Rice Biotech Launch Pad adds TPG Life Sciences’ Carolyn Ng to board

HOUSTON - Rice Biotech Launch Pad, a Houston-based accelerator focused on translating Rice University’s health and medical technology discoveries into treatments, announced Thursday the appointment of Carolyn Ng to its external advisory board.

Ng currently serves as a business unit partner at TPG Life Sciences Innovations in San Francisco, where she leads investments in early and midstage biotech companies across various therapeutic areas. She joins as the 16th member of the Launch Pad’s advisory board.

"Carolyn’s deep understanding of translational science, combined with her passion for fostering high-impact ventures, makes her an ideal addition to the board," said Omid Veiseh, professor of bioengineering at Rice and faculty director of the Launch Pad, according to the press release.

Ng currently serves on the board of directors of Mbrace Therapeutics, Adcendo Aps and Bicara Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BCAX). According to InvestingPro data, Bicara maintains a "GOOD" financial health score, with strong liquidity ratios and a solid cash position exceeding its debt obligations. The company’s stock has shown resilience with a strong return over the last month, despite trading at $11.60, significantly below its 52-week high of $28.09. Her previous board roles include Bicycle Therapeutics PLC (NASDAQ:BCYC), Obsidian Therapeutics, Boundless Bio (NASDAQ:BOLD), and others.

Before joining TPG in 2021, Ng was a managing director at Vertex Ventures HC. She holds a doctorate in cancer molecular biology from the National University of Singapore and was recognized in 2020 by Endpoints News as one of the "20 under 40" Next Generation of Biopharma Leaders.

The Rice Biotech Launch Pad aims to advance Rice University’s health and medical technology discoveries from concept to clinical studies and commercialization, while supporting Houston’s development as a medical innovation hub. For investors interested in Bicara Therapeutics’ future prospects, InvestingPro reveals that analysts maintain a bullish consensus recommendation, with additional financial metrics and insights available to subscribers.

In other recent news, Relay Therapeutics has appointed Claire Mazumdar, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors as the company gears up for its Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 trial in breast cancer. Meanwhile, Bicara Therapeutics has been the focus of analyst discussions following its presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. Stifel analysts have maintained a Buy rating for Bicara, with a $48 price target, citing confidence in the company’s ongoing clinical trials and the potential of its treatment combinations. They highlighted promising results from the Phase 1b dose-expansion trial involving ficerafusp and pembrolizumab for head and neck cancer. Cantor Fitzgerald analysts also reiterated an Overweight rating on Bicara, emphasizing the significant tumor shrinkage achieved with ficerafusp, which correlates with improved clinical outcomes. Both Stifel and Cantor Fitzgerald have expressed optimism about ficerafusp’s potential advantages over competing treatments. These developments underscore the ongoing interest and confidence in Bicara Therapeutics’ pipeline and Relay Therapeutics’ strategic leadership appointments.

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