Follica Adds Two Leaders in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology to Its Board of Directors
14 January 2021 - 10:50PM
Business Wire
Bringing a depth of expertise in product
registration, commercial & business development
Tom Wiggans, former CEO of Dermira, joins as
Executive Chairman
Michael Davin, former CEO of Cynosure, joins
Board of Directors
Follica Inc. (“Follica”), a biotechnology company developing a
regenerative platform designed to treat androgenetic alopecia,
epithelial aging and other related conditions, today announced the
appointment of two veteran biotech executives to its Board of
Directors.
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Follica announced the appointment of two
veteran biotech executives to its Board of Directors. Tom Wiggans,
former CEO of Dermira, joins as Executive Chairman, and Michael
Davin, former CEO of Cynosure, joins as an independent member.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Tom Wiggans joins as Executive Chairman with over 30 years of
experience leading biopharmaceutical companies from the start-up
stage to global commercialization. Mr. Wiggans most recently
co-founded and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Dermira, a company developing new therapies for chronic skin
conditions. He led the company through two Phase 3 trials that
resulted in U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of its lead
therapy, Qbrexza® (glycopyrronium), and the advancement into Phase
3 of its novel monoclonal antibody for atopic dermatitis. Mr.
Wiggans guided Dermira through Eli Lilly’s acquisition of the
company for approximately $1.1 billion in January of 2020.
Michael Davin joins as an independent member of the Board of
Directors. Mr. Davin brings to Follica over 30 years of experience
in the medical device industry, including 14 years as Chief
Executive Officer at Cynosure, which develops and manufactures
medical and aesthetic treatments for skin revitalization, scar
reduction, hair removal and more. He led the company through an
IPO, international expansion and its acquisition by Hologic, Inc.
for $1.65 billion in 2017.
“We are very pleased to welcome Tom and Michael to the Follica
board,” said Jason Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Officer of Follica.
“They bring valuable insights in both product and business
development, with particular expertise in dermatology and aesthetic
medicine. This is an exciting time of growth for Follica, as we
prepare to launch a Phase 3 study in male androgenetic alopecia
this year. We look forward to working closely with Tom and Michael
to drive our strategy through this pivotal trial.”
Prior to founding Dermira, Mr. Wiggans served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Peplin, Inc.
until Peplin’s acquisition by LEO Pharma A/S. He has served on the
boards of multiple companies, including Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
until its acquisition by Amgen. In addition, Mr. Wiggans was
instrumental in the formation of Biotechnology Innovation
Organization (BIO) and served on its Board of Directors for many
years. He is currently on the Board of Directors at Annexon
Biosciences and Forma Therapeutics. He is also a member of the
Board of Trustees of the University of Kansas Endowment
Association. He holds a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of
Kansas and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
“Follica’s platform has strong potential across several
important indications, including the lead indication androgenetic
alopecia, a condition with tremendous unsatisfied need with
approximately 90 million men and women affected in the United
States alone,” said Mr. Wiggans. “I’m pleased to join the team to
help guide clinical and business strategy through its continued
development of a potential treatment for this condition, which
could have a significant impact for the broad range of individuals
who have long been seeking a more effective approach to growing new
hair.”
Before joining Cynosure, Mr. Davin served as a Co-Founder and
Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Strategic Development of
Cutera, Inc., a provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic
treatment systems. Mr. Davin holds Board of Director positions at
Allurion Technologies, Inkbit Technologies, 15-40 Connection and
OpenTable. He holds a B.S. and B.A. from Southern New Hampshire
University.
“Follica has made excellent progress in advancing a novel
treatment for hair loss, a condition that has serious implications
for both men and women,” said Mr. Davin. “I look forward to working
alongside my fellow board members and the management team as we
advance the program for our first indication and explore the
scientific potential in related conditions.”
About Follica
Follica is a biotechnology company developing a regenerative
platform designed to treat androgenetic alopecia, epithelial aging
and other related conditions. Founded by PureTech Health (LSE:
PRTC, Nasdaq: PRTC), a co-inventor of the current platform, and a
group of world-renowned experts in hair follicle biology and
regenerative medicine, Follica’s experimental treatment platform is
designed to induce an embryonic window via a device with optimized
parameters to initiate hair follicle neogenesis, the formation of
new hair follicles from epithelial (skin) stem cells. This process
is enhanced through the application of a topical compound. Follica
completed a safety and efficacy optimization study in 2019, and its
Phase 3 registration program in male androgenetic alopecia is
expected to begin in 2021. Follica’s technology is based on work
originating from the University of Pennsylvania that has been
further developed by Follica’s internal program. Follica’s
extensive IP portfolio includes IP exclusively licensed from the
University of Pennsylvania as well as Follica-owned IP.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210114005208/en/
Investors Allison Mead Talbot +1 617 651 3156
amt@puretechhealth.com U.S. media Stephanie Simon +1 617 581
9333 stephanie@tenbridgecommunications.com
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