Date: Feb 05, 2014 Author: press release Source: PR Newswire (
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LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Avidity NanoMedicines LLC, a biopharmaceutical company pioneering a breakthrough approach to the targeted delivery of nucleic acid-based medicines, announced today that Arthur A. Levin, Ph.D., has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Research and Development. In this role, Dr. Levin will be responsible for leading Avidity's research and development organization and overseeing advancement of its drug pipeline.
"Art brings an outstanding record of accomplishment and tremendous experience to Avidity," said Troy Wilson, J.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. "Given his understanding of the challenges faced in the development of nucleic acid-based medicines, his decision to join Avidity makes a strong statement about the scientific and commercial potential for our technology."
Avidity, founded by Troy Wilson, Kent Hawryluk, Mark E. Davis, Ph.D. and Frank McCormick, Ph.D., FRS, is based on pioneering technology for the delivery of nucleic acids developed by Davis and colleagues at the California Institute of Technology. Avidity is now industrializing this approach to advance a new class of therapeutics, antibody-siRNA complexes (ARCs™), which draw on the best features of antibody-drug conjugates and nucleic acid-based medicines.
"Avidity represents an extremely elegant and powerful approach to solve one of the central challenges of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics," said Dr. Levin. "By combining the potency and specificity of biologics with nanoparticle technology and precise molecular targeting, the team has created a tremendously powerful platform that can be tailored to specific tumors."
Dr. Levin brings an unparalleled track record and reputation in the field of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. He has worked for more than three decades in all aspects of drug development from discovery through drug registration, both in large pharma and biotech companies. Dr. Levin has published over 60 scientific articles and several of the most cited reviews in the field. He serves as a director of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society and holds several additional scientific organization affiliations and honors. He received a doctorate in toxicology from the University of Rochester, and a bachelor's degree in biology from Muhlenberg College.
About Avidity NanoMedicines
Avidity NanoMedicines is pioneering a new class of therapeutics, antibody siRNA complexes (ARCs™), which draw on the best features of antibody-drug conjugates and nucleic acid-based medicines. Through partnerships with academic and industry experts, Avidity is applying its technology to the discovery and development of novel, highly-targeted drugs. Founded in 2013, the company recently completed a $9 million Series A financing and entered into a collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company. Avidity is located in La Jolla, California.
Contact: Kent Hawryluk, Chief Business Officer, 858-500-8869, info@aviditynano.com
