Precision BioSciences is rejigging its senior leadership team, putting Jeff Smith, Ph.D., in charge of its research programs and asking Chief Scientific Officer Derek Jantz, Ph.D., to focus on “formulating company strategy and managing relationships with external stakeholders.”
Smith and Jantz are two of the co-founders of the ex vivo allogeneic CAR T and in vivo gene editing firm. Prior to the reshuffle, Smith worked as chief technology officer. Reassignment to chief research officer, which Precision called a promotion, will give Smith responsibility for the management and direction of the biotech’s research programs, reporting directly to CEO Michael Amoroso.
Jantz, who has led the development of Precision’s allogeneic CAR T and in vivo editing platforms, has taken on a revised role that will see him partner with Amoroso on strategy and external partnerships. As part of the change, Jantz has resigned from the board to focus on the new role. In a regulatory filing, Precision said Jantz “reiterated his commitment to the company and its mission.”
“Derek and Jeff have built Precision from the ground up, optimizing the ARCUS gene editing platform for therapeutic use and building capable research and development teams across our cell and gene editing businesses,” Amoroso said in a statement. “With these new organizational changes at this time in our company life cycle, Precision BioSciences is poised to continue taking important steps toward becoming a commercial stage company to improve the lives of patients in need.”
Precision disclosed the changes alongside news of a promotion on the business side of the organization. Cindy Atwell, formerly senior vice president of business development and alliance management, has stepped up to the post of chief business officer. In the new role, Atwell will add responsibility for project and portfolio management to her existing focus on business development and alliances.
The changes follow the formation of deals with Eli Lilly and Novartis. Precision entered into a pact with Lilly in 2020, securing $100 million upfront to work on in vivo therapies for genetic disorders, before adding Novartis to its roster of partners in June.