MONTREAL, Nov. 20, 2024 – Thryv Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new treatments for cardiovascular diseases, announces the appointment of Amy Sehnert, MD, as its Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Sehnert will oversee clinical development and strategy for Thryv’s expanding portfolio of cardiometabolic therapies targeting serum glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) – a kinase involved in harmful changes to the heart’s electrical and structural properties.

Dr. Sehnert is a pediatric cardiologist with 20 years’ experience leading medical efforts at innovative biotech firms focused on precision diagnostics and therapeutics. She joins Thryv from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), where she progressed through leadership roles, most recently as Vice President and Global Program Lead for cardiovascular treatments transitioning from early to late development. Before BMS, she served as Vice President, Clinical Science at MyoKardia, Inc., playing a key role in developing and gaining approval for Camzyos®, a groundbreaking HCM treatment, which contributed to BMS’s $14 billion acquisition of MyoKardia in 2020. 

“I am delighted to join Thryv Therapeutics at this pivotal moment,” said Dr. Sehnert. “Thryv’s innovative approach to cardiovascular disease aligns with my dedication to advancing precision medicine, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver life-changing therapies to patients globally.”

Dr. Sehnert has also made significant contributions in maternal-fetal health, oncology, and genomics, spearheading early work in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and cell-free DNA applications now widely used clinically. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, completed her Pediatrics Residency at University of Colorado, and her Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at UCSF, followed by faculty positions at UCSF and Stanford University. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Business by the San Francisco Business Times and among the Top 25 Healthcare Technology Leaders of San Francisco. She is a co-author of over 60 peer-reviewed publications and has participated in numerous international collaborations, establishing her as a globally recognized expert.

“On behalf of Thryv Therapeutics, I am thrilled to welcome Amy to the team,” said Paul F. Truex, CEO of Thryv Therapeutics. “Dr. Sehnert brings extensive medical and clinical development expertise in cardiometabolic and genetic diseases. Her considerable experience in designing and conducting late-stage clinical trials for genetic and broader cardiovascular diseases, and her leadership skills, will be crucial as we advance into the next phase of clinical development for our SGK1 portfolio.”

Dr. Philip Sager, Thryv Therapeutics’ founding Chief Medical Officer, will continue offering strategic clinical and regulatory guidance as the company’s portfolio progresses to later-stage clinical studies. 

“Philip and his collaborators initially identified the clinical potential of SGK1 in various cardiometabolic diseases, particularly Long QT Syndrome. His strong leadership and dedication to exploring these initial concepts have propelled Thryv Therapeutics’ portfolio to its present stage,” said Paul F. Truex. “We appreciate his ongoing contributions to all our clinical programs and are inspired by his commitment to finding treatments for these patient populations.”

About Thryv Therapeutics

Thryv Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Thryv Therapeutics is developing a precision medicine approach to create potent and highly selective serum glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) inhibitors to treat heart failure, atrial fibrillation, Long QT Syndrome, and other cardiometabolic and cardiorenal diseases. Numerous animal studies have shown that SGK1 activation leads to harmful electrical and structural remodeling of the heart, contributing to negative outcomes in heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and genetic channelopathies such as Long QT Syndrome.

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SOURCE Thryv Therapeutics Inc.