Semma Therapeutics expands leadership team, luring Novartis execs

US biotech firm Semma Therapeutics today announced the appointments of: David Lebwohl as chief medical officer; David DiGiusto as chief technology officer; and Ann Darda as head of human resources.

“We are pleased to welcome Drs Lebwohl, DiGiusto, and Ms Darda to Semma,” said Bastiano Sanna, chief executive and president, Semma Therapeutics, adding: “Cell therapy is exciting and challenging, and their combined experience and deep expertise in the field, both scientific and organizational, will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and soon expand to clinical proof of concept. I look forward to working closely with them.”

Dr Lebwohl brings decades of successful drug development experience, joining Semma from Novartis (NOVN: VX), where he served as senior vice president and franchise global program head of the CAR T team. Dr Lebwohl lead the development of Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel, resulting in the approval of the first BLA for a CAR T therapy worldwide. Before that, he served as global head of oncology clinical development and global program head for Afinitor, an oral mTOR inhibitor, within Novartis, where he was responsible for its development from Phase I through five NDA/MAA approvals.