WATERTOWN, Mass., March 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — C4 Therapeutics, Inc. (C4T) (Nasdaq: CCCC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing targeted protein degradation science to develop a new generation of small-molecule medicines and transform how disease is treated, today announced the appointment of Utpal Koppikar, MBA, to its board of directors. Mr. Koppikar will also serve as chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Organization, Leadership and Compensation Committee. Mr. Koppikar is the chief financial officer of Atara Biotherapeutics Inc., a leader in T-cell immunotherapy. In addition, C4T announced that Dr. Elena Prokupets has retired from the board of directors, and a search is underway to further diversify the board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Utpal to our board of directors and leverage his strategic financial expertise to help advance our portfolio of novel degrader medicines and reach patients in need. A recognized financial leader with broad experience across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Utpal’s appointment highlights C4T’s commitment to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure the Company’s continued success,” said Bruce Downey, lead independent director of C4 Therapeutics. “Additionally, we are grateful for the leadership and guidance that Elena has provided C4T since our founding over six years ago and want to take this opportunity to wish her the best in her retirement.”
Commenting on joining the C4T board of directors, Mr. Koppikar said, “The potential of targeted protein degradation to make a transformative impact on patients is tremendously exciting and I am honored to be joining C4T’s board of directors as the Company advances multiple programs through the clinic and invests in its next wave of oncology targets. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and C4T’s leadership team as the company extends its leadership in the targeted protein degradation field.”
Mr. Koppikar currently serves as chief financial officer of Atara Biotherapeutics, where he is responsible for leading the finance, information technology and investor relations functions as well as guiding the company’s strategy as a member of the senior leadership team. Previously, Mr. Koppikar was vice president of operations finance at Gilead Sciences, Inc. where he led the financial integration of Kite Pharma and played an integral role in pricing committees. Mr. Koppikar began his career in life sciences at Amgen, Inc., where he held multiple positions of increasing seniority, ultimately serving as executive director of financial planning and analysis. Mr. Koppikar previously served as a board member of Flexion Therapeutics Inc. until its sale to Pacira BioSciences, Inc. in November 2021. Mr. Koppikar earned a B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in aeronautical engineering from Stanford University and an MBA in finance from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
About C4 Therapeutics
C4 Therapeutics (C4T) (Nasdaq: CCCC) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering on the promise of targeted protein degradation science to create a new generation of medicines that transform patients’ lives. C4T is leveraging its TORPEDO® platform to efficiently design and optimize small-molecule medicines that harness the body’s natural protein recycling system to rapidly degrade disease-causing proteins, offering the potential to overcome drug resistance, drug undruggable targets and improve patient outcomes. C4T is advancing multiple targeted oncology programs to the clinic and expanding its research platform to deliver the next wave of medicines for difficult-to-treat diseases. For more information, please visit www.c4therapeutics.com.
