Press & Media
Press Releases & Media Updates
Press releases and current media coverage.
RS BioTherapeutics Adds Jane Wright-Mitchell, Pharm.D., J.D. to Business Advisory Board
Ms. Wright-Mitchell to serve as fractional General Counsel and Compliance Advisor
April 25, 2024 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce the addition of Jane Wright-Mitchell, Pharm.D., J.D. to the RS BioTherapeutics Business Advisory Board. As a member of the Business Advisory Board, Ms. Wright-Mitchell will also serve as fractional General Counsel and Compliance Advisor for RS BioTherapeutics.
Commenting on the addition of Ms. Wright-Mitchell to the Business Advisory Board, Dean Hart, Chief Executive Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “I was fortunate to work with Jane while we were both at AcelRx and am thrilled to have her join our Business Advisory Board. Jane more than fulfills our goal of adding Business Advisors who make our organization better well beyond their core discipline of expertise.”
Ms. Wright-Mitchell is a healthcare and life sciences attorney with more than 20 years of experience working with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. She currently serves as Principal and General Counsel at Lecar Life Sciences, Inc., a life sciences consulting company. In this role, she serves as a fractional General Counsel to companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, medical technology and cannabis industries. Prior to that she was General Counsel, Chief Compliance Advisor and Corporate Secretary with Vaxcyte, Inc., a vaccine development company. Prior to joining Vaxcyte she was Chief Legal Officer with Steep Hill, Inc., a California state licensed cannabis testing laboratory. She currently is a director for the boards of New Frontier Data, a data, analytics, and technology company focusing on the global cannabis industry, and Canbud Distribution Corp, a Canadian publicly listed company with a fully integrated and licensed hemp CBD operation.
Commenting on her addition to the RS BioTherapeutics Business Advisory Board, Ms. Wright-Mitchell said, “I’m excited to contribute to the success of RS BioTherapeutics as they work to deliver on their mission of developing life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation.”
Ms. Wright-Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office as well as a licensed pharmacist (Illinois).
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Selected for Presentation at American Thoracic Society’s 2024 Respiratory Innovation Summit
March 18, 2024 11:30 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., March 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce that its submission has been selected for a poster presentation at the 2024 Respiratory Innovation Summit hosted by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The summit will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.
The ATS 2024 Respiratory Innovation Summit will unite the innovators, investors, clinicians, and advocacy groups who are leading the charge to create powerful new treatments for deadly and crippling diseases of the lungs and airways. This meeting historically attracts 350+ global leaders representing all facets of the respiratory industry, including representatives from start-ups, business development, venture capital, government, academia, and clinical medicine. The agenda also includes numerous investor-related panels and opportunities for scientific exchange.
Commenting on RS BioTherapeutics’ selection, the company’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle L. Shuffett said, “It is a distinct honor to be among the companies selected for a poster presentation at the Respiratory Innovation Summit. We are excited to share the science behind our first-in-class, steroid-free agent RSBT-001 and how it can serve as a development platform for serious lung diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. RSBT-001 is currently in development for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the world; and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare disease with no cure that claims 40,000 lives each year in the U.S.”
More information on the American Thoracic Society’s 2024 Respiratory Innovation Summit can be found at https://conference.thoracic.org/program/ris/.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Creates Therapeutic Expert Council to Provide Guidance on Development of First-in-Class Agent Focused on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
RS BioTherapeutics’ Therapeutic Expert Council consists of globally renowned pulmonary experts
February 21, 2024 09:52 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Feb. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce the formation of its Therapeutic Expert Council (TEC). The TEC will help guide the development of RS BioTherapeutics’ first-in-class, steroid-free agent, RSBT-001, in development for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the world; and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare disease with no cure that claims 40,000 lives each year in the U.S.
The TEC is chaired by RS BioTherapeutics’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle L. Shuffett and includes the following renowned pulmonary experts (in alphabetical order):
- Antonio R. Anzueto, M.D., is Professor of Pulmonary/Critical Care in the Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Health, San Antonio and Chief in the Pulmonary Section at The South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division in San Antonio
- Bartolome R. Celli, M.D., is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the COPD Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass.
