Homology Medicines Appoints James Warren, Ph.D. as Vice President of Manufacturing

LEXINGTON, Mass., June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Homology Medicines, Inc., a recently formed genetic medicines company translating proprietary, next generation gene editing and gene therapy technologies into novel treatments for patients with rare diseases, today announced that James Warren, Ph.D. has joined as Vice President of Manufacturing. Dr. Warren joins Homology Medicines from bluebird bio where he was responsible for vector development and manufacturing.  In his new role at Homology Medicines, Dr. Warren reunites with former colleagues with whom he worked while leading Shire's gene therapy process development and manufacturing strategy.

"With Jim on board, we know that Homology has the best in the business when it comes to managing gene therapy vector programs and ensuring the highest quality CMC development and commercial capabilities," said Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Homology Medicines. "I know I speak for the rest of the management team, with whom Jim has worked with before and who have great respect for his knowledge, expertise and leadership in technology transfer, bioprocess development, and viral vector manufacturing, in welcoming him to Homology.  We will value his many contributions as we continue to advance our preclinical programs into the clinic and through to treatments and cures for patients suffering from genetic diseases."        

Dr. Warren has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, with a focus in bioprocess development, manufacturing, and project leadership in the development of viral vectors, viral vaccines, and biologics. Most recently he was the Senior Director of Vector Development and Manufacturing at bluebird bio, where he led teams responsible for process, analytical development and external manufacturing of gene therapy vector products supporting both early pipeline programs and MAA/BLA enabling activities for lead programs. Prior to bluebird, Jim was at Shire, where he led teams in the early and late stage development of clinical and commercial therapeutic protein product candidates, and doubled as CMC development lead for Shire's gene therapy vector programs. Earlier in his career, Jim spent 16 years at Merck & Co., Inc., where he led process development, technology transfer, and manufacturing sciences teams with direct contributions to the development of several clinical vector and vaccine candidates and the licensure of multiple commercial vaccines (RotaTeq®, Varivax®, ProQuad®, and Zostavax®).  Before that, Dr. Warren was a key member of the technology transfer team at Schering Plough Corporation responsible for delivering the vector product bioreactor process technology for clinical production. Dr. Warren holds BS/MS degrees in Biotechnology from William Paterson University and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Lehigh University. 

"As the potential of gene editing continues to gain broader attention and acceptance, Homology's next generation gene editing and gene transfer capabilities stands apart in the unique way that it uses a natural biological mechanism to correct the genetic cause of disease," said James Warren, Ph.D., VP of Manufacturing at Homology Medicines, Inc. "I am excited to be collaborating once again with colleagues that I have worked with in the past to translate gene therapies into treatments for patients who are in desperate need of a cure."  

About Homology Medicines, Inc.
Homology is a genetic medicines company translating proprietary, next generation gene editing and gene therapy technologies into novel treatments for patients with rare diseases. The combination of a management team that has successfully developed and commercialized rare disease therapies, and a new multidimensional technology platform uniquely positions the Company to move beyond the current limitations of gene therapy and editing approaches to improve patient care.  Homology Medicines has built foundational intellectual property on gene editing and gene therapy using vectors derived from naturally occurring human adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).  The Company's technology is precise, on-target and highly efficient for in vivo editing of genetic mutations.  The unique team and technology create a significant opportunity for Homology to rapidly advance a diverse pipeline of new medicines that address and potentially cure the underlying cause of genetic diseases.  For more information, please visit http://www.homologymedicines.com.

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SOURCE Homology Medicines, Inc.

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