SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Imago Biosciences, Inc. (“Imago”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for myeloid diseases, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed a new independent director, Mr. Bob Baltera, Chief Executive Officer of Cirius Therapeutics.
“Bob is a seasoned biotech executive who brings significant corporate development, business strategy and operational expertise to our board,” said Hugh Young Rienhoff, Jr. M.D., CEO, Imago BioSciences. “His leadership experience in the life science sector adds a new strength to an already outstanding board. I look forward to working with Bob as we progress Bomedemstat (IMG-7289) over the next several years to Phase 3 studies and beyond.”
“There is huge room for improvement over current therapies for myeloproliferative diseases, especially in patient outcomes, and I believe targeting LDS1 is the opportunity that fills that void,” said Mr. Baltera.
Mr. Baltera is currently the chief executive officer at Cirius Therapeutics and Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Frazier Healthcare Partners since 2016. Previously, he was chief executive officer of Amira Pharmaceuticals until its sale to Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2011. He has held several senior management positions at Amgen over a 17-year period. Mr. Baltera earned his B.S. in microbiology and M.S. in genetics from the Pennsylvania State University and his M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
About Bomedemstat (IMG-7289)
Bomedemstat is a small molecule discovered by Imago BioSciences that inhibits lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1 or KDM1A), an enzyme essential for production and normal function of megakaryocytes and for self-renewal of malignant hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. Megakaryocytes are the primary producer of platelets and cytokines that drive essential thrombocythemia pathogenesis. In non-clinical studies, Bomedemstat demonstrated robust in vivo efficacy as a single agent, and in combination with other therapeutics across a range of myeloid malignancy models including the myeloproliferative neoplasms encompassing myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to Bomedemstat for the treatment of myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia. Imago is currently enrolling patients with myelofibrosis in an international Phase 2b study. Preliminary data from this ongoing study has shown that Bomedemstat has reduced spleen volumes and substantially improved symptom scores in a majority of evaluable patients. For more information visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03136185). Additional clinical studies in hematologic disorders will begin in 2020.
About Imago BioSciences
Imago BioSciences is a clinical stage, venture-backed biopharmaceutical company whose investors include a fund managed by Blackstone Life Sciences, Frazier Healthcare Partners, Omega Funds, Amgen Ventures, MRL Ventures Fund, HighLight Capital, Pharmaron, Greenspring Associates and Xeraya Capital, as well as other corporate and venture investors.
