BioCentury
ARTICLE | Management Tracks

Thomas Barnes named CEO of Averna

Plus: Panetta given emeritus title at Biocom and updates from Kailera, Harness, Nuevocor, Janux, Umoja and more

January 28, 2025 2:25 AM UTC

Averna Therapeutics Inc. named Thomas Barnes CEO, succeeding Tal Zaks who will continue as executive chairman. Averna, formerly known as Exsilio Therapeutics Inc., is developing LNP-based mRNA therapies; Barnes was CEO of circular RNA company Orna Therapeutics Inc.

Joe Panetta has become president emeritus at Biocom California, where Tim Scott succeeded him as CEO. Scott, who is co-founder and chairman of Tega Therapeutics Inc., joined Biocom’s board in 2010; Panetta was the organization’s president and CEO and a board member for more than 25 years. ...