Boston, Mass. — Kinaset Therapeutics has appointed Daniel G. Welch as chairman of its board of directors and David Lubner as an independent director and chair of the audit committee.
The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company said the appointments add biotechnology leadership, public company governance and financial expertise as it advances frevecitinib, its lead inhaled pan-JAK inhibitor, through Phase 2b development for severe asthma.
The appointments follow Kinaset’s recently completed oversubscribed $103 million Series B financing. The funding is supporting the ongoing Phase 2b PANAIRAMA dose-ranging trial of inhaled frevecitinib in patients whose severe asthma remains inadequately controlled despite treatment with medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.
“Dan and David join the Board at an exciting and important time for Kinaset,” said Robert Clarke, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Kinaset Therapeutics. “Dan has successfully led biotechnology companies through clinical development, commercialization and value-creating strategic transactions, while David brings deep expertise in finance, capital markets, strategic transactions and corporate governance. Together, they add complementary experience that will be invaluable as we advance frevecitinib and position Kinaset for its next phase of clinical and corporate growth.”
Kinaset also said Thomas B. King, who has served as board chair since the company’s founding, will step down to pursue another leadership opportunity.
“Tom has played an instrumental role in Kinaset’s growth from its founding through this important stage of development,” Dr. Clarke said. “His leadership, strategic insight and steadfast commitment have helped position the company for success. On behalf of the Board and the entire Kinaset team, I thank Tom for his many contributions and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
Welch has more than 35 years of executive and board leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He currently chairs the boards of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical and Structure Therapeutics.
He previously served as chief executive officer of InterMune, where he led the development and commercialization of Esbriet before the company was acquired by Roche. He also served as chairman and chief executive officer of Triangle Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by Gilead Sciences.
Welch has served on the boards of several biotechnology companies, including Seagen, AveXis, Hyperion Therapeutics, Intercept Pharmaceuticals and Nuvation Bio.
“Frevecitinib has the potential to offer a differentiated treatment option for patients with severe inflammatory respiratory disease,” said Mr. Welch. “The company has built meaningful momentum with the initiation of its Phase 2b trial, and I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team to help advance the program and realize its broader potential.”
Lubner has more than 25 years of experience in life sciences finance, capital markets and strategic transactions. He previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ra Pharma through its acquisition by UCB and held senior financial positions at Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, PharMetrics and ProScript.
He currently serves on the boards of Crescent Biopharma, Dyne Therapeutics and several private companies. His previous board roles include Arcellx, Point Biopharma, Nightstar Therapeutics, Cargo Therapeutics, Vor Biopharma and Therapeutics Acquisition Corp.
“Kinaset has assembled an exceptional leadership team, a differentiated clinical program and a strong financial foundation,” said Mr. Lubner. “I am excited to join the Board and look forward to helping guide the company through its next state of growth and value creation.”
