Synlogic, a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing novel medicines based on its proprietary synthetic biology and microbiome platform, today announced the appointment of biotech industry veteran Samantha Truex as chief operating officer (COO) and head of Corporate Development.

“We expect 2017 to be a pivotal year for Synlogic as we further demonstrate the breadth and power of our platform. Sam’s drug development background at both large and small biotechnology organizations will serve as a valuable asset to our team as we prepare to take our lead programs into the clinic,” said Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, Ph.D., CEO of Synlogic. “In addition, her deep experience leading corporate development efforts will serve us well as we seek to execute strategic partnerships that will fuel Synlogic’s growth into a fully-integrated biotechnology company focused on bringing a new class of drugs—synthetic biotics—to patients.”

As COO and head of corporate development, Sam will be broadly responsible for developing and executing on a strategic plan that integrates internal programs and business development activities, including the development of financing strategies. In addition to strategic planning, corporate development and legal activities, Sam will also provide leadrship for Synlogic’s corporate communications and alliance management activities.

Sam comes to Synlogic with more than 20 years of industry experience, most recently from Padlock Therapeutics where she was integral to Padlock's operations and led the business development process culminating in its acquisition by Bristol-Myers Squibb earlier this year. Prior to Padlock, Sam spent several years each at Biogen and Genzyme.

At Biogen, Sam served as vice president of corporate development, leading the negotiations for multiple licensing, collaboration and acquisition transactions and serving as program executive of FAMPYRA during its launch phase and of ELOCTATE and ALPROLIX during the preclinical and early clinical phases.

At Genzyme, Sam handled licensing and M&A transactions across multiple business units, including for Genzyme Molecular Oncology and Genzyme Genetics. Earlier in her career, Sam worked for Chiron Diagnostics and Health Advances.