Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare hematologic diseases and cancers, announced that Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., has been elected to serve on the company’s board of directors.
Dr. Frederick is the President of Howard University, as well as the Charles R. Drew Professor in Surgery at Howard University’s College of Medicine, and a distinguished researcher and practicing surgeon. Before his appointment as President in 2014, Dr. Frederick served as Howard’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. The author of an extensive body of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts and editorials, he has also received numerous notable awards for his scholarship and service. Dr. Frederick is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of many other surgical organizations, including the American Surgical Association.
“As a practicing physician and experienced medical researcher, coupled with his leadership skills and business acumen, Wayne brings valuable perspective to Forma at this pivotal time of growth for our company, particularly as we look to advance our sickle cell disease program into a Phase 2/3 pivotal trial next year,” said Peter Wirth, J.D., chairman, board of directors of Forma.
“I am delighted to welcome such an experienced and sickle cell community-minded director to join us,” said Frank Lee, chief executive officer and board member of Forma. “With his deep understanding of patient needs and his personal commitment to the sickle cell community, Wayne embodies Forma’s mission and patient-driven culture.”
“I am honored to join the board of a company that is committed to and passionate about pursuing treatments for rare hematologic diseases and cancers,” said Dr. Frederick. “As someone who is living with Sickle Cell, I am personally dedicated to the search for new and better therapeutics to combat this painful and debilitating disease. I am inspired by Frank and the team he has so diligently assembled for this cause.”
Dr. Frederick will serve on the board’s audit committee. In addition to his board position at Forma, he currently serves as a board member for Humana, Inc., the United States Chamber of Commerce and Mutual of America Life Insurance Co.
