Calithera Biosciences, Inc. Appoints Sunil Agarwal, M.D., To Its Board Of Directors
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALA), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer, announced today that the company's board of directors has appointed Dr. Sunil Agarwal, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., as an independent director.
"Sunil, a seasoned pharmaceutical executive, is a welcome addition to the Calithera Board of Directors as we advance our pipeline through clinical development," said Susan Molineaux, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. "Sunil's experience and proven track record of success will be a tremendous asset to Calithera."
Dr. Agarwal commented, "I am honored to join Calithera's Board of Directors at this exciting time as they advance their novel, first in class, tumor metabolism and immuno-oncology anti-cancer agents."
Dr. Agarwal is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Ultragenyx where he is responsible for leading the company's clinical development. Prior to Ultragenyx, Dr. Agarwal served in various leadership capacities at Genentech for 11 years. Most recently he held the position of Senior Vice President and Global Head of Clinical Development for OMNI (Ophthalmology, Metabolism, Neurosciences, Immunology and Infectious Diseases), and was involved in the development oversight of multiple molecules including RITUXAN®, ACTEMRA®, XOLAIR ®, LUCENTIS®, lebrikizumab, and ocrelizumab. Before joining Genentech, Dr. Agarwal was at MedImmune and Guilford Pharmaceuticals where he worked in both development and medical affairs. Dr. Agarwal obtained his B.S. in Neuro-Biology at Cornell University and then earned his M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine.
About Calithera
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer. Calithera's lead product candidate, CB-839, is currently being evaluated in three Phase 1 clinical trials in solid and hematological cancers. Calithera is headquartered in South San Francisco. For more information about Calithera, please visit www.calithera.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements by Calithera regarding the advancement of Calithera's product candidates through clinical development. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from Calithera's expectations and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Calithera's product candidates may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals within expected timelines or at all. In addition, clinical trials may not confirm any safety, potency or other product characteristics described or assumed in this press release. Such product candidates may not be beneficial to patients or successfully commercialized. The failure to meet expectations with respect to any of the foregoing matters may have a negative effect on Calithera's stock price. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting Calithera's business can be found in Calithera's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, Calithera disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
CONTACT: Jennifer McNealey ir@Calithera.com 650-870-1071
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.