Research Associate I/II, Biology

We are a close-knit, driven, and patient-focused team of drug discovery and precision oncology experts bringing a new dimension to precision oncology. We have discovered new ways to selectively inhibit oncogenic drivers with small molecules that conditionally modulate proteins in their functional state. Our conditional inhibitors are unlocking critical and elusive cancer targets including TEAD and CDK2.

We are looking for a driven, collaborative Research Associate to join our growing Biology team. The Research Associate will be responsible for developing innovative cellular assays to enable cancer drug discovery and validating potential drug targets using the latest genetic technology. A successful candidate will be a team player with intellectual curiosity who seeks a scientifically rigorous environment for their career development in drug discovery.

We view you as a key contributor whose contributions will be critical to our success. Your job responsibilities will include:

Design, develop and execute cancer biology experiments focused on the identification and validation of new drug targets
Design, develop, optimize, and execute cellular assays to support drug discovery programs and characterize mechanism of action for drug candidates
Proactively review literature to bring in newest scientific findings, ideas, and methods/technologies for discovery research
Interpret, summarize, and present research findings in internal scientific meetings
Actively participate in and collaborate with multidisciplinary drug discovery teams
Support the management of ongoing work at external CROs

Some of the key requirements in your background are:

BS or MS in Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics or related discipline
1+ years of Cell biology skills working with established cell lines
Experience in cancer biology and drug discovery preferred
Expertise with all or some of the following: mammalian cell culture, genetic engineering (siRNA, shRNA, sgRNA, CRISPR knock-in), transfections and transductions, cell-based assays (proliferation, apoptosis, viability, reporter), Western blotting, ELISA, cellular immunostaining, flow cytometry/cell sorting
Familiarity with molecular biology and cloning
Outstanding interpersonal skills, thriving in a “teach and learn” environment
Collaborative, flexible, and a “go-getter” mentality
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong organizational and problem-solving abilities

To apply, please submit your resume to careers@cedillatx.com

Cedilla Therapeutics to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., February 4, 2022 – Cedilla Therapeutics, a biotechnology company bringing a new dimension to precision oncology, today announced that Alexandra Glucksmann, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer will present a corporate update at the following upcoming investor conferences in February:

4^thAnnual Guggenheim Oncology Conference. Company presentation on Friday, February 11, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
BMO Biopharma Spotlight Series: Proteins – Degraders and Other Next Gen Technologies. Company presentation on Thursday, February 24, at 10:55 a.m. ET.

About Cedilla Therapeutics
Cedilla Therapeutics is bringing a new dimension to precision oncology. We have discovered new ways to selectively inhibit oncogenic drivers with small molecules that conditionally modulate proteins in their functional state. Our conditional inhibitors are unlocking critical and elusive cancer targets including TEAD and CDK2. We are a driven and patient-focused team. Follow our journey at www.cedillatx.com and LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:
Hannah Deresiewicz
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
hannah.deresiewicz@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Carolyn Noyes
MacDougall Advisors
cedillatx@macdougall.bio

Cedilla Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments Across R&D And Finance

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cedilla Therapeutics, a biotechnology company bringing a new dimension to precision oncology, today announced appointments across its research and development (R&D) and finance teams, including Joshua Murtie, Ph.D., as Vice President of Biology and Chris Lindblom as Vice President of Finance. These hires are part of an ongoing initiative to expand Cedilla’s leadership and enable future growth as the company progresses its lead programs, conditional inhibitors of TEAD and CDK2, toward the clinic and continues to develop a broad portfolio of small molecule medicines that target key oncogenic drivers.

“We are delighted to expand our team with these key hires, who share our passion and commitment to developing targeted medicines that conditionally modulate proteins in their functional state,” said Alexandra Glucksmann, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedilla Therapeutics. “We look forward to Joshua and Chris’ many contributions as we continue to explore the power of our novel approach to access historically undruggable cancer drivers, advance our lead conditional inhibitor programs targeting TEAD and CDK2 into clinical development, and ultimately build Cedilla into a fully integrated organization and leader in precision medicine.”

