(PRESS RELEASE) IRVINE, CA — Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TARS), whose mission is to address patient needs, starting with eye care, through the application of proven science and new technology, announced several expected upcoming transitions to its Board of Directors by year-end. Tarsus Co-Founder and Chairman, Michael Ackermann, Ph.D., plans to transition off the Board of Directors. Upon Dr. Ackermann’s planned transition, Wendy Yarno, industry veteran and current member of the board, will be appointed lead independent Ddrector, and CEO Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., will assume the role of chairman.
Dr. Ackermann has made immeasurable contributions to the company’s development, growth and current success since its founding. He plans to pursue his passion of early-stage biotech formation and leadership in new opportunities, in addition to his new role as Director of Biotechnology at the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign.
“I am sincerely honored and humbled to be a part of the remarkable Tarsus story, and it’s with mixed emotions that I plan to transition away from the Company to pursue my passions for early company creation in the biotech community,” said Dr. Ackermann. “I am forever grateful to Bobby and the rest of the Tarsus leadership team for making the original vision for the Company a reality. I look forward to watching Tarsus advance TP-03 into commercialization, if approved, to help as many patients as possible and am confident that this is just the beginning of a remarkable future for the Company.”
“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to partner with Michael, both personally and professionally, including his vision and leadership in building Tarsus to solve complex problems and improve the lives of patients. I can’t wait to see what he creates and the impact he has in his next roles,” said Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Tarsus. “I am delighted and grateful for Wendy to plan to step into the Lead Independent Director role, and I look forward to continuing to benefit from her deep knowledge and experience working with companies at our stage.”
“I’m pleased to move into this important role on the Tarsus board and am excited to partner more closely with the other board members and the Tarsus management team as the company moves into a new chapter of development and growth,” said Ms. Yarno. “I am hopeful I can continue to provide meaningful support and leadership to the company as it progresses toward commercialization and advances its pipeline.”