- Christopher B. Cooper, M.D., M.S., Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
- Courtney Crim, M.D., is COPD360 Medical Director for the COPD Foundation and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- David Halpin, M.D., is a Consultant Physician and Honorary Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Exeter, and Honorary Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute (OPRI) in Singapore
- MeiLan K. Han, M.D., M.S., is Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan Health
- Bethany Moore, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized Pulmonary Disease Researcher and Tenured Professor at the University of Michigan
- Stephen Rennard, M.D., is a Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Sanjay Sethi, M.D., is Professor of Medicine at the University of Buffalo (UB), SUNY, where he is Chief of the Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine Division, Assistant Vice President for Health Sciences, Director of the Clinical Research Office, and Deputy Director of the UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Commenting on the formation of the TEC and its member appointments, Dr. Shuffett said, “On behalf of the entire RS BioTherapeutics’ leadership team, I am honored to welcome this incredible group of pulmonary experts to our Therapeutic Expert Council. All have exceptional credentials and are uniquely qualified to help support the development of our first investigational compound, RSBT-001. I’m excited to collaborate with them and look forward to engaging their diverse perspectives spanning the fields of COPD, IPF, and other diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation.”
Additional credentials for RS BioTherapeutics TEC members can be viewed online at https://rsbiotherapeutics.com/therapeutic-expert-council/.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Promotes Michelle L. Shuffett, MD to Chief Medical Officer
October 31, 2023 11:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Oct. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Michelle L. Shuffett, MD as its Chief Medical Officer.
Commenting on the promotion of Dr. Shuffett to Chief Medical Officer, Dean Hart, Chief Executive Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “Michelle has been a tremendous addition to our leadership team. Her knowledge and experience in working with diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation has been critical to our Research Collaboration Agreement with NIH in the evaluation of our lead compound, RSBT-001, in the prevention and treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare, deadly disease with no cure that impacts 140,000 patients in the United States. In addition, Michelle is building an impressive Therapeutic Expert Council (TEC) of key opinion leaders from academia with significant experience in the fields of IPF, Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD), and other diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation. Michelle will Chair the TEC and that group will help guide the development of RSBT-001.”
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Shuffett said, “I’m thrilled to continue working with the incredible leadership team at RS BioTherapeutics in this new role. It’s a full circle moment for me and represents a culmination of my experiences over the last 25 years. We are excited to initiate our first Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis preclinical study with the NIH in the fourth quarter. I look forward to ensuring RS BioTherapeutics delivers on its mission to develop life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation.”
Dr. Shuffett, who joined RS BioTherapeutics in May as Senior Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs, attended medical school at the University of Kentucky, completed her residency at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and practiced at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at Boehringer Ingelheim, focusing on COPD opinion leader development and advocacy, medical marketing communications, research, and medical-legal review. During that time, she also attended the London School of Economics and earned certifications in Healthcare Economics and Quantitative Analysis.
Dr. Shuffett has also served in senior roles at several organizations including Synapse Medical Communications, Everyday Health, Columbia Care, and Radicle Science. She also founded her own consulting firm, Sea Sprite International Ltd. in 2018 and currently serves as an advisory board member for the 100 Million Ways Foundation and Maavee.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics and National Institutes of Health Execute Research Collaboration Agreement to Evaluate Prevention and Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
August 29, 2023 11:30 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, a life sciences company developing life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation, has entered into a Research Collaboration Agreement with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential of RS BioTherapeutics’ lead compound, RSBT-001, in a preclinical pulmonary fibrosis model.
According to NIH, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious, chronic disease that affects the tissue surrounding the air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs. This condition develops when lung tissue becomes thick and stiff for unknown reasons. Over time, these changes can cause permanent scarring in the lungs, called fibrosis, that makes it progressively more difficult to breathe.
IPF is a rare disease with limited treatment options that is often described as one of insidious decline in lung function resulting in progression to respiratory failure and death within approximately four to five years after the initial diagnosis. In addition to a poor prognosis, IPF has a significant deleterious impact on patients’ quality of life.