Leadership Appointments:
Joshua Murtie, Ph.D., has been appointed Vice President of Biology. Dr. Murtie brings over ten years of industry experience to Cedilla. He worked most recently as Senior Director at Servier Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw cancer biology, in vivo pharmacology and early-stage program management at the company’s U.S. research site. Earlier, he spent nearly seven years at Agios Pharmaceuticals in roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Senior Director and Head of Cancer Biology, with responsibility for the strategic oversight of the company’s cancer biology portfolio from early target discovery to translational research. Prior to Agios Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Murtie worked as an investigator at Sanofi and Novartis. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed his research fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

“I am thrilled to join Cedilla, particularly as we prepare to advance our lead programs, targeting TEAD and CDK2, into investigational new drug application-enabling studies next year,” said Dr. Murtie. “Both TEAD and CDK2 are well-known yet elusive cancer targets, which, if drugged successfully, could benefit the lives of patients living with a broad range of solid tumors. I am incredibly impressed by the collaborative and innovative culture at Cedilla and look forward to working closely with the team to translate our research efforts into precision therapies for patients in need.”
Chris Lindblom has been appointed Vice President of Finance. Over the course of his 19 years in the biotechnology industry, Mr. Lindblom has crafted long-range financial plans for public and private companies and played a key role in helping companies raise capital through private equity rounds, venture debt deals and public offerings. Prior to joining Cedilla, Mr. Lindblom served as Vice President of Finance at IFM Therapeutics, Cogen Immune Medicine (through its merger with Torque Therapeutics to form Repertoire Immune Medicines) and Warp Drive Bio (through its acquisition by Revolution Medicines). Earlier, Mr. Lindblom held various senior finance roles at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, including through the commercial launch of VELCADE®, and at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. He also served as Vice President of Finance at OvaScience and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at BIND Therapeutics. Mr. Lindblom holds an MBA from Boston College and a B.S. in accounting from Syracuse University. He is also a CPA.

“Since its founding, Cedilla has attracted a strong team, including leading scientists and advisors and a robust investor syndicate, to support its mission to bring a new dimension to precision oncology and deliver medicines that can offer profound benefits to patients,” said Mr. Lindblom. “I am honored to take on this role and eager to partner with my new colleagues as we continue building Cedilla for its next phase of growth.”

Investor Contact:
Hannah Deresiewicz
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
hannah.deresiewicz@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Amanda Houlihan
MacDougall
cedillatx@macbiocom.com

Schroder Adveq

Jake Simson

Jake Simson is a Partner at RA Capital Management. Jake works on both public and private investments and serves as a Board Director for Xenikos, B.V, Janux Therapeutics, Tyra Biosciences, AavantiBio, and DiCE Molecules. Previously, Jake covered solid tumor oncology landscapes. Jake holds a B.S. in materials science and engineering from MIT and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. In his doctoral research, he investigated clinically translatable treatments for musculoskeletal tissue repair using injectable hydrogels.

Cedilla Therapeutics Completes $82.6M Series B Financing

Additional $25 million in funding and expansion of syndicate with leading healthcare funds, RA Capital Management, Janus Henderson Investors, Woodline Partners LP and Logos Capital

Jake Simson, Ph.D., Partner at RA Capital Management, joins Cedilla Board of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., October 25, 2021 – Cedilla Therapeutics, a biotechnology company bringing a new dimension to precision oncology, today announced that it has raised an additional $25 million in an expansion of its Series B financing, bringing the total amount raised to $82.6 million. The oversubscribed Series B expansion includes new investors RA Capital Management, Janus Henderson Investors, Woodline Partners LP and Logos Capital, along with participation from existing investor Third Rock Ventures.

