SEED Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering targeted protein degradation (TPD), announced the appointment of Dr. Bill Desmarais, Ph.D., MBA, as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer. The strategic hire comes as the company prepares to advance its differentiated pipeline into clinical trials and expand global partnerships.
Strategic Leadership Addition
Dr. Lan Huang, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SEED, emphasized the timing of the appointment: "Bill's appointment comes at a pivotal time as SEED advances its differentiated pipeline into clinical trials and expands global strategic partnerships. His extensive experience in high-impact transactions and strategic licensing will strengthen SEED's ability to accelerate breakthrough therapies in oncology, neurodegeneration, and immunology through our proprietary RITE3™ TPD platform."
Dr. Desmarais brings more than two decades of leadership experience in finance, business development, and strategic operations within the biopharma and biotech industries. His track record includes serving as Chief Business Officer at Alchemab Therapeutics and TScan Therapeutics, as well as Vice President of Business Development at Momenta Pharmaceuticals, where he played a critical role in the company's $6.5 billion acquisition by Johnson & Johnson.
Industry Experience and Credentials
Earlier in his career, Dr. Desmarais spent over a decade at Eli Lilly and Company in Search & Evaluation and Corporate Business Development, focusing on global partnerships and pipeline expansion. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biophysics and Structural Biology from Brandeis University, an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a B.S. in Biology from Purdue University.
"I am excited to join SEED at this transformative moment, working alongside an exceptional team of leaders and innovators," said Dr. Desmarais. "I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Lan Huang and her distinguished SEED Co-Founders—Nobel Laureate Avram Hershko and HHMI Investigators Michele Pagano and Ning Zheng—who are at the forefront of breakthrough research in targeted protein degradation."
Platform and Pipeline Development
SEED Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of first-in-class degraders aimed at traditionally undruggable targets across oncology, neurodegeneration, immunology, and virology through its proprietary RITE3™ TPD platform. The company focuses on discovering novel molecular glues and bifunctional degraders to advance targeted protein degradation therapeutics.
The company has established strategic collaborations with industry leaders Eli Lilly and Company and Eisai Co., Ltd., reinforcing its commitment to developing innovative therapies. SEED's lead RBM39 degrader program is expected to enter clinical trials in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's development trajectory.
Dr. Desmarais noted the company's comprehensive expertise: "SEED's world-class translational scientists, drug developers, and deeply engaged Board of Directors bring unparalleled expertise across science, finance, risk management, law, and governance. Together, we will advance SEED's groundbreaking strategy, forge key alliances, and drive meaningful impact for patients and stakeholders worldwide."