Commentating on the Research Collaboration Agreement with NIH, Michelle L. Shuffett, MD, Chief Medical Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are incredibly pleased to be working in a collaborative manner with NIH to evaluate our cornerstone compound, RSBT-001, in an animal pulmonary fibrosis model. IPF is a devastating, rare disease for which there is no known cure and while the multi-dimensional aspects of IPF will certainly test the capabilities of any agent, the significant impact IPF has on patients’ quality of life is a motivating force for us in exploring how RSBT-001 may affect this dreaded disease.”
The collaborative research protocol with NIH includes evaluation of RSBT-001 in a fibrosis induced mouse model and will evaluate four key endpoints identified by the American Thoracic Society as important for preclinical therapeutic assessment of IPF agents: lung histology, biochemical measures, levels of profibrotic gene expression, and pulmonary function parameters.
RS BioTherapeutics CEO, Dean Hart, added, “We are looking forward to understanding how RSBT-001 might play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of IPF, which impacts approximately 200,000 people in the United States with 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. This research along with our continued development of RSBT-001 for COPD, the third leading cause of death in the world, is strongly aligned with our mission of developing life-changing medicines for the millions of people suffering from diseases characterized by pulmonary inflammation.”
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Appoints Michelle L. Shuffett, MD as SVP of Medical and Scientific Affairs
June 5, 2023 7:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., June 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life changing medications, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Michelle L. Shuffett, MD as its Senior Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs.
Dr. Shuffett attended medical school at the University of Kentucky, completed her residency at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and practiced at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at Boehringer Ingelheim, focusing on COPD opinion leader development and advocacy, medical marketing communications, research, and medical-legal review. During that time, she also attended the London School of Economics and earned certifications in Healthcare Economics and Quantitative Analysis.
Dr. Shuffett has also served in senior roles at several organizations including Synapse Medical Communications, Everyday Health, Columbia Care, and Radicle Science. She also founded her own consulting firm, Sea Sprite International Ltd. in 2018 and currently serves as an advisory board member for the 100 Million Ways Foundation and Maavee.
Commenting on the appointment of Dr. Shuffett, Dean Hart, Chief Executive Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are very pleased to welcome Michelle as Senior Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs. Her diverse experience as a physician, consultant, marketer, entrepreneur, and board member, makes her a valuable addition to our leadership team. I look forward to working closely with Michelle as we continue to develop RSBT-001 as an alternative to corticosteroids for patients suffering from COPD. Her experience with COPD will be invaluable in this endeavor.”
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Shuffett said, “I’m very excited to join Dean and the rest of the talented leadership team at RS BioTherapeutics in the development of breakthrough pharmaceutical medicines to address both chronic and acute pulmonary inflammation. We have a tremendous opportunity to help patients manage and improve their health conditions.”
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Joins BioNTX Bioscience and Healthcare Innovation Trade Organization
May 15, 2023 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life changing medicines, is pleased to announce that is has joined BioNTX, the bioscience and healthcare innovation trade organization serving North Texas. BioNTX is also an affiliate of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization in Washington, D.C.
As a member of BioNTX, RS BioTherapeutics will benefit from BioNTX’s various resources and benefits including legislative advocacy; networking, education and business collaboration opportunities; business services discounts through a purchasing consortium; and access to the organization’s talent network for recruiting.
Commenting on joining BioNTX, Dean Hart, CEO of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are thrilled to join BioNTX’s strong bioscience and healthcare innovation community. Their extensive network and resources will help us recruit top talent and accelerate our research and development efforts as we work to bring novel therapies to patients in need.”
Kathleen Otto, CEO of BioNTX added, “We are excited to welcome RS BioTherapeutics to BioNTX. Their mission to develop innovative therapeutics complements the goals of our members who are actively working to advance the field of biotechnology and improve patient outcomes.”
More information on BioNTX can be found at https://www.biontx.org/.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Announces Filing of Provisional Plant Patent Application for New Cultivar to Serve as Botanical Raw Material Source for First Compound
Patent application a key strategic component of RS BioTherapeutics’ manufacturing vision of Plant to Patient Process Integrity
May 01, 2023 10:13 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., May 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness the therapeutic power of Cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life changing medicines, announced today that it has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new and distinct cultivar of the C. sativa cannabis plant, given the denomination of “RSBT1BRM.”
