Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American and TASE: LCTX) announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board and the appointment of a new senior vice president for clinical operations.

The biotechnology company named Joachim Fruebis, Ph.D., as the founding member of its Scientific Advisory Board. Fruebis previously served as Corporate Vice President of Cell Therapy R&D at Novo Nordisk and Chief Development Officer at BlueRock Therapeutics. He has experience in ophthalmology, neurology, diabetes, and other therapeutic areas. Additional board members are expected to be added during the year.

Lineage also appointed Priyantha Herath, M.D., Ph.D., as Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Operations. Herath is a board-certified neurologist who has treated more than 20,000 patients with neurodegenerative diseases. He previously served as Clinical Group Leader for the Myasthenia Gravis disease portfolio at Argenx, where he oversaw two Phase III clinical studies.

"We are excited to establish a Scientific Advisory Board with Joachim as its founding member," stated Brian M. Culley, Lineage CEO. "His specific insights in ophthalmology, neurology, and diabetes will help guide the evolution of our cell therapy platform."

The company develops allogeneic cell therapies using its AlloSCOPE platform. Its pipeline includes OpRegen cell therapy in Phase 2a development with Roche and Genentech for age-related macular degeneration, and OPC1 in Phase 1/2a development for spinal cord injuries.