Cassava Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAVA) has appointed Freda Nassif as Chief Commercial Officer, effective November 18, 2024. This strategic move aims to bolster the company's commercial readiness as it anticipates topline results from the Phase 3 RETHINK-ALZ trial of its investigational drug, simufilam, for Alzheimer's disease by the end of 2024.
Leadership Perspective
"I am thrilled to expand Cassava's leadership team and welcome Freda Nassif as Chief Commercial Officer. She joins our company at a critical time, ahead of the release of topline results from RETHINK-ALZ, our first Phase 3 trial for simufilam, expected by the end of 2024, and potential product launch," said Rick Barry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Sciences. He emphasized Ms. Nassif's proven track record in developing and implementing effective commercial strategies for innovative medicines, highlighting her potential to contribute significantly to a robust commercial plan pending positive Phase 3 results and FDA approval.
Freda Nassif expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the commercial organization for a novel therapy at a time in which there are unprecedented challenges for people living with Alzheimer's Disease. Developing innovative commercial strategies has been the focus of my career and I look forward to bringing my experience to a company like Cassava that is committed to transforming the treatment paradigm."
Freda Nassif's Background
Ms. Nassif brings 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having led commercial teams to blockbuster status at Pfizer, Novartis Oncology, Merck & Company, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Her experience includes contributing to the commercial growth strategies of established and emerging brands such as Zepbound®, Entyvio®, Tzield®, Epclusa®, and Takhzyro®.
About Simufilam
Simufilam is an investigational, oral small molecule drug candidate currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. It targets filamin A, a scaffolding protein critical to certain receptor interactions in the brain. Cassava Sciences believes simufilam can interrupt amyloid-β42 binding to receptors in the brain, potentially affecting the Alzheimer's disease process. Cassava Sciences holds exclusive worldwide rights to its investigational product candidates and related technologies.
Alzheimer's Disease Context
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. Current treatments offer limited symptomatic relief, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Cassava Sciences aims to address this unmet need with simufilam, which has a unique mechanism of action compared to existing therapies.