RS BioTherapeutics is developing a novel, semi-synthetic, cannabidiolic acid complex called RSBT-001 as an alternative to corticosteroids in addressing exacerbation and preventing progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). RS BioTherapeutics is targeting an IND filing for RSBT-001 in early 2025.
Commenting on the provisional patent application Jeremy Plumb, Chief Cultivation Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “The filing of this provisional patent application is an important step as we proceed in the development of RSBT-001. RSBT1BRM possesses unique characteristics that support the formulation of RSBT-001. We see this strategic action as an essential element of our manufacturing vision of Plant to Patient Process Integrity and look forward to continuing our efforts in the innovation and advancement of new cultivars to support our future research and development.”
Dean Hart, CEO of RS BioTherapeutics added, “By filing this application, we aim to gain yet another level of protection for the integrity of RSBT-001. In addition, we believe this action is in line with the formal guidance recently published by the FDA entitled, “Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds: Quality Considerations for Clinical Research Guidance for Industry” (https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-compounds-quality-considerations-clinical-research-guidance-industry).”
RS BioTherapeutics acquired the unique cultivar from Beacon Hemp, which currently operates breeding and seed production facilities in California and Oregon. Beacon Hemp is dedicated to providing seed from innovative, stabilized and novel high cannabinoid hemp varieties through rigorous breeding and superior seed production.
An estimated 545 million people worldwide suffer from chronic respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD. According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, behind heart disease and cancer, with approximately 3.2 million deaths per year.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Appoints Pharmaceutical and Consumer Products Veteran Curtis R. Rhine as Its Chief Financial Officer
April 17, 2023 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life changing medications, is pleased to announce that it has appointed pharmaceutical and consumer products veteran, Curtis R. Rhine as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Mr. Rhine is a finance leader with nearly 40 years of extensive experience across all finance disciplines including strategy, financial planning and analysis, long-term and short-term budgeting and forecasting, treasury including heavy bank financing experience, and accounting, financial reporting and tax.
Mr. Rhine’s pharmaceutical experience includes serving as CFO of Ovation Pharmaceuticals where he readied them for acquisition by Lundbeck Inc. and Vice President, Finance of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America (Takeda) where he oversaw all financial functions as the company grew annual revenues from launch to $3.5 billion.
Prior to Takeda, Mr. Rhine spent 14 years at two divisions of PepsiCo, Inc. in financial and accounting roles of increasing scope and responsibility. Mr. Rhine has also served as CFO for the James Wood Family Office, Teasdale Latin Foods, and Radio Flyer.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr. Rhine, Dean Hart, Chief Executive Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are very pleased to welcome Curtis Rhine as our new Chief Financial Officer. I had the great fortune of working with Curtis while at Takeda during a time of incredible growth and success. His skill as a finance leader is only matched by his cross-functional business acumen. Curtis is a seasoned financial leader with a unique combination of pharmaceutical and consumer products experience that will be of tremendous value as we navigate the development and commercialization of our pipeline.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Rhine said, “I’m excited to join RS BioTherapeutics as its CFO at this exciting time in the company’s history. The development of its first investigational compound, RSBT-001 as an alternative to corticosteroids in addressing exacerbation and preventing progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation presents tremendous commercial opportunities. I look forward to working closely with Dean and the rest of the RS BioTherapeutics team in moving RSBT-001 and RS BioTherapeutics into the future.”
Mr. Rhine is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Appoints Pharmaceutical Industry Veteran Dean Hart as Chief Executive Officer
April 10, 2023 11:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., April 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life changing medications, is pleased to announce that it has appointed pharmaceutical industry veteran Dean Hart as its Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Hart has 40 years of biopharmaceutical experience and has helped multiple well-known brands from pre-launch/early commercialization to achieving blockbuster status. Notable successes include Eisai Inc. where he created and built the U.S. sales force and successfully launched Eisai’s first product in the U.S., Aricept™, a blockbuster product for treating Alzheimer’s; and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America where he led the sales force, sales operations, sales training, market access, pricing, and trade functions. Mr. Hart played a key role in the significant growth of Takeda’s flagship brand, Actos™ from $400 million to $3.5 billion while successfully building and leading a team of 3,000.
