DuPont Pharmaceuticals Co.

MONTREAL and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Milestone® Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative cardiovascular medicines, today announced the appointment of Joseph Papa to its Board of Directors (“Board”), effective September 3, 2024. Mr. Papa is a renowned pharmaceutical and healthcare leader, with more than 35 years of experience navigating companies through periods of rapid growth, transformation, and strategic M&A transactions, including as former Chairman and CEO of Bausch + Lomb, Bausch Health and Perrigo and as a director of SparingVision and Candel Therapeutics. He brings broad commercial experience and proven capabilities of advancing innovative products aimed at significantly enhancing patients’ lives. “Joe is an accomplished leader with a track record of driving growth, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our Board,” said Robert J. Wills, PhD, Chairman of the Board of Milestone. “His tremendous experience across an extensive range of biopharmaceutical companies and products provides a skillset that is an excellent complement to the existing board. We look forward to his strategic guidance as we prepare for potential approval of our investigational drug CARDAMYST™ (etripamil nasal spray) for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.” Mr. Papa commented, “I am very impressed by Milestone’s leadership team, culture of innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of people with life-altering heart conditions. I see a great opportunity for value creation and look forward to collaborating with the Board and the team to advance CARDAMYST and, if approved, to help bring this much needed treatment to patients.” About Joseph Papa Joseph Papa has over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and specialty pharmaceutical industries. Since February 2024, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS). He served as Chief Executive Officer of Bausch + Lomb Corporation from May 2022 to March 2023 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Previously, Mr. Papa served as Chairman and CEO of Bausch Health from 2016 to 2022, where he oversaw the company’s rapid growth and spin-off of Bausch + Lomb. From 2006 to 2016, Mr. Papa served as Chairman and CEO of Perrigo. Prior to Perrigo, Mr. Papa served as President of PTS for Cardinal Health, President of Watson Pharmaceuticals, President of U.S. operations for Searle/Pharmacia, Chief Operating Officer of DuPont Pharmaceuticals and Vice President of Marketing for Novartis. He currently serves as Chair of the board of directors of SparingVision, a privately held genomic medicines company, and as a member of the board of directors of Candel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CADL), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing immunotherapies for cancer patients, where he chairs the compensation committee. He previously served on the boards of directors of Prometheus Biosciences, as lead independent director and chair of the compensation committee until the company’s sale to Merck in 2023, and Smith & Nephew plc as chair of the remuneration committee. Mr. Papa holds a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. About Milestone Pharmaceuticals Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative cardiovascular solutions to improve the lives of people living with complex and life-altering heart conditions. The Company’s focus on understanding unmet patient needs and improving the patient experience has led us to develop new treatment approaches that provide patients with an active role in self-managing their care. Milestone’s lead investigational product is etripamil, a novel calcium channel blocker nasal spray that is being studied for patients to self-administer without medical supervision to treat symptomatic episodic attacks associated with PSVT and AFib-RVR. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward looking statements”). Words such as “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “demonstrate,” “designed,” “develop,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “pending,” “plan,” “potential,” “progress,” “will”, “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Milestone’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the timing of upcoming clinical trial milestones and related data; the timing of the FDA’s review of the NDA and the FDA’s potential approval of CARDAMYST; the potential of etripamil to help patients living with these serious heart arrythmias; and the timing of the launch of etripamil. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, whether our future interactions with the FDA will have satisfactory outcomes; whether and when, if at all, our NDA for etripamil will be approved by the FDA; whether the FDA will require additional trials or data which may significantly delay and put at risk our efforts to obtain approval and may not be successful, the risks inherent in biopharmaceutical product development and clinical trials, including the lengthy and uncertain regulatory approval process; uncertainties related to the timing of initiation, enrollment, completion, evaluation and results of our clinical trials; risks and uncertainty related to the complexity inherent in cleaning, verifying and analyzing trial data; and whether the clinical trials will validate the safety and efficacy of etripamil for PSVT or other indications, among others, general economic, political, and market conditions, including deteriorating market conditions due to investor concerns regarding inflation, Russian hostilities in Ukraine and ongoing disputes in Israel and Gaza and overall fluctuations in the financial markets in the United States and abroad, risks related to pandemics and public health emergencies, and risks related the sufficiency of Milestone’s capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital in the current economic climate. These and other risks are set forth in Milestone’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the caption “Risk Factors,” as such discussion may be updated from time to time by subsequent filings Milestone may make with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which is available under Milestone’s profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by applicable law, Milestone assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available or based on future events or otherwise. Contact:Kim Fox, Vice President, Communications, kfox@milestonepharma.com Investor RelationsChris Calabrese, ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com Kevin Gardner, kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com