“We are grateful for the support from our new and existing investors, which reflects the promise of our novel approach to conditionally modulating proteins as well as the unique potential of our lead programs, inhibitors against TEAD and CDK2, two critical but historically undruggable targets,” said Alexandra Glucksmann, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedilla Therapeutics. “With this financing, we plan to accelerate and expand our development efforts by progressing our most advanced programs toward the clinic while continuing to invest in ongoing discovery efforts against additional high value cancer targets.”

Proceeds from the financing will support Cedilla’s continued growth and development of its two lead programs, an inhibitor of TEAD for the treatment of solid tumors, such as mesothelioma and certain squamous cell carcinomas, and a highly selective inhibitor of CDK2/Cyclin E for the treatment of multiple tumor types, including CDK4/6-resistant breast cancer, ovarian, uterine, stomach and esophageal cancers. The company plans to initiate investigational new drug application-enabling studies for the TEAD program in the first half of 2022 and for the CDK2 program in the second half of 2022.

In conjunction with the financing, Jake Simson, Ph.D., Partner at RA Capital Management, joins Cedilla’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Glucksmann continued, “We are pleased to welcome Jake to our Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of experience advising companies from the earliest stages of company formation through their maturation into fully integrated biopharmaceutical organizations. We look forward to his many contributions as we continue to grow Cedilla into a clinical-stage organization with a robust and growing portfolio of product candidates.”

“Cedilla brings a new dimension to precision oncology by conditionally modulating proteins in their functional state,” said Jake Simson, Ph.D., Partner at RA Capital Management. “Preclinical data generated to-date suggest that Cedilla’s lead programs may challenge historical perceptions of TEAD and CDK2 as undruggable targets and could offer patients new options that would be well-tolerated and extremely effective. In addition, Cedilla’s approach, based on a deep understanding of how the cellular context modulates protein activity, could deliver superior inhibitors against a range of other key cancer drivers. I look forward to partnering with the team with the aim to deliver a broad portfolio of small molecule medicines, each with potential profound benefit to patients.”

Investor Contact:
Hannah Deresiewicz
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
hannah.deresiewicz@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Amanda Houlihan
MacDougall
cedillatx@macbiocom.com

Cedilla Therapeutics Unveils Lead Programs for the Conditional Inhibition of TEAD and CDK2, Two High Value and Historically Undruggable Cancer Drivers

–Conditional modulation of proteins in their functional state opens a new dimension in precision oncology–

–IND-enabling studies expected to initiate in 1H 2022 for TEAD program and in 2H 2022 for CDK2 program–

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., October 21, 2021 – Cedilla Therapeutics, a biotechnology company bringing a new dimension to precision oncology, today revealed its two lead conditional inhibitor programs: an inhibitor of TEAD for the treatment of solid tumors, such as mesothelioma and certain squamous cell carcinomas; and a highly selective inhibitor of CDK2 for the treatment of multiple tumor types, including CDK4/6-resistant breast cancer, ovarian, uterine, stomach, and esophageal cancers. Both programs are wholly owned by Cedilla. In addition, Cedilla is pursuing discovery research efforts against a portfolio of high value cancer targets.

“Over the past three years, we have built an integrated suite of capabilities that enable us to understand the relevant functional states of important yet elusive cancer targets, and identify previously unrecognized small molecule binding sites,” said Alexandra Glucksmann, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedilla Therapeutics. “Today, we are excited to announce our two lead programs from our internal efforts to discover conditional inhibitors: an inhibitor of TEAD and a highly selective inhibitor of CDK2. We look forward to advancing these programs closer to the clinic and creating novel medicines with the potential to deliver profound benefit to patients.”

The discovery of both programs was enabled by Cedilla’s novel approach to developing small molecule conditional inhibitors. Cedilla recognizes proteins as dynamic entities, whose function is orchestrated by inter-molecular associations and post-translational tailoring. By accounting for the native full-length protein with relevant post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions and sub-cellular localization, Cedilla is able to understand proteins in their functional state to discover new ways to access key cancer drivers that have been considered undruggable.

