Joe Kiani today has been appointed chairman of San Diego-based regenerative medicine company SMSbiotech.
“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when the science is translating into real hope for patients,” Kiani said in a statement.
The company, which is focused on developing novel treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other debilitating diseases, has completed its first cohort in a Phase 1b clinical trial for COPD. Its off-the-shelf cell therapy is derived from adult human blood.
In his role, Kiani will help guide the company as it transitions from early clinical development toward broader clinical validation and commercialization, SMSbiotech said.
