Karyopharm Therapeutics Recognizes the Contributions of Co-Founder Ronald DePinho, MD

NATICK, Mass., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald A. DePinho, M.D., a co-founder and board member of Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. since 2009, elected to resign from the company's board of directors, effective Oct. 10, 2012, at a time when the company has achieved a "strong base of operations."

"I am proud of the stellar group of physicians and scientists at Karyopharm who are focused on the needs of cancer patients," Dr. DePinho said. "With the transition of its nuclear transport modulators from preclinical models to Phase 1 testing under the direction of the CSO and Founder, Dr. Sharon Shacham, I believe Karyopharm has achieved the foundation it needs to pursue development of new medicines with the potential to impact cancers in humans."

"We greatly appreciate the enthusiasm and guidance that Dr. DePinho provided in building the company from its inception on all fronts," said Michael Kauffman, MD, PhD, CEO of Karyopharm.  "Despite his many responsibilities elsewhere, Dr. DePinho helped us develop a new class of anti-cancer agents that now have reached the critical point of clinical development.  He provided scientific and medical guidance to help build Karyopharm's strong foundation for long-term success, and we wish him well in all his endeavors as president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center."

Karyopharm's clinical studies will continue to be overseen by Dr. Shacham, head of research and development.  Dr. Kauffman, previously chief medical officer at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, who oversaw the development of carfilzomib (Kyprolis®) for multiple myeloma program, and Dr. Mansoor Raza Mirza, Karyopharm's board member and Chief Oncologist at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, are advising on the program.

About Karyopharm

Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. has emerged as a leader in the new field of nuclear transport modulators.  The company's selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE) function by trapping multiple tumor suppressor proteins in the nucleus, resulting in anti-cancer activity across many tumor types. In collaboration with several academic laboratories, SINEs, targeting the major nuclear exporter CRM1, exert robust anti-cancer activity in diverse preclinical models of cancer. The lead SINE KPT-330 is now in Phase 1 clinical studies for advanced solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. The related SINE KPT-335 is being evaluated as an oral treatment for dogs with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, one of the most common canine cancers.  The Company is also testing SINEs in autoimmune, viral and dermatologic disorders. Karyopharm Therapeutics is located in Natick, Massachusetts.

Contact: Michael Kauffman, [email protected], +1-508-975-4821

SOURCE Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.