Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs, named Preston Klassen president and head of research and development, and Curtis Monnig, vice president of CMC.

Klassen brings over 20 years of experience in leadership roles in both large and small biopharmaceutical companies. He is an established nephrologist who brings years of experience in leadership, medical affairs, and research and development across multiple therapeutic areas. Most recently he served as the President and CEO of Metacrine. Prior to that, he was an executive vice president and head of R&D at Arena Pharmaceuticals, CMO and president at SANIFIT, and senior vice president and head of global development at Orexigen Therapeutics.

Monnig comes to Regulus with over 25 years of experience in both pharmaceutical and biotech product development and commercial product support. Most recently, he was vice president of CMC at January Therapeutics. Prior to this, he held positions at Currax Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Cardinal Health, and Amylin Pharmaceuticals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Klassen to the Regulus team,” said Jay Hagan, CEO of Regulus Therapeutics. “Preston’s considerable leadership experience across a range of therapeutic areas and modalities is a huge addition for Regulus and his particular expertise in both academic and industry settings in the field of kidney disease will be invaluable as we advance our program in ADPKD.”

“I’m excited to be joining a team where I will have a hand in helping to bring novel disease-modifying therapies for kidney and other orphan diseases through the clinic and to patients in need,” said Klassen. “I am particularly looking forward to leading the team as we advance through the Phase 1b MAD study of RGLS8429 for the treatment of ADPKD. We look forward to reviewing the topline data from the first cohort of patients expected later this year and working to advance the pipeline as we execute on upcoming clinical milestones.”