Prothena announces new COO

Prothena Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies in the neuroscience category, announced that Tran B. Nguyen has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, in addition to serving in his current role as Chief Financial Officer.

"Tran’s strong leadership, combined with his expert financial background and biotech industry experience, have been instrumental to our ability to advance our business," said Gene Kinney, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prothena. "He is adding to his responsibilities at an important time for Prothena and we look forward to his strategic contribution and leadership as we continue to focus on developing new medicines to improve the lives of patients."

Mr. Nguyen joined Prothena in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer and has more than 20 years of finance experience in the biotech, banking and private equity industries.  Prior to joining Prothena, he held management positions at Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, as was its Chief Financial Officer until its sale in 2013. Previously, Mr. Nguyen was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Metabasis Therapeutics, until its sale in 2010.  Mr. Nguyen currently serves on the board of directors of Sierra Oncology, Inc., a public clinical-stage oncology company and Rain Therapeutics Inc., a private clinical-stage oncology company. Mr. Nguyen received his BA in Economics and Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.