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Industry Leader Brings Gene Therapy and Pharmaceutical Expertise as Former CEO of Dimension Therapeutics, Head of Global R&D for Merck Serono and Head of Global Medical Affairs of Bristol-Myers Squibb

Cambridge, MA, April 4, 2018 – AVROBIO, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing transformative, life-changing gene therapies for rare diseases, today announced the appointment of Annalisa Jenkins, MBBS, FRCP, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Jenkins brings a wealth of expertise in advancing drug programs through clinical development and regulatory approval, including roles as the former head of Global R&D for Merck Serono and Head of Global Medical Affairs for Bristol-Myers Squibb. She also has recent experience in the fields of gene therapy and rare diseases, having served as the CEO of Dimension Therapeutics, Inc., until its acquisition in late 2017. Dr. Jenkins will join as an independent director of AVROBIO effective immediately.

“Annalisa brings both extensive pharma R&D industry knowledge as well as pioneering leadership in the field of gene therapy. Her expertise is a valuable asset to AVROBIO as we advance our gene therapies for rare diseases,” said Geoff MacKay, President and CEO of AVROBIO. “We are delighted to welcome Annalisa to the AVROBIO board, and we look forward to working together.”

“I am excited to be involved with the AVROBIO team and be a part of the company’s work to advance gene therapies to deliver potential cures to patients with debilitating, genetic rare diseases,” said Dr. Jenkins. “I'm impressed with the company's progress to date, and I look forward to contributing to AVROBIO's advancement of its promising gene therapies through clinical development and to patients in need."

Dr. Jenkins has more than 25 years of global pharmaceutical industry experience and has held leadership roles building companies and advancing drug programs from scientific research, through clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization. As CEO of Dimension Therapeutics, she successfully built the company through its IPO and oversaw the development of its gene therapy products for rare liver diseases until Dimension was acquired by Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals in November 2017. Prior to Dimension, Dr. Jenkins served as Executive Vice President and Head of Global Research and Development for Merck Serono, a global division of Merck KGaA focused on biopharmaceuticals. She also had a nearly 15-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb, ultimately serving in the role of Senior Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs. Dr. Jenkins began her career as a Medical Officer with the British Royal Navy during the Gulf conflict, rising to the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant Commander. Dr. Jenkins received an MBBS in Medicine from St. Bartholomew's Hospital in the University of London and trained in cardiovascular medicine in the National Health Service (UK).

Currently, Dr. Jenkins chairs the boards of CellMedica, Cocoon, Vium, Inc., and Silence Therapeutics; serves as chief executive advisor to PlaqueTec Ltd.; and is a director on the boards of Ardelyx, Oncimmune Holdings plc, and a number of early-stage private biotech and life science companies. She also serves as a committee member of the Science Board to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

About AVROBIO, Inc.

AVROBIO, Inc., a leader in lentiviral-based gene therapies, is a clinical-stage company developing disruptive therapies that have the potential to transform patients’ lives with a single dose. The Company is focused on the development of its gene therapy candidate, AVR‑RD‑01, in Fabry disease, as well as additional gene therapy programs in other lysosomal storage disorders including Gaucher disease, cystinosis and Pompe disease. AVROBIO’s lentiviral platform has broad potential for other rare and non-rare genetic diseases. AVROBIO is headquartered in Cambridge, MA and has offices in Toronto, ON. For additional information, visit www.avrobio.com.

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Kathryn Morris
The Yates Network
Tel: 914-204-6412
kathryn@theyatesnetwork.com