boards of Tempus AI and Valo
Health.
"Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to be part of
companies at the forefront of scientific innovation, witnessing
firsthand the profound impact on patients and families." said David
Epstein. "Shape has married AI, superior engineering and efficient
manufacturing to cure horrific CNS and retinal disease with
revolutionary AI RNA-targeted therapy, and I am eager to contribute
my experience to accelerate their growth.”
Todd Simpson brings more than 40 years of diverse life sciences
and industry experience to the ShapeTX board. During his nearly two
decades at Seagen, Todd played a crucial role in launching and
commercializing four oncology medicines across more than a dozen
labeled indications in the United States. He also spearheaded
Seagen's international expansion, leading to the commercialization
of three medicines in the Americas and Europe. Before Seagen, Todd
held several leadership roles, including VP of Finance and
Administration, CFO, Treasurer, Secretary at Targeted Genetics
Corp. and worked almost ten years in public accounting. He holds a
bachelor's degree in accounting and computer science from Oregon
State University and has served on the boards of Neoleukin
Therapeutics, Aquinox Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Life Science
Washington (formerly Washington Biotech and Biomedical
Association).
"I see remarkable similarities between ShapeTX and the early
days of Seagen. It's refreshing and invigorating to work with a
team dedicated to long-term, platform-based therapeutic innovation
and driven by a mission to help patients in need," said Todd
Simpson.
About ShapeTX: Shape Therapeutics operates at
the convergence of AI and RNA editing to revolutionize genomic
medicine. Our proprietary RNA editing technology, RNAfix®,
represents a significant leap forward over CRISPR-based tools,
achieving 95% editing efficiency in vivo, and a path to one-time
curative treatments for thousands of diseases. With over 90 million
laboratory-validated guide RNA and 12 billion AAV data points,
ShapeTX is building the largest therapeutic RNA foundation model in
the industry and becoming the leader in AI for genomic medicine.
You can find us at ShapeTX.com and on LinkedIn and X.
Media Contact:
Lisa Ash TaylorGeneral Counsel and Head of OperationsShape
Therapeuticslisa@shapetx.com