AskBio Inc.

On July 17, our Women’s Leadership Initiative and African American Employee Resource Groups cohosted our annual summer book club, featuring 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 by Margot Lee Shetterly. Together, we explored themes of resilience, innovation, and the power of inclusion—reflecting on how three groundbreaking women at NASA navigated and reshaped the barriers placed before them. Through clips from the film adaptation, conversation, and reflection on the book’s three central characters, we examined their distinct approaches to gaining recognition and initiating change. While each of these women took a different path, they all leveraged the expectations placed upon them and used those as catalysts. Their stories reminded us that there is no single path to progress—and that courage, ingenuity, and persistence can drive transformation in many forms. We were also reminded of the importance of showing up for today’s “hidden figures,” and the many ways advocacy can create meaningful impact. At #AskBio, we know advancing gene therapy at scale demands pioneering science, and it requires diverse knowledge, capabilities, and experience just like John Glenn’s historic orbit highlighted in 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴. #Leadership #GeneTherapy

This past quarter we expanded our recognition of outstanding employees to cover two areas of focus that help drive our commitment to innovation and impact—one for scientific initiatives and one for business initiatives. Q1 Scientific Initiative Winner: Elena Lazarova, PhD Elena tackled a complex gene knockout project with remarkable determination—developing critical experimental strategies and deliverables that led to the first patent filing from this project. Her pioneering spirit and commitment have truly raised the bar. Q1 Business Initiative Winner: Melissa Mejia Mora Melissa’s collaborative leadership is felt across AskBio. She continually drives quality forward from her integral role in clinical and pre-clinical programs to her work across IT, MSAT, and external manufacturing. As co-chair of our LGBTQ+ ERG, her impact also goes beyond her everyday duties. Elena and Melissa exemplify the spirit of #AskBio: driven by knowledge and capabilities, guided by compassion, and committed to collaboration that spans our entire organization. Their achievements reflect the power of a team united by purpose to positively impact patients’ lives. Congratulations, Elena and Melissa—your work is a shining example of what it means to walk in our values. #AskBio # #GeneTherapy #Leadership

#AskBio is committed to meaningfully incorporating patient voices throughout our research process, ensuring that their perspectives inform the design, conduct, and outcomes of our work. We’re thankful for the patients, caregivers, families and advocates who joined us to share insights, elevate patient voices, and drive progress in treatment development at the 2025 International Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Conference! #AskBio #2025LGMDConference #BElieveTHEreisHOPEforacure #GeneTherapy #RareDisease

#AskBio is proud to co-sponsor the LGMD2I/R9 Networking Event during the 2025 International LGMD Conference — hosted by CureLGMD2i Foundation. 📅 Saturday, July 19 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM 📍 Palazzo Room B | JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes This special gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with others in the LGMD2I/R9 community in a welcoming setting. Patients, families, clinicians, and researchers are all invited. We look forward to seeing you there! #2025LGMDConference #GeneTherapy

#AskBio is proud to be a sponsor of the 2025 International Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Conference, a gathering that continues to inspire and unite the LGMD community. Individuals living with LGMD2I/R9 face a range of physical and emotional burdens not fully captured by clinical endpoints. To develop a trial that reflects patient perspectives, priorities and needs, AskBio received direct input from the patient community. Join us July 18-21 as we highlight how these insights are helping to guide clinical trial design and the future of gene therapy for LGMD2I/R9. We’re honored to take part in this important forum and remain deeply committed to partnering with patients and families along the way. Learn more about the conference: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/43QcWQK #2025LGMDConference #BElieveTHEreisHOPEforacure #GeneTherapy #RareDisease

This week, Viralgen hosted an impactful session bringing its cross-functional teams—together with Bayer | Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals President Stefan Oelrich and #AskBio CEO Gustavo Pesquin for an engaging conversation led by Viralgen CEO Jimmy V. Held in-person and online in San Sebastián, Spain, this one-hour exchange was more than a check-in—it was a moment to align and look ahead. Together, we explored: ·      The evolving pharmaceutical landscape in Europe and globally ·      Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ long-term strategy and the central role Cell & Gene Therapy plays in shaping its future ·      The critical roles AskBio and Viralgen play in shaping the future of gene therapy ·      Personal reflections from Stefan and Gustavo on why our mission matters now more than ever Special thanks to our colleagues for their thoughtful questions and engagement. This is what it looks like when science, strategy, and shared purpose come together—rooted in our commitment to improving patients’ lives and the lives of those who care for them. #GeneTherapy #Leadership #TeamBayer

