Forge Biologics Announces Planned CEO Succession

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COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 10, 2024--

Forge Biologics, a leading manufacturer of genetic medicines and member of the Ajinomoto Biopharma Services group, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Timothy J. Miller, Ph.D., will step down following almost five years of leadership at the Company he co-founded in 2020. John Maslowski, Forge’s Chief Commercial Officer, has been appointed as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024.

Mr. Maslowski is a seasoned biopharmaceuticals leader with over 25 years of industry experience. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Forge since June 2021, he has been directly responsible for building the Company’s commercial strategy and operations, which now supports nearly 50 clients. Mr. Maslowski came to Forge after serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Castle Creek Biosciences, Inc. He served in the same role at Fibrocell Science, Inc., a NASDAQ listed cell and gene therapy company, from 2016 until it was acquired in 2019. At Fibrocell, he previously served as the Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Vice President of Operations. Mr. Maslowski has extensive experience in the field of cell and gene therapy, including advancing D-Fi—a genetically modified autologous fibroblast therapy—to pivotal clinical trials, and LAVIV ® —a non-modified autologous fibroblast therapy—through U.S. FDA approval and commercialization.

“I am honored to lead Forge’s talented team as we continue our important work—enabling access to gene therapies for our clients and the patient communities we serve. It’s an exciting time at Forge. Our team is not only growing, but we're expanding our technologies and enhancing operational efficiencies to ensure we continue delivering on the remarkable innovations emerging from our industry,” said Mr. Maslowski. “I wish Tim all the best in this new chapter of his life. His legacy of innovation and focus on improving patient lives is ingrained in our foundation and will guide us well into the future.”

Over the course of nearly five years, Dr. Miller led Forge’s transition from an early-stage venture-backed start-up through late-stage financings, and, most recently, a $620 million acquisition by Ajinomoto Group—a global food and biotechnology company. Under his tenure, Dr. Miller successfully grew the company to more than 350 employees, completed the expansion of Forge’s 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility, raised $330 million in funding, and advanced the Company’s lead program for patients with Krabbe disease into clinical trials.

“I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished at Forge. From our first raise in 2020, when the company was just beginning, to looking into 2025 as a leading genetic medicine manufacturing engine, it’s been a remarkable journey,” said Dr. Miller. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team, pioneering cutting-edge technologies, and building a facility with the potential to transform lives. Under John’s capable leadership, I am confident that Forge will continue to fulfill the bold mission that we set out to achieve.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Miller. As Forge’s CEO, he has led the Company to its success today: a leader in AAV manufacturing, bringing meaningful, innovative solutions for communities and society,” said Yasuyuki Otake, Board Chair of Forge. “The Board and I are incredibly pleased to see Mr. Maslowski succeed Dr. Miller as Forge’s next CEO. Mr. Maslowski has been an integral member of Forge’s executive leadership, built an impressive commercial team, and brings decades of operational, development, and strategy experience from his accomplished tenure as a biopharma executive. I’m looking forward to Forge’s continued success under John’s leadership.”

About Forge Biologics

Forge Biologics, a member of Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, is a hybrid gene therapy contract manufacturing and clinical-stage therapeutics development company, enabling access to life-changing gene therapies by bringing them from concept to reality. Forge’s 200,000 square foot facility, the Hearth, is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and houses 20 custom-designed cGMP suites with 200,000L of manufacturing capacity. Forge’s end-to-end, scalable plasmid and AAV manufacturing services include research-grade manufacturing, process and analytical development, cGMP manufacturing, fill and finish, and integrated regulatory support to help accelerate the timelines of transformative medicines for patients with genetic diseases. To learn more, visit www.forgebiologics.com.

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SOURCE: Forge Biologics

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PUB: 09/10/2024 08:00 AM/DISC: 09/10/2024 08:02 AM

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