A2 Bio Appoints James Robinson as New Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors

Robinson to Lead Next Phase of Company’s Expansion and Pipeline Advancement

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. (A2 Bio), a clinical-stage cell therapy company developing first-in-class logic-gated cell therapies to address the high unmet needs in cancer, today announced the appointment of James Robinson as its Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, effective April 1^st, 2024. Robinson succeeds Scott Foraker, A2 Bio’s first CEO, who led the company from early discovery through dosing of its first clinical candidate.

“A2 has made significant progress on our novel logic-gated cell therapies with two programs currently in the clinic. Jim’s arrival coincides with these major developments, and we are thrilled that he will spearhead further evolution of the company at such an exciting time,” said David Goeddel, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors, A2 Bio.

Alexander Kamb, Ph.D., A2 Bio Founder, Chief Scientific Officer and Board Member, stated, “We are pleased to appoint an industry veteran of Jim’s caliber who will help us realize the full potential of A2’s innovative therapeutic platform. Jim brings more than 30 years of significant operational experience leading biotech organizations focused on novel therapies. His outstanding track record leading teams across research, clinical, regulatory, medical, manufacturing, operations and commercial will help us accelerate progress toward bringing promising therapies to the patients who need them.”

“I am deeply inspired by the A2 Bio mission and team accomplishments since the company was founded in 2018, and I am proud to join the company at this exciting time in its evolution within the global biopharmaceutical industry. I share with the A2 Bio team and Board a deeply held, enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families suffering from some of the most devastating medical conditions,” Robinson said.

Robinson previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the former Urovant Sciences (now Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.) from March 2020 to July 2023, guiding the company through its first product launch and subsequent acquisition by Sumitovant Biopharma in March 2021. Previously, Robinson served as President and COO of Paragon Biosciences. Prior to Paragon, Robinson was the President and COO of Alkermes plc. He spent over 12 years at Astellas Pharma, one of the leaders in the fields of urology, oncology and solid organ transplant, where he served as President of the Americas, and was responsible for approximately $4 billion in revenue generation. He started his career at Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals.

Robinson currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Petauri Health, LLC; Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and UroGen Pharma Ltd. He is a 2023 recipient of PM360’s Trailblazer Award for CEO of the Year (in the Life Sciences Manufacturer category). Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from DePaul University.

About A2 Bio

A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. (A2 Bio) is a clinical-stage biotech company developing first-in-class logic-gated cell therapies to address the high unmet need in cancers. A2 Bio invented the proprietary Tmod™ cell therapy platform to tackle the fundamental challenge in solid tumor treatment—the ability of cancer medicines to distinguish between tumor and normal cells. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.a2bio.com.