Boston Pharmaceuticals Names Dr. Elias Zerhouni as New Board Chair

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Boston Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for serious liver diseases, has announced the appointment of Dr. Elias Zerhouni as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Dr. Zerhouni succeeds Stefan Meister, who steps down after six years to concentrate on other commitments.

Dr. Elias Zerhouni has been a part of Boston Pharmaceuticals since 2021, serving as a Board member and Scientific Advisor. In his new role as Chair, he will collaborate more closely with Sophie Kornowski, CEO of Boston Pharmaceuticals, and her team. Together, they will push forward the company’s promising drug candidates, especially those targeting liver diseases.

In recent years, Boston Pharmaceuticals has made significant strides in liver disease research, particularly with two promising candidates. The company is currently focused on advancing BOS-580, an investigational, long-acting, once-monthly fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue. This drug aims to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe liver condition.

“I am honored to take on the role of Chair at Boston Pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Zerhouni. “Having been a Board member since 2021, I have witnessed the remarkable progress the company has made in addressing the global challenge of liver diseases. Under Stefan Meister’s guidance and the leadership of our CEO, Sophie Kornowski, we have developed promising molecules now in clinical stages.”

Sophie Kornowski expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Zerhouni’s appointment: “I am thrilled that Elias is stepping into this leadership role. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as we navigate the clinical development of our candidates. I also want to extend my gratitude to Stefan for his immense contributions during his tenure. His efforts have been instrumental in bringing Boston Pharmaceuticals to this exciting phase.”

Dr. Zerhouni brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is a Professor Emeritus of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He was previously the President of Global Research & Development and a member of the Executive Committee at Sanofi. From 2002 to 2008, he served as the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Currently, he is a Board member at B-Flexion and holds positions as President and Vice Chairman of OPKO Health.

BOS-580 is a monthly subcutaneous injection of a long-acting, engineered variant of human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). This drug regulates multiple metabolic pathways to reduce liver fat and mitigate liver inflammation and damage in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Boston Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing a portfolio of unique therapies aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in serious liver diseases. The company’s lead asset is focused on MASH. Through strategic partnerships with innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, Boston Pharmaceuticals has acquired a portfolio of promising drug candidates. The company employs rigorous decision-making processes to advance programs, aiming to deliver effective medicines to patients, while creating value for all stakeholders.

Boston Pharmaceuticals is part of B-Flexion, a private investment firm chaired by Ernesto Bertarelli. B-Flexion partners with sophisticated capital to deliver value across generations and contribute positively to society. With offices in Europe and the United States, B-Flexion engages in Private Equity, Venture & Growth Capital, Real Assets, Hedge Funds, Credit, and Public Securities. The firm also makes principal investments in transformative industries, with a focus on Healthcare, Planet, Consumer, and Technology.

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