Biocitech, Paris, November 7, 2007 - Theraptosis, a biopharmaceutical company specialized in the discovery and development of therapeutic molecules using the modulation of cell death (apoptosis), announces today the appointment of Dr Olivier Chesnoy as CEO and Chairman of the Board. This appointment will allow Etienne Jacotot, co-founder of Theraptosis, to focus fully on CSO activities at a key stage of development.
The arrival of Chesnoy strengthens Theraptosis’ management team, at a time when the company is about to put its first product through clinical trials.
The molecules developed by Theraptosis act on the modulation of cellular death (apoptosis) and make it possible to trigger or prevent target cell death. Theraptosis is currently focusing its research on perinatal brain injury and on cancer. The originality of the Theraptosis approach is in the modulation of cell death by targeting the mitochondria, the microscopic intracellular structure sometimes referred to as the cellular power plant.
“Olivier’s experience in the pharma industry will help us accelerate company growth and build new partnerships,” said Etienne Jacotot.
“Theraptosis’ chosen field of research is highly original, and the company has used it to build first-class innovative screening tools, allowing the team to identify highly promising molecules,” said Dr Chesnoy. “I’m thrilled to be joining such a high-level team to drive the next steps of growth.”
Dr Chesnoy, 48, comes to Theraptosis from the Fournier pharmaceutical group. His last position was General Manager of Fournier Spain where he engineered the financial turnaround and development of the company. Earlier positions at Fournier included Director for the Asia zone, where he oversaw Fournier’s Asian strategy including building new subsidiaries as well as the consolidation and development of its Chinese subsidiary. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Co.
Dr Chesnoy holds an MD, and is a graduate from Essec business school.
About Theraptosis Theraptosis SA is a biotech company specialized in the discovery and development of therapeutic molecules in oncology and neurodegenerative diseases, using the modulation of cell death (apoptosis).
Theraptosis obtained orphan drug status for its first molecule in October 2006. The molecule is intended to treat perinatal cerebral damage in the newborn, a condition for which no drug is currently available.
The originality of Theraptosis’ approach is in the modulation of cell death by targeting the mitochondria, the microscopic intracellular structure sometimes referred to as the cellular power plant. As part of its approach, Theraptosis has developed two proprietary screening platforms to select suitable molecules: MitoTrust(TM) and CytoTrust(TM).
Theraptosis was founded in 2001 to build on preliminary research carried out initially by scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS. The company has a substantial intellectual property portfolio including two exclusive licenses from the Institut Pasteur and 13 patents applied for since it was set up. The company is based at the Biocitech life science technology park in Paris and employs 20 people.
Its investors are Auriga Partners, Seventure, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, CDC Entreprises and Blue Medical Investment. For further information: www.theraptosis.com
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