MPM expands its team with the appointment of Pete Smith, PhD, RNA expert and senior biotechnology executive

CAMBRIDGE, Mass .– (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – MPM, a leading biotech investment firm with nearly three decades of experience building and investing in early stage therapeutic companies, today announced the recent appointment of the CEO of biotechnology Pete Smith, PhD, on his team of MPM entrepreneurs.

Pete brings a wealth of experience to MPM having spent over thirty years in the pharmaceutical industry, including thirteen years with Millennium. Most recently, Pete was Director of Early Development at Alnylam, focusing on RNAi-based drugs, and prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, responsible for non-clinical R&D at Moderna. He brings extensive and proven experience in building and leading teams ranging from discovery to development across multiple modalities.

“We are delighted to welcome Pete to the MPM family. Pete brings unparalleled expertise in RNA therapies, as well as experience overseeing the development of some of the world’s most prolific drugs through his roles at Alnylam, Moderna and Millennium, ”said Ansbert Gadicke, Director General Manager of MPM and Managing Partner of BioImpact Capital, an MPM Affiliate Manager. “Pete is joining us at a time when we believe his RNA expertise will play a central role in advancing our portfolio into the new modalities area. We have no doubt that Pete will add tremendous value to our business. ”

At MPM, Pete will play a leading role in helping the team explore new opportunities, particularly in the areas of new modalities, including RNA therapies. This will include identifying and evaluating new technologies, as well as helping to advance MPM’s business creation efforts and supporting them in drug development.

“I am delighted to join the brilliant team of entrepreneurs at MPM,” said Dr. Smith. “I have long been impressed by the level of innovation emanating from MPM, in large part thanks to its in-house research team as well as extensive academic relationships. I look forward to working with them to advance their work in truly new scientific fields. ”

Pete Smith, Ph.D.

Prior to joining MPM, Pete was Director of Early Development at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, focusing on RNAi-based drugs in four therapeutic areas, including genetic drugs, cardio-metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and diseases of the nervous system. central and eyepieces. Prior to Alnylam, Pete was Senior Vice President and Head of Non-Clinical R&D at Moderna and Co-Head of R&D at Millennium where he worked for 13 years. He has extensive experience in drug discovery and development in many therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammation, infectious diseases, among others, and technologies, including new modalities such as mRNA and siRNA. During his career, Pete has overseen the development of several therapies, including Celebrex®, Inspra®, Velcade®, Entyvio®, Onpattro®, Givlarri®, Oxlumo® and Vutrisiran. Pete began his career with 17 years in industry with SmithKline, Merck, Searle / Monsanto and Pharmacia in roles of increasing responsibility.

About MPM

MPM Capital is a leading biotechnology investment firm with nearly three decades of experience building and investing in companies that seek to translate scientific innovations into cures for major diseases. With its world-class team with extensive experience in scientific research, clinical development and business creation, MPM strives to propel new medical breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives.