Abzena, an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and complex biologic molecules, strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Joe Principe as chief commercial officer, and Matthew Pinkston as vice president, program management.

According to the company, Principe, a 25-year CDMO veteran, was brought on board to strengthen Abzena’s commercial activities, and establish a best-in-class experience for clients and drive further commercial growth for the company. 

“I believe in the technologies and capabilities of Abzena and the company’s vision and values. Abzena is on the cutting edge of pharmaceutical science, and this is an exciting opportunity for me to help drive the company into its next phase of growth,” said Principe.

Pinkston joins Abzena with more than 13 years of combined consulting and industry experience across the life sciences space. With expertise in operations strategy, manufacturing optimizations and R&D, Pinkston was recruited to help drive the operational focus and excellence of Abzena for the next phase of growth.

“Abzena’s key focus is on being a patient and customer-first organization, combining this with a high degree of collaboration that is driven by strong technical capabilities is a combination that other CDMOs cannot offer. I am looking forward to supporting Abzena through an exciting period of growth,” said Pinkston.

Matthew Stober, CEO of Abzena said: “Joe and Matthew joining the senior leadership team is a strong addition supporting the objectives of the company as we move forward. Both have extensive industry experience which, when partnered with their ability to bring added focus to the team’s activities, provides a real benefit to Abzena and the clients we serve.”