Cassava Sciences (NASDAQ: SAVA) has appointed Freda Nassif as Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Nassif, an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with 25 years of experience, will report to President and CEO Rick Barry. This strategic move comes as Cassava Sciences anticipates the release of topline data from its first Phase 3 trial, RETHINK-ALZ, for simufilam, an investigational drug for Alzheimer's disease, expected before the end of 2024.
Nassif's appointment signals Cassava's preparation for the potential commercialization of simufilam, pending positive clinical trial results and FDA approval. Her extensive background includes leading commercial teams to blockbuster status at Pfizer, Novartis, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb. She has also partnered with Fortune 100 life science, pharma, and biotech companies, contributing to the commercial growth strategies of high-value brands such as Zepbound®, Entyvio®, Tzield®, Epclusa®, and Takhzyro®.
Leadership Perspectives
"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. He added, "Pending positive simufilam Phase 3 results and FDA approval, we believe Freda’s extensive expertise will be invaluable to the development of a robust commercial plan. She will play a key role in helping to realize our ambitious goal of reimagining the treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s disease."
Nassif expressed her enthusiasm, 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."
Simufilam's Clinical Development
Simufilam is an investigational oral, small molecule drug candidate currently being evaluated in two Phase 3 clinical trials for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Cassava Sciences believes simufilam interrupts amyloid-β42 binding to receptors in the brain and may affect the Alzheimer's disease process. The company owns exclusive, worldwide rights to its investigational product candidates and related technologies, without royalty obligations to any third party.
About Cassava Sciences
Cassava Sciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Austin, Texas, focused on developing a novel treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
