SEED Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Bill Desmarais as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEED Therapeutics Inc. ("SEED"), a biotechnology company pioneering targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the discovery of innovative molecular glues and bifunctional degraders, today announced the appointment of Dr. Bill Desmarais, Ph.D., MBA, as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer.
"Bill's appointment comes at a pivotal time as SEED advances its differentiated pipeline into clinical trials and expands global strategic partnerships,' said Dr. Lan Huang, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SEED. 'His extensive experience in high-impact transactions and strategic licensing will strengthen SEED's ability to accelerate breakthrough therapies in oncology, neurodegeneration, and immunology through our proprietary RITE3™ TPD platform. This appointment underscores SEED's commitment to delivering transformative treatments for patients, partners, and shareholders in 2025 and beyond.'
Dr. Desmarais brings more than two decades of leadership in finance, business development, and strategic operations within the biopharma and biotech industries. He previously served as Chief Business Officer at Alchemab Therapeutics and TScan Therapeutics, as well as Vice President of Business Development at Momenta Pharmaceuticals, where he played a critical role in the company's $6.5 billion acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade at Eli Lilly and Company in Search & Evaluation and Corporate Business Development, advancing global partnerships and pipeline expansion. Dr. Desmarais holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics and Structural Biology from Brandeis University, an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a B.S. in Biology from Purdue University.
"I am excited to join SEED at this transformative moment, working alongside an exceptional team of leaders and innovators,' said Dr. Desmarais. 'I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Lan Huang and her distinguished SEED Co-Founders—Nobel Laureate Avram Hershko and HHMI Investigators Michele Pagano and Ning Zheng—who are at the forefront of breakthrough research in targeted protein degradation. SEED's world-class translational scientists, drug developers, and deeply engaged Board of Directors bring unparalleled expertise across science, finance, risk management, law, and governance. Together, we will advance SEED's groundbreaking strategy, forge key alliances, and drive meaningful impact for patients and stakeholders worldwide.'
About SEED TherapeuticsSEED Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the discovery of novel molecular glues and bifunctional degraders. Powered by its proprietary RITE3™ TPD platform, SEED is developing a pipeline of first-in-class degraders aimed at traditionally undruggable targets across oncology, neurodegeneration, immunology, and virology. Strategic collaborations with industry leaders Eli Lilly and Company and Eisai Co., Ltd. further reinforce SEED's commitment to developing innovative therapies, with its lead RBM39 degrader program expected to enter clinical trials in 2025. For more information, visit seedtherapeutics.com.
Investor Contact: IR@seedtherapeutics.comMedia Contact: PR@seedtherapeutics.comSign in to access your portfolio
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
ACPAS - Powers Device Financing for Flagship U.S. Tech Brand in South African Retail Network
DALLAS and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPAY Inc. (OTCQB: UPYY), a U.S.-based fintech innovator, announced that its South African subsidiary, ACPAS, has entered into a new Service Level Agreement (SLA) with one of the country's premier retail finance providers—responsible for enabling consumer credit on behalf of a retail group that exclusively sells products from one of the world's most iconic US technology brands. The group has already deployed the ACPAS solution at an initial retail location, where sales are beginning to ramp up. A broader rollout across its national footprint is planned in the coming months. The agreement enables ACPAS to deploy its advanced Loan Management Software (LMS) and integrated payment technologies to support financing for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and related accessories—sold through a nationwide network of over 30 premium retail stores and a leading online platform. Enabling Smarter Credit for High-Demand Technology Purchases The retail group—recognized as the go-to destination for some of the world's most iconic technology products—has established itself as a market leader in premium consumer experiences. The new fintech integration will power: Seamless credit origination and paperless onboarding Real-time account servicing and loan management Scalable backend support for payments and customer queries 'This collaboration demonstrates how ACPAS enables leading retailers to offer compliant, intelligent, and accessible credit to their customers,' said Jaco Fölscher, CEO of ACPAS. 'Our technology will enhance the customer finance journey across both in-store and online channels.' Strengthening Compliance and Risk Controls UPAY's AML-focused subsidiary, AML GO, will enhance the solution by providing automated anti-money laundering (AML) checks and integrated tools to support compliance with local regulatory frameworks. This ensures the finance journey remains secure, auditable, and compliant—meeting both consumer and institutional expectations. A Digital-First, Consumer-Centric Finance Strategy The SLA also includes: Continuous performance monitoring and optimization Built-in tools for compliance and risk oversight Adherence to fintech best practices in data privacy and credit governance Together, UPAY and its subsidiaries are redefining what responsible credit delivery looks like in tech-driven retail, helping partners expand access to premium technology through smarter finance options. About UPAY Inc. is a U.S.-listed fintech holding company focused on delivering intelligent financial platforms and compliance technologies across emerging and established markets. Its solutions span automation, payments, credit, and regulatory innovation. About ACPASACPAS, a subsidiary of UPAY Inc., is a leading provider of Loan Management Software in South Africa. Its platform powers digital lending, risk-based decision making, and payment orchestration for a broad range of financial institutions and credit providers. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements because of new information, future events, or other circumstances. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. For media inquiries, please contact: info@
