Ms. Alves brings more than 19 years of global financial leadership experience in the biotechnology industry. Throughout her career, she has built and scaled finance, accounting, and corporate operations functions for emerging biotechnology companies, guiding organizations through periods of rapid growth, public offerings, public-company operations, and strategic transactions.

 

Most recently, Ms. Alves served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Repare Therapeutics Inc., a precision oncology company advancing novel synthetic lethality-based therapies, through its acquisition by Xeno Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to Repare, she served as Corporate Controller of Clementia Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases, through its acquisition by Ipsen S.A. Her experience spans both private and public biotechnology companies, providing a unique perspective on the operational and financial requirements of scaling innovative life sciences organizations.

 

“Over the past two years, Morphocell has evolved from an ambitious regenerative medicine start-up into a company with the resources, team, and infrastructure required to advance toward clinical development,” said Dr. Massimiliano Paganelli, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Morphocell. “As we advance toward clinical development and prepare for future growth, we must continue building the organizational foundation that will support our long-term vision. Sandra has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to help biotechnology companies navigate critical stages of growth and transformation. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations and position Morphocell for long-term success.”

 

Since completing its Series A financing, Morphocell has expanded significantly across its operations, team, and geographic footprint while advancing ReLiver®, its lead engineered tissue therapeutic for liver failure, toward first-in-human studies. Strengthening the company’s financial and corporate infrastructure is a key component of its strategy as it prepares for the next phase of development.

 

“What attracted me to Morphocell is the combination of bold science, a clear clinical need, and a team that is executing with remarkable focus and discipline,” said Ms. Alves. “Opportunities to help build a company with the potential to redefine treatment for patients with severe liver disease are rare. I am excited to join the team and contribute to the company’s growth as it advances its innovative therapies toward the clinic.”

 

Ms. Alves holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy from Concordia University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

 

The appointment of Ms. Alves further strengthens Morphocell’s executive leadership team as the company advances its mission to harness advanced tissue engineering to deliver life-saving solutions for patients suffering from severe liver disease.