Silence Therapeutics appoints new head of manufacturing

Silence Therapeutics announced on Monday that Jørgen Wittendorff has been appointed to the new role of its head of manufacturing.

The AIM-traded firm said he would be joining its senior management team, and would be responsible for the process development and manufacturing of siRNA therapeutic products for clinical trials and, ultimately, commercial use.

It said Wittendorff was bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in the development of pharmaceutical products, having previously held various senior positions within the industry.

Most recently, he was Senior Director, CMC manufacturing and product supply at Ablynx, which was later acquired by Sanofi for €3.9bn, where he oversaw complex CMC manufacturing processes and regulatory filing of biologics, among other key functions.

Wittendorff's successful track record was further proven by senior positions at Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk, the Silence board said in its statement.

It said he obtained a master's degree in pharmacy from the University of Copenhagen.

“Jørgen's extensive experience in complex manufacturing from Ablynx will be a significant contribution to Silence and it is a pleasure to welcome someone of his calibre to the senior management team,” said chief executive officer Dr David Horn Solomon.

“In his new role, Jørgen will be able to critically contribute to the manufacturing efforts to progress Silence's three significant sets of assets in gene silencing siRNA - SLN124, for the treatment of iron overload disorders, SL360, for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and SL500 with partner Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, for the treatment of complement-mediated disorders.”

Jørgen Wittendorff himself added that Silence had an “impressive” portfolio of assets in the siRNA field, explaining that it was “exciting” to be involved in the development of products which had the potential to positively impact the lives of patients with serious diseases.

“I look forward to working with the rest of the senior management team at this exciting point in the company's journey.”