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) on Business Model Mastery's Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on LLY. Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)'s share was trading at $765.68 as of 5th June. LLY's trailing and forward P/E were 62.30 and 35.09 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. A picture of a pharma technician preparing an IV injection of a biopharmaceutical product. Eli Lilly is no longer just a pharmaceutical giant—it's becoming a platform company that's reshaping the very structure of global healthcare. At the heart of this transformation is tirzepatide, a dual-action molecule marketed under separate brands for diabetes and obesity. This single drug now accounts for over a quarter of Lilly's total revenue, with the diabetes version generating $11.5 billion (up 330% YoY) and the obesity variant reaching $2.3 billion in its first year—a historic ramp-up. These are not just growth numbers; they're margin-rich results, with 85 %+ gross margins and minimal marketing spend due to entrenched trust among endocrinologists. Crucially, tirzepatide is protected by a fortress of patents through 2036 and beyond, giving Lilly a durable edge in two massive markets. Unlike peers, Lilly owns its injectable manufacturing end-to-end, having invested over $5.5 billion in internal capacity, giving it unmatched agility and control while rivals struggle with supply constraints. Its sales force and deep prescriber relationships, built over decades, have only grown more powerful thanks to a new direct-to-consumer platform that streamlines initiation and adherence. Meanwhile, the company is reinvesting aggressively, with $11 billion (24% of revenue) spent on focused R&D spanning Alzheimer's, oncology, and rare diseases. Its pipeline—anchored in metabolic, neurodegenerative, and immune disorders—builds on existing strengths, accelerating commercialization. Competition exists, but Lilly's molecule consistently outperforms, and its infrastructure outscales. With two-thirds of sales still U.S.-based, global expansion represents the next lever. In sum, Lilly's model—a convergence of science, scale, and system—positions it as more than a pharma company. It's a precision biology platform with extraordinary strategic depth and long-term compounding potential. Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Eli Lilly (LLY) by Kontra on Substack in May 2025, which aligns with Business Model Mastery's analysis, emphasizing the company's leadership in obesity and diabetes care. Both highlight tirzepatide's explosive growth, margin strength, and Lilly's massive investment in capacity and R&D. Kontra focuses more on near-term financial results, pipeline expansion, and regulatory catalysts, while Business Model Mastery frames Lilly as a precision biology platform with structural advantages—like end-to-end manufacturing and patent longevity—that support durable outperformance. Together, they reinforce Lilly's status as a long-term compounder with deep moats and global runway. Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) is on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 119 hedge fund portfolios held LLY at the end of the first quarter which was 115 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of LLY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Apex Finance Institute Launches Apex Mind Under Maxwell Laurence's Vision for Intelligent Investment Education
Apex Finance Institute, led by founder Maxwell Laurence, has released Apex Mind—an upgraded intelligent learning system that integrates cognitive modeling, live simulation, and strategic profiling to support modern investment training. Los Angeles, CA, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apex Finance Institute today announced the official release of Apex Mind, a next-generation intelligent learning platform developed under the direction of founder Maxwell Laurence, marking a milestone in the evolution of investment education. With this launch, Apex Finance Institute strengthens its role in shaping the cognitive and strategic foundations of global investors amid increasingly complex financial Apex Mind system reflects Laurence's long-held philosophy: strategic decision-making must be trained, not assumed. Unlike traditional curriculum models based solely on technical instruction, Apex Mind is engineered to develop the internal logic and adaptive thinking frameworks necessary for sustainable investment performance. It captures behavioral inputs, interprets strategic gaps, and dynamically adjusts user progression in real functional components include:Cognitive Profiling Engine – Analyzes user behavior to construct personalized decision maps and optimize learning flowReal-Time Strategy Simulator – Enables cross-asset scenario modeling and immediate response validation under simulated volatilityMacro-to-Micro Connector – Integrates global economic variables into bottom-up investment scenarios for applied reasoning trainingBenchmark Intelligence Dashboard – Compares individual performance across anonymized peer cohorts and industry-standard patternsAccording to internal testing, participants in the Apex Mind pilot program demonstrated a 46% improvement in risk-adjusted decision-making accuracy within the first six weeks of use. The platform is now being deployed across all Apex Finance Institute programs globally, with expanded language support and enterprise integration scheduled in the next phase.'Apex Mind redefines how investment training is delivered,' said Maxwell Laurence, Founder of Apex Finance Institute. 'It is designed not just to inform, but to transform—ensuring users internalize disciplined, high-leverage thinking in the face of uncertainty.'Developed in collaboration with financial cognitive scientists and strategy analysts from key global markets, Apex Mind represents a strategic response to what Laurence has identified as the 'cognitive deficit' among retail and semi-professional investors. The system aligns with Apex Finance Institute's broader mission: to provide not only tools, but mental models, enabling users to engage complex macroeconomic, sectoral, and policy variables with clarity and launch arrives at a time when the global investment landscape is undergoing rapid transformation—characterized by fragmented liquidity regimes, data saturation, and accelerating policy shifts. Apex Finance Institute positions Apex Mind as a tactical operating system for the next generation of investors: those seeking to navigate capital markets with structure, precision, and global new release is available to institutional partners, individual program enrollees, and approved educational affiliates beginning this month. Additional modules focused on behavioral finance, scenario anticipation, and geopolitical volatility modeling are expected to roll out in the final quarter of Apex Finance Institute Apex Finance Institute is a global financial education platform founded by Maxwell institute is recognized for its integration of real-market intelligence, cognitive strategy training, and modular investment education systems. Apex Finance Institute is committed to advancing intelligent investor development through systemic training, technological innovation, and global perspective. CONTACT: Zoe Richardson Apex
