Shanghai, China – January 1, 2025 – Rona Therapeutics is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex M. DePaoli, MD, as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Translational Research. Dr. DePaoli brings over 25 years of expertise in translational research, with a focus on the clinical development of important human therapeutics. His experience spans a broad range of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic, immune oncology and ophthalmology.

Concurrently, it is with regret that we acknowledge the upcoming departure of Dr. Hongmei Li from her role as Chief Medical Officer at Rona. Dr. Li has made significant contributions during her tenure as our CMO. Her pivotal role in achieving two critical clinical filing approvals and successfully navigating the company's clinical advancements cannot be overstated. These milestones were crucial for Rona's growth, and Dr. Li played an instrumental part in their successful attainment.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Li for her invaluable service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors," said Stella SHI, CEO of Rona Therapeutics. "Dr. DePaoli is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with an impressive track record in leading successful global clinical development programs in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. His extensive experience in the cardiometabolic space, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and dysmetabolic liver disease, as well as his work beyond metabolic field, add tremendous value to the company. He joins Rona at a crucial time, as we continue to advance our pipeline of transformative siRNA therapies."

At Rona, Dr. DePaoli will oversee the clinical development of a diverse portfolio of investigational products, leveraging his expertise in cardiometabolic and other therapeutic areas. Prior to joining Rona, Dr. DePaoli served as Chief Medical Officer at Marea Therapeutics, NGM Bio and InteKrin Therapeutics, where he led the clinical development of multiple products. Additionally, he served as Head of the Cardiometabolic Therapeutic Area at Amgen, where he played a key role in the early development of the PCSK9 inhibitor, Repatha.

Before entering the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. DePaoli completed his medical training at the University of Chicago, focusing on obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance. He has also maintained a clinical endocrinology practice at the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and served on its Board of Directors (President for 6 years) for over 25 years, guiding pivotal research in continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump innovation, and artificial pancreas (closed loop insulin pump).

Dr. DePaoli’s appointment marks a significant step for Rona Therapeutics as it accelerates global multi-center clinical trials and new product development. He will take full charge of the company's clinical team and collaborate on business development strategies, helping drive innovation and progress in Rona's oligonucleotide therapeutics pipeline.

About Rona Therapeutics

Rona Therapeutics is a global leader in nucleic acid therapeutics discovery and development, specializing in the treatment of cardiometabolic and neurological diseases. Rona Therapeutics is committed to developing the best and first-in-class siRNA drugs with differentiation and innovation to address unmet needs and improve outcome in cardiovascular diseases, obesity, MASH and neurological diseases through both hepatic and extra-hepatic delivery of proprietary siRNA.