Through his consulting firm, CommEx Consulting, Mr. Hart has provided strategic commercialization consulting to life science companies, assisting in the launch preparation for agents in several therapeutic areas including Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, depression, asthma, hemophilia, pain, and anti-infectives. Mr. Hart has also provided commercial consulting to brands competing in bio-implants, tardive dyskinesia, immunology, and oncology.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr. Hart, Justin Molignoni, Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are very pleased to welcome Dean as our Chief Executive Officer. His extensive and diverse experience, both as a commercial pharmaceutical executive and a sought-after consultant, makes him uniquely qualified to lead RS BioTherapeutics.”
Mr. Hart said, “I have always taken great pride in working with organizations that make a difference in the world by bringing life-saving and life-changing medicines to patients in need. RS BioTherapeutics has a tremendous opportunity to leverage the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in developing breakthrough pharmaceutical medicines to address both chronic and acute healthcare needs. I look forward to working closely with Justin and the rest of the RS BioTherapeutics team in pursuing the development and commercial opportunities for our first compound as well as the new compounds we are researching, and in so doing, making a difference in the lives of the patients we serve.”
Mr. Hart earned a Master of Business of Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Selects Recipharm as Product Characterization Partner
Takes important step towards filing an IND for RSBT-001 in the treatment of COPD
November 14, 2022 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Nov. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness its strong and thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to research, develop and commercialize interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary (lung) inflammation-based diseases, is pleased to announce that is has selected Recipharm, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), as its partner to conduct product characterization for its investigational compound, RSBT-001.
Product characterization is an important next step for RSBT-001 before filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Commenting on the partnership, Justin Molignoni, Chief Strategy Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are very pleased to partner with Recipharm for product characterization testing to support the development of RSBT-001 as a treatment for COPD. Recipharm is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) that is actively involved in the development of therapeutics for pulmonary and systemic diseases. We are excited to leverage their experience and expertise.”
Chris Hirst, Head of Recipharm’s Advanced Delivery Systems Business Unit said, “Recipharm is delighted to be working with RS BioTherapeutics, providing product characterization testing to support the development of RSBT-001. We look forward to being able to support RS BioTherapeutics’ understanding of the endocannabinoid system as it drives to commercialize new therapies for chronic and acute pulmonary inflammation-based diseases.”
In July, RS BioTherapeutics announced positive results from its proof-of-concept study with its development partner Synthonics and Marshall University, for RSBT-001. RSBT-001 is a patent-pending, nebulized, semi-synthetic, cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
About Recipharm
Recipharm is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the pharmaceutical industry employing almost 9,000 employees. Recipharm offers manufacturing services of pharmaceuticals in various dosage forms, production of clinical trial material and APIs, pharmaceutical product development and development and manufacturing of medical devices. Recipharm manufactures several hundred different products to customers ranging from big pharma to smaller research and development companies. The company operates development and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
For more information on Recipharm and its services, please visit www.recipharm.com.
Media Contact: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services for RS BioTherapeutics, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Secures $3 Million Seed II Round of Funding
September 26, 2022 09:34 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Sept. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness its strong and thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to research, develop and commercialize interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary (lung) inflammation-based diseases, is pleased to announce that is has secured a $3 million Seed II round of funding.
In July, RS BioTherapeutics announced positive results from its proof-of-concept study with its development partner Synthonics and Marshall University, for its first investigational compound, RSBT-001. RSBT-001 is a patent-pending, nebulized, semi-synthetic, cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
In August, the company announced that it is planning a biotherapeutics cultivation and manufacturing site in the Cumberland, Maryland area, which could potentially generate 100 high paying jobs within the next five years.
Commenting on the raise, Justin Molignoni, Chief Strategy Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “Closing this round of funding is an exciting milestone which will help accelerate the growth of the company. These funds will not only support our growing organization but also our development of RSBT-001 as we work towards an IND submission.”
