– Mr. Smith is a recognized leader in the commercialization of PAH products, most recently leading sotatercept US pre-launch activities at Merck –
– Previously, Mr. Smith led US sales operations for Actelion –
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gossamer Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOSS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of seralutinib for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), today announced the appointment of Bob Smith as its Chief Commercial Officer.
“We are proud to welcome Bob Smith to the Gossamer team and his 30 years of expertise at this critical time in our company’s history,” said Faheem Hasnain, Chairman, Co-Founder and CEO of Gossamer Bio.
“With Bob’s arrival, Gossamer is well-positioned to transition itself from a pre-commercial, clinical-stage biotechnology company to a fully integrated commercial organization focused on bringing seralutinib to patients with pulmonary hypertension. Given his distinguished experience as a senior commercial leader at both Merck and Actelion, and having launched significant PAH brands, we are confident that Bob is the best person for this key role, and we appreciate the confidence that such an accomplished commercial professional has shown in seralutinib by joining Gossamer Bio.”
“I am excited to join the Gossamer Bio team at this pivotal time and to contribute to its mission to enhance the lives of patients living with pulmonary hypertension,” said Mr. Smith. “I believe that seralutinib has the potential to be a treatment paradigm-altering therapeutic in PAH. The mechanism of action, convenience, safety profile seen to date, and the possibility of reverse remodeling are all potential differentiators in a life-threatening disease with high unmet need. I look forward to getting this important and needed treatment to patients.”
Mr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in pharmaceuticals, with a strong focus on PAH and rare disease. Since January 2023, Mr. Smith has been the National Sales Lead in charge of preparing for the potential launch of sotatercept for the treatment of PAH in the US at Merck & Co. Prior to this, Mr. Smith was the President of LTM Pharma Consulting, where he helped build strategic brand, launch and organization plans for pre-commercial rare disease companies.
Previously, until 2018, Mr. Smith was the Senior Vice President of Sales and Executive Leadership Team member at Actelion, where he spent more than eleven years in various senior commercial leadership roles. As the principal sales leader, Mr. Smith managed all U.S. sales operations, including sales, training, sales operations, patient & professional advocacy, key customer engagement and territory management.
Mr. Smith spearheaded two successful blockbuster PAH drug launches, OPSUMIT and UPTRAVI, which ultimately led to the purchase of Actelion by Johnson & Johnson in 2017 for $30 billion.
Before joining Actelion, Mr. Smith held various pharmaceutical marketing and sales leadership roles, with a focus on cardiovascular franchises, at Nuvelo, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Mr. Smith received a B.B.A. in Marketing from Texas A&M University.
About Gossamer Bio
Gossamer Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of seralutinib for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its goal is to be an industry leader in, and to enhance the lives of patients living with, pulmonary hypertension.
Forward-Looking Statements
Gossamer cautions you that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected transition to a commercial organization and the potential differentiators of seralutinib to patients. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Gossamer that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Gossamer’s business, including, without limitation: potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; disruption to our operations from the COVID-19 pandemic, including clinical trial delays; the Company’s dependence on third parties in connection with product manufacturing, research and preclinical and clinical testing; the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results; the success of Gossamer’s clinical trials and preclinical studies for seralutinib; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate efficacy of seralutinib that may limit their development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization, or may result in clinical holds, recalls or product liability claims; Gossamer’s ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for seralutinib; Gossamer’s ability to comply with its obligations in collaboration agreements with third parties or the agreements under which it licenses intellectual property rights from third parties; unstable market and economic conditions and adverse developments with respect to financial institutions and associated liquidity risk may adversely affect our business and financial condition and the broader economy and biotechnology industry; Gossamer may use its capital resources sooner than it expects; and other risks described in the Company’s prior press releases and the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Gossamer undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Contacts
Bryan Giraudo, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Gossamer Bio Investor Relations
ir@gossamerbio.com