Aura Biosciences has named David Johnson, founder and CEO of VelosBio, to its board of directors, the biotechnology company said Jan. 5.
Before founding VelosBio, Mr. Johnson was CEO of the oncology-focused pharmaceutical company Acerta Pharma, which was acquired by AstraZeneca in a deal valued up to $7 billion, according to the release. He's also held various leadership roles at healthcare companies including Hoffman- La Roche, Immunex, Millennium, Favrille, Gloucester and Calistoga, helping guide their production of approved drugs.
Mr. Johnson will support Aura's efforts to develop a new class of oncology drugs for life-threatening cancers.
"David's impressive track record in oncology and as an accomplished CEO will be critical for Aura's future, as we initiate the pivotal program of AU-011 for the treatment of choroidal melanoma," George Golumbeski, PhD, board chairman, said in the news release.
Mr. Johnson also serves on the board of directors of Zentalis Pharmaceuticals.
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