“Since our founding, we have worked to develop a deep understanding of high-value, historically inaccessible targets, and to identify new vulnerabilities that may enable us to drug them more effectively, delivering superior clinical benefit,” said Brian Jones, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer. “Based on preclinical data, I believe our TEAD and CDK2 programs have clear advantages relative to historical approaches, offering the opportunity for preferential clinical utility, in terms of targeted efficacy or combinability with other therapeutic mechanisms. We look forward to advancing both programs into IND-enabling studies next year.”

About Cedilla’s TEAD Program

TEAD (transcriptional enhanced associate domain) is a key component of the Hippo signaling pathway that is aberrantly regulated in solid tumors such as mesothelioma and certain squamous cell carcinomas. TEAD is also increasingly implicated in resistance to targeted therapies, including those for the treatment of EGFR-mutated and KRAS-mutated lung cancer.

Cedilla’s program is designed to inhibit the function of TEAD by preventing a post-translational modification required for full function. The company’s portfolio of TEAD inhibitors encompasses multiple chemotypes with different effects on TEAD isoforms and cofactors, providing Cedilla a range of starting points for selecting a candidate with an optimal profile for effective and combinable TEAD inhibition. Cedilla plans to be conducting investigational new drug (IND) application-enabling studies in the first half of 2022.

About Cedilla’s CDK2 Program

CDK2 (cyclin dependent kinase 2) has been a major target of interest for cancer indications driven by amplification or high levels of Cyclin E, including in roughly half of patients with CDK4/6-resistant breast cancer. In addition, Cyclin E amplification drives genetically defined subsets of ovarian, uterine, stomach and esophageal cancers. The CDK2-Cyclin E cancer node has remained inaccessible due to challenges achieving selectivity over other CDKs (cyclin dependent kinases), particularly CDK1, and Cyclin E isoforms.

Cedilla has developed a unique series of inhibitors that bind to a previously unreported site on the CDK2-Cyclin E complex with unprecedented selectivity, potentially offering a substantial advance over two decades of industry efforts. Preclinical characterization suggests that the exquisite selectivity of Cedilla’s inhibitor could result in a better safety profile compared to traditional kinase inhibitors, particularly with respect to dose-limiting hematological toxicities. Cedilla plans to be conducting IND application-enabling studies in the second half of 2022. In addition, based on its unique insights into Cyclin biology, Cedilla has the potential to pursue additional drug discovery programs against related targets.

About Cedilla Therapeutics

Cedilla Therapeutics is bringing a new dimension to precision oncology. We have discovered new ways to selectively inhibit oncogenic drivers with small molecules that conditionally modulate proteins in their functional state. Our conditional inhibitors are unlocking critical and elusive cancer targets including TEAD and CDK2. We are a driven and patient-focused team. Follow our journey at www.cedillatx.com and LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:
Hannah Deresiewicz
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
hannah.deresiewicz@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Amanda Houlihan
MacDougall
cedillatx@macbiocom.com

Associate Director / Director, Preclinical Project Management

You are a drug discovery scientist with experience leading program management for late lead optimization through IND-filing. As the Preclinical Project Manager you will work with preclinical project teams and scientific leadership, helping to develop, drive and coordinate project strategy and execution. Ideally with a scientific drug discovery background, you would draw on successful project management experience, obtained in a biotech or pharma setting. Intellectual and scientific curiosity, flexibility, personal motivation and drive are key attributes for all members of our team.

We view you as a key leader/scientist in the company, whose contributions will be critical to the success of our endeavor. Your role would include:

Leads program management activities for late lead optimization through development candidate selection, preclinical development and IND-filing.
Supports the project leaders and the project team in the development of the program strategy for selection of the development candidate and progression into clinical development, by planning and tracking activities in late lead optimization, pre-clinical development, through IND filing.
In support of project leaders, create integrated development plans, develop and analyze program strategies/costs/risks and revise plans accordingly. Identify, track, and support resolution efforts for all program-related issues.
Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs around IND preparation to ensure team-based approach with efficient workflow.
Facilitate resolution of conflicts between functional groups while maintaining objectivity
Builds team spirit and positive team environment.
Mentor, supervise and encourage development of scientists working in pre-clinical development.

