SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: The Board of Directors of Antisense Therapeutics Limited announced the appointment of Dr James Garner MBBS MBA as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD).

Dr Jamed Garner will assume the roles as of 07 August 2023. In the interim James will join the Board as a non-executive director, effective immediately.

This appointment follows the previously announced retirement, on 15 November 2022, of Mr Mark Diamond from the roles of MD and CEO, with Mark’s last working day 12 May 2023. To ensure continuity and leadership, Dr Charmaine Gittleson will assume the role of Executive Chairman, with immediate effect, until James is settled in his CEO and MD duties.

James brings broad experience in drug development and commercialisation, acquired through regional and global roles in the biotech and pharmaceutical sector. His previous responsibilities have included leading phase I-IV clinical trials, product registration, reimbursement, and business development.

He possesses strong executive leadership and management skills that have seen him achieve outstanding results over a twenty-year career in the Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology industry including roles with Biogen, Progen Pharmaceuticals, Quintiles (an international clinical research organisation) and as Head of the Unit Development Office, AP R&D with Sanofi in Singapore.

Most recently James has served as CEO of Kazia Therapeutics Limited (ASX:KZA; NASDAQ:KZIA), a clinical-stage, oncology-focused company where James gained both ASX and NASDAQ exposure and has successfully accessed funding through capital markets, partnerships and non-dilutive means.

With the assistance of the search firm, Wexford Hayes Pty Ltd., a comprehensive executive recruitment process was initiated following the AGM in 2022. The Board was encouraged by the quality of candidates that made the short list, but in the end, James’s combination of experience, capabilities and attributes was decisive.

“I am delighted that the robust and competitive process culminated in a leader of James’s calibre and in-depth skill set” noted Antisense Therapeutics Chair Dr Charmaine Gittleson.

“As we look to the future, the Board is confident James will leverage our momentum from the Phase IIb clinical study, and other ongoing activities, to enhance the Company’s position and create significant value for shareholders and all stakeholders. We look forward to working with him.”

Dr Charmaine Gittleson added: “We are proud of the journey we have taken as a company with Mark, from the initial licensing of a promising molecule to now reaching the exciting milestone of re-entering the clinic in DMD. Our Phase IIb trial in Europe, coupled with the progress we are making in the US, is a testament to the dedication of our team, and we look forward to bringing this potentially life-changing therapy to patients in need.”

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