PHILADELPHIA, PA — Latus Bio has appointed biotechnology executive Bethany Mancilla as chief business officer, bringing in a veteran corporate development leader as the gene therapy company prepares to advance its lead Huntington’s disease program into clinical testing and pursue partnership opportunities.
The hire comes at a pivotal stage for the privately held biotechnology company as it transitions toward becoming a clinical-stage developer and seeks to expand its pipeline of gene therapy candidates.
Mancilla most recently served as chief business officer at Capsida Biotherapeutics, where she oversaw corporate development, strategy and partnerships. According to Latus, transactions completed during her tenure generated more than $250 million in non-dilutive funding.
Her appointment signals an increased focus on business development and strategic partnerships, a common priority for emerging biotechnology companies seeking capital, development support and commercialization pathways for experimental therapies.
Prior to Capsida, Mancilla held senior leadership positions at Cue Biopharma, Kite Pharma and Amgen.
During more than six years at Amgen, she rose to vice president of business development, overseeing licensing, co-development and merger-and-acquisition transactions across multiple therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders.
Earlier in her career, Mancilla led business development efforts at Micromet and helped establish a partnership that preceded Amgen’s acquisition of the company.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. P. Peter Ghoroghchian pointed to Mancilla’s transaction experience as the company advances LTS-201, its lead Huntington’s disease candidate, and evaluates future partnerships.
“Bethany has spent her career translating differentiated science into high-value transactions,” Ghoroghchian stated. “Her leadership will be integral as we advance our strategy and pursue partnerships that extend the reach of our programs and platform.”
Mancilla characterized Latus as entering an inflection point as it approaches clinical development and highlighted the company’s efforts to expand its gene therapy platform through strategic collaborations.
“Latus is at a true inflection point as it transitions into a clinical-stage company,” Mancilla stated.
Latus is developing gene therapies for neurological diseases and is advancing programs focused on Huntington’s disease and other disorders with significant unmet medical needs.
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