SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autobahn Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on restoring hope for people affected by CNS disorders, today announced the appointment of Scott Forrest, Ph.D., to the company’s newly created position of chief business officer. In this role, Dr. Forrest will oversee corporate development, portfolio strategic planning and financial strategy, and will report to Kevin Finney, chief executive officer.
“Scott is a seasoned business executive with tremendous experience leading the growth phase in emerging biotechnology companies, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” said Mr. Finney. “Since our launch earlier this summer, we have been focused on building our team and advancing our lead program, ABX-002, into clinical development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and rare adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). We look forward to leveraging his expertise as we evolve into a clinical-stage company.”
“Autobahn is a unique company that is well-positioned to make an important impact on the treatment of CNS disorders like MS and AMN,” said Dr. Forrest. “Building upon proven human biology, and coupled with a proprietary delivery technology, we have an opportunity to truly transform the treatment of these devastating diseases. I’m pleased to be joining this exceptional team and look forward to partnering with them to further build out the company and advance our programs.”
Dr. Forrest joins Autobahn from Inception Therapeutics, a Versant Ventures “discovery engine” focused on building and operating transformative biotech companies, where he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. In this position, he played an integral leadership role in multiple companies including Lycia Therapeutics, Pipeline Therapeutics, Chinook Therapeutics and Ventus Therapeutics. Prior to Inception, Dr. Forrest was a co-founder and vice president of operations and corporate development at BlackThorn Therapeutics. Earlier, he was vice president of business development at The Scripps Research Institute, where he oversaw the creation and launch of more than 15 new biotech companies, and led the negotiation and management of over $200 million in corporate alliances. He also held director or board observer positions with several companies including Zyngenia, Abide, Padlock and Epic Sciences. Dr. Forrest started his career at the University of North Carolina where he led the restructuring, expansion and management of the life sciences licensing team. He also served as an entrepreneur in residence at UNC and was a central part of the successful launch of multiple startup companies such as Epizyme. Dr. Forrest holds a B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Virginia.
About Autobahn Therapeutics
Autobahn Therapeutics is focused on improving life health for people affected by CNS disorders. Autobahn is leveraging a deep understanding of validated human biology coupled with its brain-targeting chemistry platform to develop thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist therapies that harness the regenerative power of the human body. The company’s pipeline is led by ABX-002 for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), a rare genetic disorder. Autobahn Therapeutics is based in San Diego. For more information, visit www.autobahntx.com.
