Experienced pharma professionals join Genkyotex

At AstraZeneca Dr. Woos was responsible for the oncology early discovery portfolio, which consisted mostly of small molecule candidates, and leading the biology, chemistry and DMPK functions, which support both the research and development portfolios. Before joining AstraZeneca, Dr. Wood was Head of Biology at oncology company S*BIO Pte Ltd in Singapore. For more than 11 years, Dr. Wood worked in the oncology unit of Novartis developing expertise and a portfolio based on angiogenesis. Her industry career started in the cardiovascular group at Ciba-Geigy, where as Hypertension Group Leader she led the team that played a major role in the discovery and development of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan (DIOVAN) and the renin inhibitor aliskiren (TEKTURNA).

“These appointments bring a wealth of experience to our management team and Board. Jeanette has a strong track record in developing new drugs through early stages of R&D. She joins Genkyotex at a perfect time as we are looking to advance novel NOX inhibitors further into development to add to our maturing pipeline of drug candidates led by GKT137831, in Phase 2 for diabetic nephropathy,” said Dr. Ursula Ney, CEO of Genkyotex. “Joe is a very welcome addition to the Board. His extensive global partnering expertise is a great asset, particularly when we look to the future of GKT137831 after Phase 2 and leveraging our NOX inhibitor technology platform to potential partners.”

Dr. Joe McCracken has more than 25 years of experience in technical, business development and market development roles with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Most recently he was Global Head for Business Development & Licensing at Roche Pharma, where he was responsible for Roche Pharma’s global in-licensing and out-licensing activities. Prior to Roche Pharma, Dr. McCracken held the position of Vice President, Business Development at Genentech for more than 10 years. He was also at one time Director of Business Development and Representative Director of Genentech Ltd., Genentech’s wholly owned subsidiary in Japan, and has also held the positions of President of Technology Licensing and Alliances at Aventis, and Vice President of Worldwide Business and Technology Development at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer S.A.