Hanna Pirita Lesch joins the board as ArcticZymes continues to expand its enzyme platform across molecular tools and biomanufacturing, including applications in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

Dr. Frank Mathias was re-elected as chair, while Petter Dragesund was re-elected as a board member. Sharon Brownlow is leaving the board after a period of service.

“Hanna’s appointment is a deliberate step to strengthen our Board as we execute on our strategy – both diversifying into RNA through a dedicated enzyme portfolio and continuing to build on our leadership in cell and gene therapy. She brings directly relevant competencies across RNA and viral vector manufacturing, combined with a deep understanding of the underlying technology and science – exactly the perspective we need around the Board table as we move into this next phase,” says Michael Akoh, CEO of ArcticZymes Technologies.

Hanna Pirita Lesch

Lesch brings to the Board directly relevant competencies states the company. A Chief Technology Officer of Aurealis Therapeutics, and previously CTO of Exothera – an international CDMO focused on viral vector and mRNA-based therapies – she has led technology strategy, platform development, and CMC for some of Europe’s most advanced RNA and gene therapy programs. Her hands-on experience scaling RNA manufacturing processes supports ArcticZymes’ diversification into the RNA segment, while her deep expertise in viral vector and ATMP manufacturing reinforces the Company’s continued leadership in cell and gene therapy.

Equally important, Lesch combines this strategic perspective with a genuine understanding of the underlying technology and science, the company states. She holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine and an Adjunct Professorship in Biomedicine and Bioprocessing at the University of Eastern Finland, has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, and currently chairs the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy’s Manufacturing Committee. Earlier in her career, as Gene Therapy Unit Director at the Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy and R&D Director at Finvector and FKD Therapies, she contributed to the development of adenoviral gene therapy products that progressed to marketing approval.