AVM Biotechnology hires executive team for Oncology & COVID-19 clinical trials

Seattle's AVM Biotechnology, an up-and-coming biotech firm whose lead molecule, AVM0703, has received FDA permission to begin clinical trials treating no-option Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is applying to begin trials treating moderate-severely ill COVID-19 patients, announced today the hiring of Janet R. Rea, MSPH, as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Rea will lead operations and direct regulatory affairs as the company conducts clinical trials and brings AVM0703 to market. "I am delighted that Janet Rea will join our team at AVM Biotechnology as the Chief Operating Officer. Having worked with Janet during a pivotal time at Protein Sciences while pursuing Flublok® FDA approval," said Dr. Manon Cox, AVM Biotechnology's Executive Board Member, "I know that her passion for quality and her tremendous experience in the transition from development into commercialization is exactly what we need at this crucial time at AVM now that our lead product is moving into the clinic." Janet R. Rea, MSPH, RAC, brings over 35 years of industry leadership experience in clinical development through commercialization in biologics and small molecules, with focus on oncology, infectious diseases, orphan and rare diseases. She obtained her B.S. in microbiology and M.S. in Public Health from the University of Washington. Her career in the healthcare industry began with then-American Hospital Supply Corporation (now Baxter), followed by Genetic Systems. Ms. Rea was an early employee of Seattle-based Immunex Corporation, where she played a key role in the company's first licensed product, Leukine®. She held positions with increasing levels of responsibility with MDS Pharma and Targeted Genetics, as well as executive positions with AVI BioPharma (now Sarepta), Poniard Pharmaceuticals and Protein Sciences Corporation (acquired by Sanofi), and Therapeutic Proteins International. Most recently, she was SVP of Regulatory, Quality and Clinical Affairs at Atossa Therapeutics (Genetics) with focus on breast cancer and COVID-19 therapy development. She has also operated a consulting practice to both small and large organizations and has lectured at the University of Washington for the Biomedical Regulatory Affairs Certificate and Master's Program, where she also served as a part–time Assistant Clinical Professor for two years. Ms. Rea will serve as a non-voting member of AVM's Board of Directors.