Some of the highlights of your background are:

10+ years of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
3+ years in a program management role. Hands on experience in leading program management activities for programs in preclinical development.
Strong scientific background in Biology, Chemistry, or other area of drug discovery or clinical development. Postgraduate degree in the sciences a plus.
Oncology experience strongly preferred.
Able to handle complexity and ambiguity as well as be able to prioritize effectively
Demonstrated ability to lead by influence, cross-functionally.
Must have the ability to motivate others, prioritize multiple tasks, and maintain positive interpersonal skills.
Must be able to clearly communicate complex program information in formal and informal settings.
Good conflict resolution and problem-solving skills are a must.
Experience setting and maintaining budgets.
Knowledge of project management tools (GANTs, Excel, etc.).

*To apply, please submit your resume to careers@cedillatx.com

Cedilla Therapeutics Appoints Chris Bowden, M.D. to its Board of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 21, 2021 – Cedilla Therapeutics, a venture-backed preclinical biotechnology company developing novel small molecules for cancer and other diseases, today announced the appointment of Chris Bowden, M.D., to its Board of Directors.

“Chris brings tremendous industry experience to Cedilla, with more than two decades of oncology drug development leadership, having successfully brought multiple novel medicines to market,” said Alexandra Glucksmann, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedilla Therapeutics. “His insights will be particularly valuable as we prepare to nominate our first two precision therapeutic oncology drug candidates. We look forward to his many contributions as we advance our lead programs and work to build a broad portfolio of small molecule medicines that can redirect the course of disease and deliver profound benefit to patients.”

Dr. Bowden joined Agios as Chief Medical Officer in May 2014, leading clinical development activities that resulted in the TIBSOVO® approvals for IDH1 mutation positive acute myeloid leukemia in the U.S. Prior to joining Agios, Dr. Bowden was vice president product development oncology, franchise lead (Signaling Group) at Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche Group. During Dr. Bowden’s eight years at Genentech, he was responsible for the successful development of a number of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Zelboraf™ for patients with BRAF V600E positive melanoma and Tarceva™ for patients with EGFr activating mutation positive, non-small cell lung cancer. From 2003 to 2006, Dr. Bowden was the executive director for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) regions for Bristol-Myers Squibb. In this role, he led medical affairs strategies for cancer, immunology and pain medicines. Earlier, Dr. Bowden held positions of increasing responsibility in oncology clinical development at Pharmacia Corporation and Janssen Pharmaceutical, Inc. Prior to his industry experience, Dr. Bowden was on the oncology faculty at the University of Virginia Health Science Center where he participated in numerous industry and cooperative group trials. Dr. Bowden received his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia followed by internal medicine training at Roger Williams Medical Center and the Providence VA Medical Center, Rhode Island. He completed his medical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute Medicine Branch. Dr. Bowden is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, and he serves on the board of directors at Ziopharm Oncology Inc.

“This is an exciting time to join Cedilla’s Board of Directors,” said Dr. Bowden. “Cedilla’s unique approach to addressing undruggable targets, coupled with the team’s deep drug development expertise, has the potential to bring much needed therapies to patients. I look forward to working with the board and the management team to advance the next generation of targeted molecular therapeutics, with the goal of enabling even greater reach, precision and impact.”

About Cedilla Therapeutics

Cedilla Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company developing targeted novel small molecule therapeutics directed to unrecognized allosteric binding sites and uncovering novel ways to access key disease drivers. The company employs a target-centric approach and integrates a multidisciplinary set of tools to design novel drug discovery screens that recapitulate the relevant functional state of validated disease drivers that have, to date, eluded conventional therapeutic modalities. For more information, please visit www.cedillatx.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:

Hannah Deresiewicz
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
hannah.deresiewicz@sternir.com