Agilis Biotherapeutics Names George Zorich CEO - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Agilis Biotherapeutics, LLC, a synthetic biology-based company focused on developing DNA-based therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, announced the appointment of George Zorich as the company's Chief Executive.

Previously, Zorich served as President of General Injectables and Vaccines, Inc., President of U.S. operations for Sabex USA, and President of North American operations for Bioniche Pharma, three enterprises that were sold to global pharmaceutical companies under Zorich's leadership. Zorich began his career with Eli Lilly and Co. and has held various executive roles across a variety of businesses, including branded products, generics, and distribution.

In a separate press release, Agilis Biotherapeutics said the company has completed an $8 million dollar financing. Also, the company and Intrexon Corporation (XON), a leader in synthetic biology, announced an Exclusive Channel Collaboration to develop DNA-based therapeutics for Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease.

FRDA is an inherited disease caused by a gene mutation that reduces the expression of frataxin, a protein localized in the "power center" of cells known as the mitochondria, and results in a physically debilitating, life-shortening condition.