CRISPR Therapeutics, a Switzerland-based biopharmaceutical company focused on translating CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology into transformative medicines for serious human diseases, has appointed Bill Lundberg, M.D., to chief scientific officer to lead the company's development programs and to spearhead the creation of its R&D operations in Cambridge, Mass.

"CRISPR-Cas9 is a breakthrough in our ability to treat serious diseases, and we now are focused on translating this discovery into important new therapies for patients," said Lundberg. "Our new Cambridge, Mass., location provides us with close access to our academic founders and their extensive networks, as well as a large pool of scientific talent to drive our discovery and development programs."

Previously at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Lundberg was vice president and head of translational medicine, overseeing the progression of numerous compounds from early research to clinical proof-of-concept. Lundberg held senior positions at Taligen Therapeutics, Genzyme and Wyeth (now Pfizer) and led development programs in various disease areas.