Lion Biotechnologies appoints new members to leadership team

Lion Biotechnologies, Inc., a biotechnology company, today announced the appointments of Gregory MacMichael as vice president of process development, and Howard B. Johnson as vice president of corporate development.

"We are delighted to welcome these two industry veterans to our management team," Elma Hawkins, president and CEO of Lion Biotechnologies, said. "Gregory's distinguished track record in immunotherapy process development will be an asset to Lion... . We are also looking forward to Howard's leadership and contributions as we pursue strategic development opportunities."

Before joining Lion, MacMichael worked in Novartis' Cell and Gene Therapies Therapeutic Unit, where he led process development for CAR-T and other immunotherapies. Previously, he led the development of the drug substance and drug product processes for Novartis' biologics pipeline.

Johnson is an entrepreneurial executive with more than 30 years of experience in operations, finance, business development and investor relations. He began his career as an investment banker, working on product development financings for leading biotech companies at Paine Webber Development Corporation. He then went on to become an early investor and initial board member of Acorda Therapeutics.

Lion Biotechnologies develops novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The company's lead product candidate is an adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for the treatment of patients with refractory metastatic melanoma.