Akero Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing transformational treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other serious metabolic diseases, today announced the appointment of Kitty Yale as chief development officer.
| SAN FRANCISCO, /PRNewswire/ -- Akero Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing transformational treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other serious metabolic diseases, today announced the appointment of Kitty Yale as chief development officer. Yale joins Akero from Gilead Sciences, Inc. where she led global clinical operations and management of the company’s oncology, HIV, inflammation and liver disease trials. She will direct Akero’s clinical development program for its lead candidate to treat NASH.
“Kitty brings more than two decades of clinical research experience to Akero, including an extensive background in both early and late-stage drug development. Her knowledge and insights will be invaluable as we advance AKR-001 into the clinic for NASH and continue to grow and build our pipeline,” said Akero President and CEO Andrew Cheng, MD, PhD. Yale held multiple senior clinical research and operations roles at Gilead during her 17-year tenure. Most recently, as VP of Clinical Operations at Gilead, she led global development programs resulting in eight drug approvals in the US, Europe, Canada, Korea, Japan and China. Prior to Gilead, she worked in clinical operations at Roche Global Development. She holds a BSc (Hons) in molecular biology from Glasgow Caledonian University. “Akero is an exciting company with a vision to become a leader in treating NASH and other metabolic diseases,” said Yale. “I am thrilled about the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team and develop truly meaningful therapies for patients.” Akero’s lead program (AKR-001) is a long-acting fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue to treat NASH. In June, the company raised a $65M Series A round from Apple Tree Partners, Atlas Venture, venBio Partners and Versant Ventures and in-licensed AKR-001 from Amgen, Inc. Akero plans to advance the compound into Phase 2 clinical studies for NASH in mid-2019 and evaluate its potential to treat other serious metabolic diseases. About Akero Therapeutics
SOURCE Akero Therapeutics, Inc. |
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