HOPEWELL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gennao Bio, a privately held genetic medicines company developing first-in-class, targeted nucleic acid therapeutics, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Dale L. Ludwig, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer. Dr. Ludwig is a recognized leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, having supported the development and successful launch of several biologic oncology products including Erbitux®, Cyramza™, Portrazza®, and Lartruvo™, as well as the clinical advancement of a number of other therapeutic antibodies over the course of his career.

“Dale is a biopharmaceutical industry leader with deep expertise in the research and development of oncology antibody therapeutics and a welcomed addition to the Gennao team,” said Stephen Squinto, Ph.D., chief executive officer and chair of the board of Gennao Bio. “His knowledge and experience will be instrumental as we establish and develop a robust pipeline of GMAB targeted nucleic acid therapeutics.”

Dr. Ludwig’s extensive drug discovery and development expertise covers a range of therapeutic antibody strategic approaches including function-blocking antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and antibody radio-conjugates. Most recently, he served as the chief science and technology officer for Actinium Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Actinium, Dr. Ludwig served as the chief scientific officer, vice president, of oncology discovery research - biologics technology and a member of the oncology research senior leadership team at Eli Lilly and Company. Prior to the acquisition of ImClone by Eli Lilly, he held the position of head of molecular & cellular engineering at ImClone Systems Incorporated. Dr. Ludwig trained as a postdoctoral associate in the DNA Damage and Repair Group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He holds a B.S. in biology with a concentration in microbiology from James Madison University and received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from East Carolina University.

About Gennao Bio

Gennao Bio is a privately held genetic medicines company developing first-in-class targeted nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing a proprietary gene monoclonal antibody (GMAB) platform technology. GMAB is an adaptive technology that uses a novel, cell-penetrating antibody to non-covalently bind to and deliver therapeutic levels of a wide variety of nucleic acid payloads to select cells. This non-viral delivery platform is differentiated from traditional gene delivery systems as it can deliver multiple types of nucleic acids, allows for repeat dosing and employs well-established manufacturing processes. Gennao Bio is developing this delivery system with an initial focus on addressing significant unmet needs in oncology and rare monogenic skeletal muscle diseases.

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