SQZ Biotechnologies appoints Marshelle Smith Warren, M.D. as CMO

SQZ Biotechnologies, focused on unlocking the full potential of cell therapies for multiple therapeutic areas, has appointed Marshelle Smith Warren, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr Warren will report to the CEO and lead the company’s clinical development, clinical operations, translational medicine and regulatory affairs functions.

“Marshelle has extensive experience in cell-based therapeutic development and will provide complementary expertise as we seek to rapidly advance our clinical programs,” said Armon Sharei, Ph.D., CEO and Founder at SQZ Biotechnologies.

“Her proven leadership, extensive global clinical trial experience, and broad clinical development background will strengthen our ability to execute on our mission to drive patient impact across disease areas.”

Dr Warren brings over 25 years of clinical development industry experience to the company, including a particular focus on viral malignancies and T cell-directing therapeutics.

Previously, she was Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of R&D at Viracta Therapeutics, where she led the development of investigational therapeutics for the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoid malignancies.

Her previous experience also includes clinical development positions at Allovir, Atara Biotherapeutics, Ionis, Gilead Sciences, Amgen and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Warren has also recently served as a senior advisor on Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical research programs for investigational T cell therapies targeting cancer, autoimmunity and viral infections.

“I am very excited to be joining a dedicated team focused on developing a new generation of impactful cell therapies for diseases with significant unmet need,” said Marshelle Smith Warren, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at SQZ Biotechnologies.

“I look forward to supporting our clinical team and working with my fellow leaders at SQZ to realise the broad potential of our cell therapy platforms to benefit patients around the world.”

During her career, Dr. Warren has made significant contributions to approved immunology products including blockbuster Enbrel (rheumatoid arthritis) and Accolate (asthma).

She has led the development of successful investigational new drug applications for a range of therapeutic types and has overseen regulatory authority negotiations and advisory meetings.