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
RS Biotherapeutics Appoints Jeremy Plumb as Chief Cultivation Officer
Supports the company’s plans to build a biotherapeutics cultivation and manufacturing site in Cumberland, Maryland
August 01, 2022 10:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., Aug. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness its strong and thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to research, develop and commercialize interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary (lung) inflammation-based diseases, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jeremy Plumb as its Chief Cultivation Officer. Mr. Plumb will play an integral role in the company’s plans to develop a biotherapeutics cultivation and manufacturing site in the Cumberland, Maryland area, which could potentially generate 100 high paying jobs within the next five years.
Prior to joining RS BioTherapeutics, Mr. Plumb served as the Director of Production Science at Groundworks Industries, one of the largest Oregon-owned and operated cannabis companies, as well as its portfolio brand, Prūf Cultivar, which operates one of the most technologically advanced controlled environment agriculture (CEA) cultivation facilities in North America. At Prūf, Jeremy combined his decades of cannabis horticulture experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver previously unattainable consistency in product quality.
Mr. Plumb has also served as a cannabis consultant to Israel medical cannabis researchers and as a cannabis policy advisor for members of the U.S. Congress. He also serves on the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s rule-making advisory committee, is a founding member of Smart Cannabis, and serves on the technical advisory committee of the Resource Innovation Institute. In addition, he is a board member of the MCRC (Multidimensional Cannabis Research Center) based at Kathmandu University and serves as an advisory board member of Node Labs, a botanical tissue culture company based in San Francisco, California. Mr. Plumb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ecology from the New College of California and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the Pacific Graduate Institute.
Commenting on the appointment, Justin Molignoni, Chief Strategy Officer of RS BioTherapeutics said, “We are honored to welcome Jeremy Plumb to our talented leadership team. Jeremy is one of the most well-respected CEA cultivators in the world and will play a vital role in helping RS BioTherapeutics establish and scale our cultivation and manufacturing operation to support the development of our first investigational compound, RSBT-001 as well as other endocannabinoid system-focused therapeutics.”
Jeremy Plumb said, “I am very excited to join the RS BioTherapeutics team and support the research, development, and commercialization of forward-thinking endocannabinoid system-focused interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary inflammation-based diseases. I have long advocated for therapies focused upon the endocannabinoid system and have dedicated my work to understanding phenotypic plasticity and what it takes to support the most useful therapeutic profiles.”
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
RS Biotherapeutics Reports Positive Results From Proof-of-Concept Trial for First Investigational Compound
Data supports theory that RSBT-001 can positively impact damaging inflammation without eliminating beneficial immune response
July 11, 2022 11:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., July 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness its strong and thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to research, develop and commercialize interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary (lung) inflammation-based diseases, is pleased to announce positive results from its proof-of-concept study for its first investigational compound, RSBT-001.
RSBT-001 is a patent-pending, nebulized, semi-synthetic, cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
RS BioTherapeutics conducted the study in conjunction with RSBT-001 development partner, Synthonics, Inc., and Marshall University using a mouse model of pulmonary inflammation.
The proof of concept model was created by instilling E. coli derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intranasally. Anti-inflammatory response was determined by measuring a series of cytokines known to be highly expressed in response to pulmonary inflammation. RSBT-001 was dosed at 1 mg/kg intranasally and its performance was measured against a positive control, dexamethasone, at 2.5 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg dosed intranasally; a negative control (LPS only); and vehicle only. Both RSBT-001 and dexamethasone were administered in a single dose 8 hours after insult. Cytokine measurements were made with mouse lung homogenate at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after test material administration.
Justin Molignoni, CRNP, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Chair of the RS BioTherapeutics Joint Development Committee said, “The data from the proof-of-concept trial clearly indicates that RSBT-001 reduces cytokine level, and that this cytokine reduction is appropriately transient. This supports the theory that RSBT-001 can reduce the harmful effects of an overstimulated immune system, which causes damaging inflammation, but does not completely suppress the immune response, which is important to retain in order to continue to fight off the insult or infection.”