We recently hosted our Intern Speed Networking Event, marking the midpoint of #AskBio’s Biovisionaries Summer Calendar with energy, insight, and cross-functional connection. Led by KaCie Willis and Amanda Carson, interns and team leaders came together, in person and virtually, to participate in a series of five-minute networking conversations. Leaders from Facilities, Data Management, Biostatistics, Gene Therapy, HR, and Finance joined for a fast-paced mix of face-to-face and screen-to-screen introductions. Our 2025 intern class made the most of every minute—asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas, and forming connections that will shape the rest of their summer and future careers. Our ambition to change the face of medicine attracts the brightest minds to AskBio. We’re thrilled to see this next generation of scientific thinkers and problem solvers dive in, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish in the weeks ahead. Tolulope Apata, Gnanasekkaran Dhanasekar, Janani Solaippan, Bryce Deuty, Joslene Morgan, Juan Castillo, Nate G. , Arushi Goel, Daniela Santibañez, Anh Pham, Hitha Salian, August Reardon, Connor McAdams, Yujia Hou, Matthew LePage, Sanjana Mirchandani, Rebecca Chen, Brittney Figueroa #SummerInternship #GeneTherapy #Leadership

Matthias Berninger’s article is a powerful and timely call to action. The scale and impact of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s are staggering, but we’re entering a new era of possibility. It’s an era where companies like Bayer are investing in therapies and technologies that could alter disease progression and reverse symptoms over time. This momentum reflects a bold, science-driven vision that moves beyond symptom management toward true disease modification. BlueRock Therapeutics’ clinical trial exploring regenerative cell therapy—programming stem cells to become dopamine-producing neurons—and #AskBio’s clinical trial exploring the neurorestorative neuroprotective potential of its investigational gene therapy— targeting neurons directly in the brain to potentially protect and restore lost dopaminergic function—are promising developments that bring real hope to patients and families. We believe brain health should be a permanent pillar of global public health. The brain powers everything we do—it shapes how we live, work, and connect. Recognizing its importance in global health and development is critical. The good news? Change is happening. Sustained investment, smarter policy, and scientific progress are creating a real opportunity to rewrite the future of neurological disease. Let’s keep pushing forward. AB-1005 is an investigational gene therapy that has not been approved by any regulatory authority, its efficacy and safety have not been fully established or evaluated. #TeamBayer #ParkinsonsDisease #Leadership

Colleagues from #AskBio’s Discovery 1 site stepped away from the lab and into the streets of Durham for a scavenger hunt in the middle of June, all under the North Carolina heat. This friendly competition was designed to build connection and collaboration. Teams were intentionally mixed across departments to strengthen cross-functional relationships and encourage new perspectives—bringing together people from groups like Translational Medicine, Analytical Development, and others. The scavenger hunt kicked off with a dosing equation challenge before teams even left the building, and it turned into a fast-paced journey through the city filled with creative problem-solving, surprise clues, teamwork, laughter, and even a few downpours. Congratulations to the Blue Team—our AAV9 colleagues—for taking home the win and the trophy! Everyone who participated received an AskBio hat and shirt, making sure the spirit of the day lived on. This event reflects AskBio’s culture of collaboration, bold thinking, and mutual support as we steer gene therapy into a new era—aiming to reach more people living with a broader range of diseases. Thank you to everyone who brought their energy, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. You helped make this day unforgettable. #Leadership #Collaboration

Our Pride Month celebration hit peak groove with the Disco at Discovery 1, hosted by our incredible LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). Melissa Mejia Mora and Annalisa Hartlaub led the way, making this an exciting and inclusive event for our HQ-based team members. The vibes were electric with delicious mocktails and DJ Vibrance spinning the beats as we danced in style and solidarity. We also teamed up with Kincell and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance to collect and donate supplies to the LGBTQ Center of Durham—thank you to everyone who gave generously! Special shoutout to our best-dressed disco stars: 1st Place: Marit Terweij Runner-Up: Deborah Montes This was a fun way to come together to celebrate the close of Pride Month and support an important community organization. Thanks to our LGBTQ+ ERG for planning and hosting this successful event, providing us with another opportunity to support the communities where we work and live, and helping us highlight our inclusive culture.  #AskBio #Leadership #PrideMonth