Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has made multiple management transitions, effective January 15, 2018. 

Brett P. Monia, a founder of Ionis, and current head of drug discovery and the inotersen program, will become chief operating officer. In his new role, Dr. Monia will assume responsibility for the company’s regulatory, patient advocacy, human resources, and business functions. These include corporate communications, investor relations, business development, alliance management, and competitive intelligence. 

Additionally, Lynne Parshall, who has been with Ionis for 27 years, will become senior strategic advisor to Ionis and remain a member of the board of directors of Ionis and Akcea. In addition to supporting Dr. Monia in his transition, Ms. Parshall will continue to be involved in strategic planning, business development, and with Ionis’ important relationships with Biogen and Akcea.

Stanley T. Crooke, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and chairman of Ionis, said, “Brett is a founding member of the Ionis team. His leadership has been instrumental to the productivity of our drug discovery program. He has also made important contributions to our drug development activities and, together with Lynne and myself, been instrumental in achieving and managing our many partnerships.” 

Dr. Crooke continued, “For nearly 30 years, Lynne and I have partnered to navigate the course for Ionis. So, as we progress toward even more substantial success, it is particularly gratifying to me to know that Lynne will continue to play the vital strategic role she has always played.”