Sling Therapeutics, Inc. has announced the appointment of Andrew Guggenhime, a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, to its Board of Directors. The move comes as Sling Therapeutics focuses on the late-stage development of linsitinib, an oral small molecule being investigated for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). Guggenhime's appointment is expected to bolster Sling's strategic and financial capabilities as it advances its clinical programs.
Ryan Zeidan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Sling Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of Guggenhime's experience, stating, "Andrew is a distinguished and highly respected leader in the biotech industry, and we are pleased to welcome him to our Board of Directors. He brings unparalleled operational, strategic and financial experience, all of which will be critical as we continue to gain momentum and advance our clinical programs."
Guggenhime's Background and Industry Experience
Guggenhime brings nearly three decades of experience in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. He currently serves as President and Chief Financial Officer of Vaxcyte, Inc. His previous roles include CFO positions at Dermira, Inc. (acquired by Eli Lilly and Company), Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc.), and Facet Biotech Corporation (acquired by Abbott Laboratories).
Linsitinib: A Potential Oral Treatment for TED
Sling Therapeutics' lead product candidate, linsitinib, is currently in a Phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of TED. The company aims to provide a convenient oral treatment option for patients. Current treatments often involve invasive procedures associated with potential adverse events.
"I was drawn to Sling by its compelling clinical program which has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of thyroid eye disease, an underserved market for which existing treatment options are generally invasive," said Mr. Guggenhime. "I believe Sling has the opportunity to potentially transform the treatment of this disease through its lead candidate, linsitinib, which is an oral treatment designed to offer a more convenient and patient-centric option."
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Overview
TED is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 70,000 people in the U.S. annually, with similar prevalence in Europe. The disease is characterized by inflammation and excess tissue growth behind the eyes, often leading to eye bulging, pain, and double vision. TED is frequently associated with Graves' disease and predominantly affects women. The dysfunction in the IGF-1R signaling pathway leads to a prevalence of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibodies (TSHR-Abs) that drive excess fibrous tissue growth behind the eyes.
Sling Therapeutics' Focus
Sling Therapeutics is dedicated to developing an oral small molecule for TED treatment. Linsitinib, their lead candidate, has shown promise in preclinical and clinical data, suggesting it could reduce the treatment burden for individuals with TED.
