CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acceleron Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ:XLRN) today announced the appointment of the experienced biopharmaceutical executive, Karen Smith, M.D., Ph.D., to its board of directors and the departure of Terrance McGuire, effective November 15, 2017.

“Karen’s breadth of expertise in research and development, paired with her exceptional leadership skills, brings great value to Acceleron as we work to execute on our vision to build therapeutic area leadership across hematological, neuromuscular, and pulmonary diseases,” said Francois Nader, M.D., Chairman of Acceleron’s board of directors. “We are pleased to welcome her to the Acceleron board.”

Dr. Smith currently serves as Executive Vice President, Global Head R&D, and Chief Medical Officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Smith brings over 20 years of experience in drug development, regulatory, operations, and business strategy across multiple healthcare companies.

“Acceleron’s internal research and development efforts have generated multiple clinical-stage programs with the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from serious and rare diseases,” said Dr. Smith. “I look forward to working with the Acceleron team as they strive to build category leadership in multiple disease areas, and advance their programs through the clinic.”

Mr. McGuire has served as a member of Acceleron’s board of directors since 2005. He co-founded Polaris Partners in 1996 and is currently a general partner. Polaris Venture Partners led Acceleron’s Series A financing round of $25 million in 2004.

“On behalf of Acceleron’s board, shareholders and employees, I would like to applaud and recognize Terry’s many contributions over the last 12 years as a truly dedicated board member. His expertise and broad industry knowledge helped guide the Company from founding through the successful IPO in 2013 and beyond. We greatly appreciate his work, time, and dedication to Acceleron,” said Habib Dable, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acceleron.

About Karen Smith, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Karen Smith currently serves as Executive Vice President, Global Head R&D, and Chief Medical Officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to joining Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Smith was Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs and Global Dermatology Head for Allergan. She also held senior positions in External Medical Relations and Global Development at AstraZeneca. Before that, she held a variety of management and medical roles with Bristol-Myers Squibb, most recently as the Head of U.S. Clinical Operations.

Dr. Smith earned a B.App.Sc. and a B.Sc. (Honors) from the Curtin University of Technology, an M.D. from the University of Warwick, a Ph.D. in oncology molecular genetics from the University of Western Australia, an M.B.A. from the University of New England (Australia) and a L.L.M. in medical law from the University of Salford.

About Acceleron

Acceleron is a Cambridge-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutics to treat serious and rare diseases. The Company's leadership in the understanding of TGF-beta biology and protein engineering generates innovative compounds that engage the body's ability to regulate cellular growth and repair.

Acceleron focuses its research and development efforts in hematologic, neuromuscular, and pulmonary diseases. In hematology, the Company and its global collaboration partner, Celgene, are developing luspatercept for the treatment of chronic anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes, beta-thalassemia, and myelofibrosis. Acceleron is also advancing its neuromuscular franchise with two distinct Myostatin+ agents, ACE-083 and ACE-2494, and a pulmonary program with a Phase 2 trial of sotatercept planned in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

For more information, please visit www.acceleronpharma.com/. Follow Acceleron on Social Media: @AcceleronPharmaand LinkedIn.