VectorY Therapeutics announced the appointment of Jessica Atkinson as Chief Business Officer, marking a strategic leadership expansion for the biotechnology company focused on developing vectorized antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The newly created position will see Atkinson partner with CEO Jim Scibetta and the management team to develop long-term business and commercial strategies while driving strategic partnerships.
Executive Leadership Addition
Atkinson brings over two decades of business development and commercialization experience across biopharmaceutical companies and innovative startups. Her career includes leadership roles at ImmuneID, Glympse Bio, and Foundation Medicine, where she spearheaded strategic partnerships and corporate strategy initiatives. She also held roles of increasing responsibility over seven years in the U.S. commercial organization of Merck & Co. Most recently, Atkinson served as a fractional CBO or strategic advisor to multiple early-stage biotech companies through her consulting firm, TwoStep Advisors.
"I'm delighted to welcome Jessica to VectorY," said Jim Scibetta, chief executive officer of VectorY Therapeutics. "Her proven expertise in shaping strategy and driving successful transactions across all stages of drug development will be invaluable as we advance our pipeline and pursue new opportunities. Jessica's collaborative approach and strategic vision make her an ideal addition to our leadership team."
Strategic Focus on Neurodegenerative Diseases
VectorY's mission centers on providing people with neurodegenerative diseases a longer, better life through transformative vectorized antibody treatments. The company's platform combines therapeutic antibodies with one-time AAV-based delivery to the central nervous system, targeting diseases such as ALS and Huntington's disease.
"VectorY's pioneering approach to developing vectorized antibody therapeutics holds immense promise for patients with neurodegenerative diseases," said Atkinson. "I look forward to working closely with the management and research teams to further develop our corporate strategy and to create transformative alliances and business collaborations that support the company's mission and long-term success."
Company Platform and Expertise
VectorY's unique in-house expertise spans antibodies, AAV vectors, protein degradation, manufacturing and neuroscience, which drives the rapid development of disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company's vectorized antibody approach represents a novel therapeutic strategy combining the precision of antibodies with gene therapy delivery methods.
Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas, Austin. She has been an advocate for encouraging women to pursue careers in science and volunteers with Mass General Cancer Center's Peer Mentoring program that offers patients and family members the opportunity to speak by telephone one-to-one with an experienced patient.
