SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALA), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer, announced today the appointment of Suzy Jones to the company's Board of Directors, where she will be a member of the company’s Audit Committee. Ms. Jones is currently Founder and Managing Partner of DNA Ink, a boutique life sciences advisory firm.
"The addition of such a seasoned biotechnology executive will add another key life science expert to our board," said Susan Molineaux, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As we advance our tumor metabolism and tumor immunology therapeutics through clinical development, we believe Suzy will make important strategic contributions that will help us develop our pipeline with an eye toward potential product commercialization."
Prior to founding DNA Ink, Suzy spent 20 years at Genentech in various roles in immunology research, product development managing cross functional teams for RITUXAN® and AVASTIN®, and business development where she was Head of Non-Oncology Licensing and later Interim Head of Partnering and Head of Business Development. Suzy’s group helped to diversify Genentech’s portfolio through licensing. During her time in business development, the group was recognized in an independent IBM survey as the number one deal making and sourcing group in the world. In 2010, she was named by Black Health Magazine as one of the, “Top 25 Most Influential African Americans in Healthcare, Medicine, Pharmaceutical and Food Industries.” Suzy serves as a member of the board of directors of Patrys, an ASX listed Australian biotechnology company. She received a degree in Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz.
About Calithera
Calithera Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer. Calithera’s lead product candidate, CB-839, is a potent, selective, reversible and orally bioavailable inhibitor of glutaminase. CB-839 takes advantage of the pronounced dependency many cancers have on the nutrient glutamine for growth and survival. It is currently being evaluated in Phase 1/2 clinical trials in combination with standard of care agents. CB-1158 is a first-in-class immuno-oncology metabolic checkpoint inhibitor targeting arginase, an immunosuppressive enzyme in myeloid-derived suppressor cells responsible for T-cell suppression. Arginase depletes arginine, a nutrient that is critical for the activation, growth and survival of the body’s cancer-fighting immune cells, known as cytotoxic T-cells. Calithera is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. For more information about Calithera, please visit www.calithera.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "poised" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to Calithera’s advancement of its tumor metabolism and tumor immunology therapeutics through clinical development and development of its pipeline towards potential product commercialization. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential product candidates that Calithera develops may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals within expected timelines or at all. In addition, clinical trials may not confirm any safety, potency or other product characteristics described or assumed in this press release. Such product candidates may not be beneficial to patients or successfully commercialized. The failure to meet expectations with respect to any of the foregoing matters may have a negative effect on Calithera's stock price. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting Calithera's business can be found in Calithera's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, Calithera disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.