BOTHELL, Wash., Oct 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced the appointment of James Kyle Bryan, M.D., as Vice President, Medical Affairs. Dr. Bryan is a hematologist and medical oncologist, and brings more than 18 years of experience in oncology drug development. In addition, the company announced the promotion of Charles Smith to Vice President, Quality. Mr. Smith joined Seattle Genetics in 2003, and has played a key leadership role in the company's Technical Operations group, including successful regulatory inspections to support the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of ADCETRIS(TM) (brentuximab vedotin).

"Kyle brings a wealth of industry experience and outstanding relationships with thought leaders in the field of oncology," said Thomas C. Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Seattle Genetics. "We look forward to his contributions at Seattle Genetics as he brings his proven leadership abilities and commitment to helping patients to our Medical Affairs team."

Prior to joining Seattle Genetics, Dr. Bryan was at PPD, Inc., a global contract research organization. He served most recently as Vice President of Global Product Development, working within a group of PPD medical specialists providing internal and external strategic consulting services. In this role he was the head of the therapeutic group for all hematology- and oncology-based services. Prior to joining PPD, Dr. Bryan was Director of Clinical Research at NeoRx Corporation (now Poniard Pharmaceuticals), a biotechnology company based in Seattle. In addition to his industry experience, Dr. Bryan was in the private practice of hematology and medical oncology and is currently a member of the teaching faculty at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Bryan received a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.D. from Louisiana State University and did his fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Washington.

Since joining Seattle Genetics more than eight years ago, Charles Smith has established the quality assurance (QA) function and oversight for all good manufacturing practices (GMP), good laboratory practices (GLP) and good clinical practices (GCP) activities and led the development of the quality control (QC) laboratory function. He has also contributed to the preparation of the chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) sections for multiple regulatory submissions.

"Charles has been an integral part of our development team since joining the company more than eight years ago, including his management of the QA and QC functions that supported the recent commercial release of ADCETRIS," said Vaughn B. Himes, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Technical Operations at Seattle Genetics. "He has demonstrated significant leadership and strategic capabilities, and a commitment to the highest quality standards for Seattle Genetics products."

Prior to joining Seattle Genetics, Mr. Smith spent seven years at Targeted Genetics, most recently as Senior Director of Quality Control. Before that, he spent 11 years at Genentech in increasing roles of responsibility, including Manager of Quality Control Clinical Development. Mr. Smith received his B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Genetics from Humboldt State University and holds the CQA certifications for Quality Engineer and Quality Auditor.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. ADCETRIS(TM) was approved by the FDA on August 19, 2011 for two indications. ADCETRIS is being developed in collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company. In addition, Seattle Genetics has three other clinical-stage ADC programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys, an affiliate of Astellas, and Genmab. More information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com.

SOURCE: Seattle Genetics, Inc.

Seattle Genetics, Inc.
Peggy Pinkston, 425-527-4160
ppinkston@seagen.com