BOSTON– -GRO Biosciences Inc. (“GRObio”), an emerging biotechnology company leveraging synthetic biology to expand the amino acid alphabet and deliver on the promise of protein therapeutics, today announced the expansion of its leadership with the hire of Tracey Lodie, PhD as Chief Development Officer.
Dr. Lodie has more than 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry focused on the discovery and development of novel biologics and cell therapies in the areas of autoimmunity, transplant biology, and immuno-oncology. Her experience ranges from early drug development through commercialization. Dr. Lodie most recently worked as Chief Scientific Officer at Quell Therapeutics where she led the company’s scientific strategy and worked to build their immune-driven pipeline. Prior to joining Quell, she was Chief Scientific Officer at Gamida Cell, Ltd. and held senior leadership roles at Blue Rock Therapeutics, Syros Pharma, and Sanofi/Genzyme where she led immunology efforts from discovery through early clinical development to FDA approvals. Dr. Lodie completed postdoctoral work Boston University School of Medicine and a BS in biology from Fairfield University.
“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about bringing new therapeutics to patients, particularly those suffering from autoimmune disease and immunological disorders. GRObio’s unique Genomically Recoded Organism (GRO) platform enables direct modulation of complex processes like immune responses, and I look forward to working with GRObio’s team of innovators to translate our demonstrated preclinical efficacy in animals to patients,” said Dr. Lodie. “We are delighted to add Tracey to our executive team. Her world-class experience in immunology, clinical translation, development, and commercialization will be instrumental as we advance our programs into the clinic,” said Daniel J. Mandell, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GRO Biosciences.
Juergen Eckhardt, MD, Head of Leaps by Bayer and Head of Pharma Business Development at Bayer said, “GRO Biosciences has built a powerful platform that is now delivering exciting programs to reverse autoimmune disease and eliminate immunogenicity for patients in need of safer, more effective therapies. Dr. Lodie’s addition to the executive team brings critical management expertise to support the continued evolution of GRO Biosciences into a clinical-stage organization.”