Thomas Piccariello, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the RS BioTherapeutics Joint Development Committee and Co-Founder, President and Chief Science Officer of Synthonics, Inc. said, “Our conclusions are that RSBT-001 approached normalization of IL6, IFNγ, IL-12p70 and IL-1β relative to baseline at the 12 and 24 hours timepoints. Moreover, RSBT-001’s response was similar to dexamethasone’s 2.5 mg/kg responses. In this trial, RSBT-001 demonstrated exactly what we want to accomplish with any anti-inflammatory agent: down regulate cytokines to the appropriate therapeutic level but not eliminate cytokines altogether. Completely eliminating cytokine expression is what corticosteroids, like dexamethasone, can do, which allows secondary infections to occur.”
Adding to the discussion, Hongwei Yu, Ph.D., a professor in the Marshall University School of Medicine and one of the lead researchers on the study noted, “The results of the proof-of-concept study for RSBT-001 were exciting. We are looking forward to participating in additional studies to determine the precise dosing of RSBT-001 that is most effective at preventing lung inflammation as well as its safety and adverse event profile.”
RS BioTherapeutics has initiated a second study with Marshall to further evaluate the impact of RSBT-001 on pulmonary inflammation.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
About Synthonics
Synthonics, Inc. is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of patentable drugs that incorporate its proprietary metal coordination chemistry. It binds metals to known pharmaceutical agents to create new products that are better absorbed and thus have greater therapeutic benefits than their predecessors. More information on Synthonics can be found at www.synthonicsinc.com.
Media Contact:
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com
RS BioTherapeutics Enters Into License Agreement With Synthonics for First Investigational Compound
Aims to harness the power of the Endocannabinoid System to create life-changing medicines
May 23, 2022 11:00 ET | Source: RS BioTherapeutics
CUMBERLAND, Md., May 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RS BioTherapeutics, whose mission is to harness its strong and thorough understanding of the endocannabinoid system to research, develop and commercialize interventions to address chronic and acute pulmonary (lung) inflammation-based diseases, is pleased to announce that is has entered into a license agreement with Synthonics, Inc. for the exclusive, worldwide right to use Synthonics’ metal coordinated cannabinoid in nebulized form for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory disorders. RS BioTherapeutics is developing its lead compound, RSBT-001, as both an alternative and a complement to corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs and includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma and more. According to the American Lung Association, 156,045 people died from COPD in 2018, making it the third highest disease-related cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. It is estimated that more than 250 million people globally may have the condition and more than 65 million people around the world have moderate or severe COPD. Experts predict that this number will continue to rise worldwide over the next 50 years. The CDC estimates that 16 million Americans suffer from COPD. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions. If chronic pulmonary inflammation is untreated, it can lead to fibrosis, organ damage, and loss of organ function.
Commenting on the potential benefits of this first investigational compound, RSBT-001, Justin Molignoni, CRNP, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of RS BioTherapeutics, said, “Alternatives to corticosteroids are needed for people with chronic inflammatory diseases. We believe RSBT-001 has the clinical potential to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.”
John Tinkham, CEO and Co-Founder of Synthonics, added, “We believe that metal coordination can significantly enhance the effectiveness of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and are delighted to partner with RS BioTherapeutics on this project. We look forward to working closely with RS BioTherapeutics to assist on the development of RSBT-001.”
Various sources estimate the global pulmonary drug delivery systems market was approximately $51 billion in 2021, and it is expected to be worth around $92 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 percent within in next 10 years.
About RS BioTherapeutics
RS Biotherapeutic’s mission is to harness the therapeutic power of cannabinoids in the research, development, and commercialization of life-changing medicines. RS BioTherapeutic’s first investigational compound (RSBT-001) is a semi-synthetic cannabidiolic acid complex in development to address exacerbation and prevent progression of both acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation related to respiratory diseases including COPD, SARS-COV-2, Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
About Synthonics
Synthonics, Inc. is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of patentable drugs that incorporate its proprietary metal coordination chemistry. It binds metals to known pharmaceutical agents to create new products that are better absorbed and thus have greater therapeutic benefits than their predecessors. More information on Synthonics can be found at www.synthonicsinc.com.
Media Contact:
David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services, (312) 780-7204, dgutierrez@dresnerco.com