-- Dr. Smith is a 20-year pharmaceutical industry veteran with extensive central nervous system (“CNS”) clinical development expertise -- VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Minds Biosciences (“Bright Minds,” “BMB” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DRUG) (CSE: DRUG), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel drugs for the targeted treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and pain, today announced that Mark A. Smith M.D., Ph.D. will join the Company as Chief Medical Officer, effective December 1, 2022. The Company also announces that Dr. Revati Shreeniwas’ engagement with Bright Minds as Chief Medical Officer has been terminated. “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Smith to the Bright Minds team. A seasoned executive in CNS drug development, Dr. Smith has directed over 50 clinical trials across all stages of development. Dr Smith's extensive background in psychiatry will strengthen the clinical implementation of our next generation 5-HT2A agonists. His depth and breadth of knowledge in neuropsychiatry, development, translational neuroscience, and clinical trial design will be a great asset as we continue to advance our pipeline of novel compounds through clinical trials,” said Ian McDonald, CEO and Co-founder of Bright Minds Biosciences. “It’s an exciting time to join Bright Minds with the Phase I trial for its lead program, BMB-101, currently underway. Proposed to treat Dravet syndrome, an epilepsy syndrome that begins in infancy or early childhood, BMB-101 is a promising drug candidate with the potential to change lives. My background is uniquely well-suited to the opportunity, and I look forward to seeing BMB-101 and the rest of the pipeline through their development stages,” stated Dr. Smith. Prior to joining Bright Minds, Dr. Smith was Chief Medical Officer at VistaGen Therapeutics, where he led the clinical development of drug candidates in the areas of major depression, social anxiety disorder, and depression through all phases of development. Previously, Dr. Smith served as the Clinical Lead for Neuropsychiatry at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he was accountable for the strategy and clinical development of neuropsychiatric drugs with a focus on schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and agitation. He also held a range of director positions, including as Executive Director of Clinical Development at AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Company, where he led the development of several novel chemical entities targeting treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Dr. Smith was also Senior Director of Experimental Medicine of Global Clinical Development and Innovation at Shire Pharmaceuticals and Senior Investigator and Principal Research Scientist of CNS Diseases at DuPont Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, he served as a Senior Staff Scientist of the Biological Psychiatry Branch and Senior Staff Fellow of the Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dr. Smith received his Bachelor's degree and Master of Science from Yale University, his Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of California, San Diego, and completed his residency in the Department of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. He currently serves on the National Institute of Mental Health Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Task Force. About Bright Minds Bright Minds is focused on developing novel transformative treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and pain. Bright Minds has a portfolio of next-generation serotonin agonists designed to target neurocircuit abnormalities that are responsible for difficult to treat disorders such as resistant epilepsy, treatment resistant depression, PTSD, and pain. The Company leverages its world-class scientific and drug development expertise to bring forward the next generation of safe and efficacious drugs. Bright Minds’ drugs have been designed to potentially retain the powerful therapeutic aspects of psychedelic and other serotonergic compounds, while minimizing the side effects, thereby creating superior drugs to first-generation compounds, such as psilocybin. Investor Contacts:Lisa WilsonE: lwilson@insitecony.comT: 917-543-9932 Ian McDonaldCEO and DirectorE: ian@brightmindsbio.comT: 647 407 2515 This news release contains “forward-looking information” which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to expectations about the intended date Dr. Smith becomes CMO, his work in respect of the Company’s development pipeline and the proposed use of BMB-101 to treat Dravet Syndrome. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

- Dr. Neal Walker to transition to Chair of the Board of Directors - Current Board Chair Christopher Molineaux to become Lead Independent Director - Douglas Manion, M.D. appointed to succeed Dr. Walker as Chief Executive Officer and appointed to the Board of Directors - Kevin Balthaser appointed Chief Financial Officer to succeed retiring Frank Ruffo - Matthew Rothman appointed General Counsel WAYNE, Pa., Nov. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced several key leadership changes. Effective January 1, 2023, co-founder and current chief executive officer, Dr. Neal Walker, will transition to the role of chair of the board of directors where he will continue to help guide the long-term strategic direction of Aclaris. Current chair, Christopher Molineaux, will remain on the board and transition to lead independent director. Dr. Doug Manion will transition from chief operating officer to the role of chief executive officer, while continuing to serve as president. Dr. Manion will also serve as a member of the Aclaris board of directors effective January 1, 2023. In addition, Aclaris is announcing the retirement of co-founder and chief financial officer Frank Ruffo effective December 31, 2022. Mr. Ruffo has served as Aclaris’ chief financial officer since its inception in 2012. Kevin Balthaser has been appointed chief financial officer, effective January 1, 2023. Mr. Balthaser joined Aclaris in 2017 and has served in a number of roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as vice president, finance. Prior to joining Aclaris, Mr. Balthaser held various positions of increasing responsibility within the accounting and finance department at Lannett Company, Inc., a publicly traded generic pharmaceutical company, where he was also a member of the team responsible for executing capital market transactions and acquisitions. Mr. Balthaser began his career with the international accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Balthaser received an M.B.A. from Villanova University and a B.S. in finance from Pennsylvania State University. Aclaris is also announcing the appointment of Matthew Rothman, J.D. to the role of general counsel and corporate secretary, effective immediately. Mr. Rothman joined Aclaris in 2018 and has served in a number of roles of increasing responsibility within the legal department, most recently as vice president, legal and compliance. Mr. Rothman began his career as an associate in the corporate and securities group at Dechert LLP. Mr. Rothman received a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh. “We are very excited to be announcing these updates to the leadership team for Aclaris,” said Dr. Walker. “As Aclaris has evolved, we have built our leadership team with experienced high quality industry leaders with track records of proven success. Frank and I have led Aclaris since its founding and I want to thank Frank for his leadership, dedication and service to the company and wish him well in his retirement. I look forward to working with Doug and the team closely as they transition into their new roles and as I continue my commitment to Aclaris as chair of the board.” Dr. Manion joined Aclaris as president and chief operating officer in August 2022. Dr. Manion brings over 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in both large and small companies. Prior to joining Aclaris, Dr. Manion served as executive vice president of research and development at Arena Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by Pfizer Inc. Before joining Arena Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Manion served as chief executive officer of Kleo Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by BioHaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. Between 2005 and 2016, Dr. Manion served in roles of increasing responsibility at Bristol-Myers Squibb, or BMS, most recently as senior vice president, head of specialty development and head of R&D China and Japan. During his tenure at BMS, he held leadership roles overseeing global clinical research, clinical development, pharmacovigilance and biostatistics across various therapeutic areas, including virology, immunology, neurology, cardiology, metabolic diseases, genetically-defined diseases and fibrosis. Dr. Manion’s previous biopharmaceutical experience included leadership roles at GlaxoSmithKline, DuPont Pharmaceuticals and DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals. “I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead Aclaris,” stated Dr. Manion. “During the past year, Aclaris has retained industry leadership talent and experience to guide our company as we enter a period robust with planned key milestones across our lead clinical development programs that have emerged from the KINect® drug discovery platform. With the additions of Kevin and Matt into key roles, I am confident that the leadership team in place is optimized to execute across our strategic initiatives.” “Our board and leadership team have always been thoughtful and deliberate about how the company should evolve over time,” said Mr. Molineaux. “We believe Doug, an experienced executive working in both large and small life sciences companies, is the right CEO to deliver on our strategy and continue to build the company. On behalf of the board of directors, I also thank Neal for his leadership and dedication, having successfully shifted the company’s focus to immuno-inflammatory diseases, strengthened our balance sheet, and built a strong leadership team. We are grateful he will continue to provide Aclaris valuable advice and guidance in his new role as chair of the board of directors.” About Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates to address the needs of patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases who lack satisfactory treatment options. The company has a multi-stage portfolio of drug candidates powered by a robust R&D engine exploring protein kinase regulation. For additional information, please visit www.aclaristx.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on Aclaris’ current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements about Aclaris’ strategic direction, timing of its clinical development programs and the expected benefits of Aclaris’ leadership transition plan. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials, Aclaris’ reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, Aclaris’ ability to enter into strategic partnerships on commercially reasonable terms, the uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of Aclaris’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and other filings Aclaris makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These documents are available under the “SEC Filings” page of the “Investors” section of Aclaris’ website at www.aclaristx.com. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Aclaris as of the date of this release, and Aclaris assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Aclaris Therapeutics Contact: Robert A. Doody Jr.Vice President, Investor Relations484-639-7235rdoody@aclaristx.com