MindMaze Therapeutics Holding (RLFTF)

[Joe Kaplan]

RT Appoints World-Renowned Gene Therapy Pioneer Guangping Gao, Ph.D. as Chair of Scientific Advisory Board

https://www.relieftherapeutics.com/newsblog-detail/?newsID=2482011

GENEVA, APRIL 3, 2023 – RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (SIX: RLF, OTCQB: RLFTF, RLFTY) ("Relief Therapeutics" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing treatment paradigms to benefit the lives of patients living with rare diseases, today announces the appointment of world-renowned gene therapy pioneer Guangping Gao, Ph.D. as the chair of the Company’s newly formed scientific advisory board (SAB). Dr. Gao is the co-director of the Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, director of the Horae Gene Therapy Center and Viral Vector Core, professor of microbiology and physiological systems, and Penelope Booth Rockwell Chair in biomedical research at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, Mass.

Internationally recognized in the field of gene therapy, Dr. Gao played a key role in the discovery and characterization of a new family of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes, which was instrumental in reviving the gene therapy field, significantly impacting many currently untreatable human diseases.

“Dr. Gao is a distinguished and accomplished academic and genetic medicine leader who has made fundamental discoveries in gene therapy that have pushed the field forward. He brings an unparalleled combination of pioneering scientific research and pre-clinical and clinical gene therapy product development expertise, along with advanced viral vector manufacturing experience,” said Serene Forte, Ph.D., MPH, senior vice president, head of genetic medicine at Relief Therapeutics. “It will be a privilege to work with Dr. Gao and benefit from his vast knowledge and advice in this space.”

In his advisory role, Dr. Gao will serve as an integral resource, providing scientific review and high-level technical and strategic guidance related to gene therapy targets, research and pre-clinical development and strategic research alliances as the Company works to expand its portfolio.

“The Relief Therapeutics team has built a strong foundation with their current portfolio and cost-effective capital approach to drug development,” said Dr. Gao. “I look forward to working with Dr. Forte and the highly capable leadership team to help build and proficiently execute the Relief Therapeutics genetic medicine program.”

Relief Therapeutics launched its genetic medicines initiative with the objective of developing life-altering, potentially curative therapies for patients suffering from devastating rare diseases that currently lack treatment options. The company is leveraging its strength and experience to identify monogenic disorders in therapeutic areas that align with its areas of focus, such as rare metabolic diseases. The SAB will support the Company’s genetic medicines initiative and additional appointments are forthcoming. To learn more about Relief Therapeutics’ approach to genetic medicine, please visit: https://www.relieftherapeutics.com/genetic-medicine.

“Dr. Gao’s extensive experience in the advancement of novel approaches to treat inherited rare diseases will be instrumental in helping us shape the direction of our genetic medicine portfolio,” said Jack Weinstein, chief executive officer at Relief Therapeutics. “We are honored to have Dr. Gao lead our new SAB and welcome him to Relief Therapeutic