Catalent Biologics Appoints Director of R&D, Bioanalytical Chemistry
Somerset, N.J. – September 21, 2016 — Catalent Pharma Solutions, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products, today announced the appointment of Dr. William E Haskins as Director of R&D, Bioanalytical Chemistry. Reporting to Dr. David Rabuka, Catalent Biologics’ Global Head of R&D Chemical Biology, Dr. Haskins will join the team first formed by Redwood Bioscience, now a part of Catalent Biologics, and will lead bioanalytical chemistry activities supporting Catalent’s proprietary SMARTag™ technology, a precision protein-chemical engineering technology for the development of advanced antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other therapeutic bioconjugates. He will be based at the company’s facility in Emeryville, California.
Dr. Haskins joins Catalent from Genentech, where he led development and analytical characterization of therapeutic ADCs, from late stage research to commercial.
He has over 23 years of basic and translational research experience, including drug and technical development leadership roles in Protein Analytical Chemistry at Genentech, seven years as a Director and Principal Investigator in the University of Texas system, with faculty appointments in Biology, Chemistry, Hematology and Oncology, and more than five years’ experience with major pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biomarker companies.
“Will brings a great deal of experience and knowledge in the fields of ADCs and bioanalytical chemistry to our expanding SMARTag team in Emeryville. He will be a key component to our ongoing efforts to expand and grow our technical platform and analytical offerings,” commented Dr. Rabuka. “We will continue to actively recruit the highest quality personnel for our biologics business as we expand our differentiating technology platforms in this sector.”
Dr. Haskins holds a doctorate in bioanalytical chemistry from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in bioanalytical chemistry from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from New Mexico State University. He has 57 peer-reviewed publications including eight book chapters, and he has eight manuscripts in review.
Catalent Biologics provides advanced technologies and tailored solutions for biologic and biosimilar development, from DNA to clinical supply. With a technology platform including GPEx® cell line engineering and SMARTag protein conjugate technology, combined with comprehensive analytical services, biomanufacturing and fill-finish supply.
Media Contacts:
Chris Halling
+44 (0)7580 041073
chris.halling@catalent.com
Richard Kerns
+44 (0) 161 728 5880
richard@nepr.eu
About the SMARTag™ Technology
Catalent’s proprietary SMARTag site-specific protein-modification and linker technologies were developed by Redwood Bioscience to enable the generation of homogenous bioconjugates engineered to enhance potency, safety and stability. The technology employs natural post-translational modifications found in human cells to create one or more aldehyde tags at designated sites on protein molecules. These chemical “handles’’ are then stably conjugated to payloads (e.g. cytotoxic or effector) to prevent their systemic release. The SMARTag platform provides precise payload positioning, stable, site-specific conjugation and defined stoichiometry of drug–protein ratios. The control afforded by the technology enables identification of superior drugs from libraries of differentially designed conjugates. Catalent acquired Redwood Bioscience in 2014.
About Catalent
Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products. With over 80 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs approximately 9,200 people, including over 1,400 scientists, at more than 30 facilities across five continents, and in fiscal 2016 generated $1.85 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.catalent.com