Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company advancing first-in-class G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs to address unmet needs for a broad range of therapeutic indications, announced today that Kristin Taylor, PhD has been appointed Vice President and Head of Clinical Development. Dr. Taylor brings to Escient deep clinical development and regulatory expertise as the company continues advances its novel pipeline toward the clinic. She will be a member of Escient’s executive team and report to Alain Baron, MD, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Launched in May 2018, Escient is focused on unleashing the therapeutic potential of the largely unexplored family of Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors, or Mrgprs. Initially, the company is pursuing therapies for neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kristin to Escient as we continue to build out key functional areas of expertise with top-notch talent,” said Alain Baron, MD. “Since our launch just over a year ago, we have made significant progress advancing several Mrgpr discovery programs. As we pivot toward the clinic, Kristin’s extensive clinical research, scientific affairs and regulatory development experience through all phases of clinical development will be a critical addition to our team.”
“I am excited to join Escient and have the opportunity to translate the team’s biological insights and pioneering work related to this novel class of Mrgpr-focused drugs into a world-class clinical development program,” said Dr. Taylor. “I look forward to leveraging my experience devising unique, creative development and regulatory strategies for first-in-class medicines to shape Escient’s clinical strategy as we strive to address a spectrum of serious, currently underserved medical needs.”
Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience spanning clinical research and scientific and regulatory affairs to her new role at Escient. Most recently, she was Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Zafgen, Inc., where she headed up efforts to develop novel therapies targeting complex metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity and rare forms of obesity. Dr. Taylor also previously served as Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., with a leadership role in the successful US and European approval of CONTRAVE® for treatment of obesity. Prior to Orexigen, she held several positions of increasing responsibility at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, including Senior Director of Medical Research, with a primary role in the development of BYETTA® and BYDUREON®, as well as contributing to the development of other products now approved for marketing. Dr. Taylor holds a number of patents and is co-author of over 35 publications. She received her PhD in Biochemistry from the Medical College of Pennsylvania before conducting post-doctoral studies in the School of Medicine at University of California, San Diego.
About Escient Pharmaceuticals
Escient Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotechnology company that is advancing first-in-class G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs to address serious, unserved medical needs across a broad range of therapeutic indications. Focused on unleashing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, including the novel family of Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs), Escient will initially pursue therapies for neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Based in San Diego, Calif., Escient is led by an experienced team of biotechnology entrepreneurs with specific expertise in GPCR drug discovery and development. The company is funded by top-tier life science investors, including The Column Group, 5AM Ventures and Osage University Partners. Visit www.escientpharma.com to learn more.
