• Dr. Brooks is a veteran drug development leader whose experience includes roles at Pfizer, 4D Molecular Therapeutics, and Gilead Life Sciences, which directly supports Solid’s focus on both neuromuscular and cardiac diseases 

CHARLESTOWN, Mass., Oct. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solid Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDB), a life sciences company developing precision genetic medicines for both neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, today announced the appointment of Gabriel Brooks, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Brooks to Solid Biosciences during this pivotal time in our company’s history, advancing towards the clinic with our next generation gene therapy for Duchenne and furthering our diversified pipeline of both neuromuscular and cardiac gene therapies,” said Bo Cumbo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Biosciences. “Dr. Brooks’ impressive accomplishments, specifically in cardiovascular genetic medicine, will bring valuable expertise and insights to our leadership team. His broad experience in precision genetic medicine will be vital to Solid as we work to bring hope to those patients living with these devastating genetic diseases.”

Prior to joining Solid Biosciences, Dr. Brooks was Rare Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area Head in the Rare Disease Research Unit at Pfizer. While there, he directed the translational development of a range of precision AAV gene therapies for dilated, arrhythmogenic, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. Additionally, Dr. Brooks previously served as the vice president of research and development at 4D Molecular Therapeutics, where he oversaw translational development of AAV gene therapies for Anderson Fabry and oversaw first-in-human dosing of AAV gene therapies for two ophthalmologic indications (choroideremia and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa). Previously, Dr. Brooks led a successful Phase III registrational study of flurpiridaz at GE Life Sciences, and led several cardiovascular clinical trials in rare and large market indications while at Gilead Life Sciences.

“I am honored to be joining Solid Biosciences at this exciting time in their evolution from a Duchenne focused company to a true platform gene therapy company with a diversified pipeline of neuromuscular and cardiac programs,” said Dr. Brooks. “Solid has a tremendous legacy of leadership in the gene therapy field and is deeply committed to developing and manufacturing novel gene therapies. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to realize the full potential of our pipeline and bring meaningful treatments to patients in serious need.”

Dr. Brooks received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Carnegie Mellon University, a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University and a Master of Applied Sciences of Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his training in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, and fellowships in general Cardiology and Advanced Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco.

About Solid Biosciences

Solid Biosciences is a life science company focused on advancing a portfolio of both neuromuscular and cardiac programs, including SGT-003, a differentiated gene therapy candidate for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), AVB-401, a gene therapy program for the treatment of BAG3 mediated dilated cardiomyopathy, AVB-202-TT, a gene therapy program for the treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia, and additional assets for the treatment of fatal cardiac diseases. Solid aims to be the center of excellence across a given disease spectrum bringing together those with expertise in science, technology, disease management, and care. Patient-focused and founded by those directly impacted, Solid’s mandate is to improve the daily lives of patients living with these devastating diseases. For more information, please visit www.solidbio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future expectations, plans and prospects for the company; the ability to successfully achieve and execute on the Company’s priorities and achieve key clinical milestones; the Company’s SGT-003 program and the Company’s future development of preclinical and capsid programs; and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” “working” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of Solid’s acquisition of AavantiBio; the Company’s ability to advance SGT-003, AVB-202-TT, AVB-401 and other preclinical programs and capsid libraries on the timelines expected or at all; obtain and maintain necessary approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities; replicate in clinical trials positive results found in preclinical studies of the Company’s product candidates; obtain, maintain or protect intellectual property rights related to its product candidates; compete successfully with other companies that are seeking to develop Duchenne and other neuromuscular and cardiac treatments and gene therapies; manage expenses; and raise the substantial additional capital needed, on the timeline necessary, to continue development of SGT-003, AVB-202-TT, AVB-401 and other candidates, achieve its other business objectives and continue as a going concern. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” section, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties and other important factors, in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Solid Biosciences Contact:
Leah Monteiro
VP, Investor Relations and Communications
617-821-4427
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