CAMBRIDGE, Mass.– Goldfinch Bio, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing precision medicines for the treatment of kidney diseases, today announced the appointment of Edwin (Ed) Tucker, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately. Dr. Tucker brings to Goldfinch Bio over 30 years of clinical experience across a variety of therapeutic areas and early- and late-stage companies. Dr. Tucker has successfully advanced several programs through clinical development and regulatory approval. In his new role, he will join Goldfinch Bio’s executive team and provide leadership and direction across clinical development, pharmacovigilance, quality and medical affairs efforts.
“We’re delighted to welcome Ed to Goldfinch Bio. His deep expertise across clinical development and related functions makes him a tremendous and timely addition to our team,” said Anthony Johnson, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Goldfinch Bio. “In 2022, we anticipate reading out interim data from our ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of GFB-887, as well as initial data from our ongoing Phase 1 study of GFB-024. Ed’s insights will be critical as we review all results and determine the most efficient next steps to bring these novel treatments to patients. We look forward to Ed’s valuable contributions as we continue to grow as a company and pursue our mission of delivering disease-modifying precision medicines to bring hope and renewed quality of life for people living with kidney diseases.”
Goldfinch Bio’s lead clinical candidate, GFB-887, a podocyte-targeting small molecule inhibitor of TRPC5, is currently in a Phase 2 trial (TRACTION-2) for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients whose disease is characterized by overactivation of the TRPC5 pathway. The company is also conducting a Phase 1 study for its second clinical candidate, GFB-024, a peripherally restricted cannabinoid 1 (CB1) inverse agonist monoclonal antibody intended to treat patients with severe insulin resistant DN and CB1 pathway overactivation. Additionally, Goldfinch Bio is leveraging its proprietary product engine to identify and advance potential kidney-related targets for therapeutic intervention.
“I am excited to be to be joining Goldfinch Bio during this key period of growth and am eager to work closely with such a dedicated and patient-focused team. With data for both GFB-887 and GFB-024 expected in 2022, the company continues to make important progress toward realizing its vision of savings kidneys and ending dialysis,” said. Dr. Tucker. “I look forward to contributing my expertise as we continue to drive the development of Goldfinch Bio’s pipeline of novel precision medicines for patients living with kidney disease, a therapeutic area that has been historically underserved and is ripe for innovation.”
Dr. Tucker joins Goldfinch Bio from Mirum Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Chief Medical Officer. In this role, Dr. Tucker led the clinical development, medical safety and quality functions, contributing to the achievement of key milestones in the development of medicines for adult and pediatric cholestatic liver disease, including the first approval for Alagille Syndrome from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to joining Mirum, Dr. Tucker held roles of increasing responsibility at Acerta Pharma LLC, now part of the AstraZeneca family of companies, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure at Acerta, Dr. Tucker helped create and build the medical safety, quality, compliance and clinical development groups. Prior to joining Acerta, he held leadership positions in development, medical safety and medical affairs at Genentech, Janssen Research and Development and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Tucker is a member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), and received his M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Tucker holds degrees in Pharmacology and Medicine from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. Additionally, he serves as a managing director at Golden Seeds, an investment firm dedicated to pursuing early-stage investment opportunities in women-led businesses.
