Oxford, 28 July 2020 – OMass Therapeutics (“OMass”), a biopharmaceutical company harnessing native mass spectrometry and other high definition biophysical technologies to drive drug discovery in high definition, today announced the appointment of Dr Nathalie Franchimont as a Non-Executive Director. Nathalie brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in biotechnology and pharma industries.

“We are delighted to welcome Nathalie to our Board of Directors,” said Dr Edward Hodgkin, Chairman, OMass Therapeutics and Partner at Syncona Investment Management Limited. “Nathalie is a highly accomplished leader in our industry with extensive drug development experience and immunology expertise. We look forward to drawing on Nathalie’s expertise as we continue to expand and progress our portfolio of programmes in immunology and genetically defined diseases.”

Nathalie currently leads development in Multiple Sclerosis and Immunology at Biogen, as VP, Head of MS and Immunology Development Unit. She has also previously held a variety of leadership roles at Biogen, including leading the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Early Development Unit, the New Indications Research and Early Development Unit and the Immunology Drug Innovation Unit. Prior to joining Biogen, Nathalie held Medical Affairs and Clinical Research roles at Amgen.

Nathalie is a rheumatologist; she trained as a M.D., Ph.D. at the University of Liège and has held research fellowship roles at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and University of Liège.

Nathalie Franchimont, commented:

“I am delighted to join the Board of Directors of OMass at an exciting time in the company’s development when its high-resolution biophysical screening platform is yielding some promising new compounds across a growing portfolio of early programmes. I look forward to contributing to ongoing discussions on translation from bench science to the clinic, and ultimately to making real differences in the lives of patients.”

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About OMass Therapeutics

OMass is harnessing native mass spectrometry and other high definition biophysical technologies to drive drug discovery in high definition. The company uses its suite of proprietary technologies based on high-resolution mass spectrometry to study intact membrane protein assemblies, enabling both the binding and functional effect of putative ligands to be measured in parallel. OMass’ high content screens reveal new biology even at old receptors and unmask high quality chemical space not found using cell-based assays. The company is building a pipeline of small molecule therapeutics to bring life-changing benefits to patients suffering from immunology and genetic disorders. OMass is backed by Syncona Ltd, Oxford Sciences Innovation and Oxford University. For further information please visit the Company’s website at: www.omass.com

About Syncona

Syncona is a leading FTSE250 healthcare company focused on investing in and building global leaders in life science. Its vision is to deliver transformational treatments to patients in truly innovative areas of healthcare while generating superior returns for shareholders.

Syncona seeks to partner with the best, brightest and most ambitious minds in science to build globally competitive businesses.

Syncona takes a long-term view, underpinned by a deep pool of capital, and is an established leader in the development of gene and cell therapies. Its focus is on delivering dramatic efficacy for patients in areas of high unmet need.

About Oxford Sciences Innovation

Oxford Sciences Innovation is the world’s largest university-partnered venture firm. We work with the University of Oxford to build companies that create fundamental technologies: science-based businesses capable of tackling the planet’s toughest problems. We invest in life science, AI and software, healthcare, and deep tech to create companies taking on challenges like nuclear fusion, quantum computing and developing treatments and cures for infectious diseases. Founded in 2015, we’ve raised over £600M to create a world-class technology ecosystem, and combine our deep experience with a network of investors, entrepreneurs and sector-experts to find co-investment, build businesses, and hire senior management talent.