China's Brii Biosciences has announced the appointments of Eleanor (Ellee) de Groot, Ph.D., as Chief Technology Officer and Aleksandar Skuban, M.D., as Central Nervous System (CNS) Diseases Therapy Area Head.

Dr de Groot has more than two decades of experience leading a wide range of streamlined global operations across growing biotechnology companies, from early to late stage clinical development and commercial-scale manufacturing. Dr de Groot held key leadership roles during her career with Alaunos Therapeutics, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations where she oversaw the development of novel cell therapy programs and led clinical manufacturing, quality and process development. In addition, during her extended tenure at Helsinn Therapeutics, Dr de Groot held multiple roles of increasing responsibility within CMC management where she directed preparations for drug product commercialization, including global regulatory engagement, technology transfers and collaborations with key business partners worldwide. 

Dr Skuban brings to Brii Bio more than 25 years of global pharmaceutical R&D experience with an extensive medical, scientific and business leadership track record of achievements, including leading more than 30 studies across therapeutic areas from early stage proof of concept through positive regulatory outcomes, with a focus in CNS diseases. Previously, Dr Skuban served as SVP of Clinical Development at Better Therapeutics, where he shaped research strategy to enable rapid development of new indications for prescription digital therapeutics. Prior to that, he served as an Executive Medical Director leading clinical development within Alexion's emerging ophthalmology therapeutic area. At Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Dr Skuban's tenure included roles overseeing various clinical portfolios, notably guiding to FDA approval for Brexpiprazole (REXULTI) for major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Dr Skuban also held a number of clinical development director roles at Merck and Sanofi-Aventis.