PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spark Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ONCE) announced today that Lota Zoth, CPA, a long-time financial executive at multiple publicly listed companies, has been named to the company’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Zoth has served in senior financial roles in a variety of commercial-stage companies over a 30-year career, including serving as Chief Financial Officer for MedImmune before its acquisition by AstraZeneca in 2007, and leadership experience at PSINet, Sodexho, Marriott International and PepsiCo, Inc. She began her career as an auditor with Ernst & Young, LLP. She has served as a member of multiple public and private company boards over the past decade in the biopharmaceutical industry.

"As we advance toward becoming a commercial-stage company we will benefit enormously from the addition of Lota’s experience and perspective to our Board,” said Jeffrey D. Marrazzo, co-founder and chief executive officer of Spark. “Lota has a long track record of helping emerging and commercial-stage companies support sustainable growth and innovation through financings, acquisitions, strategic planning, and day-to-day operations.”

“With a recently completed successful pivotal trial in its lead indication and progress throughout the pipeline, Spark is in a strong position to lead the field of gene therapy for many years to come,” Ms. Zoth said. “I look forward to contributing my expertise and perspective to the Board during this next exciting phase of the company’s growth.”

About Spark Therapeutics

Spark is a gene therapy leader seeking to transform the lives of patients with debilitating genetic diseases by developing one-time, life-altering treatments. Spark’s initial focus is on treating rare diseases where no, or only palliative, therapies exist. Spark’s most advanced product candidate, SPK-RPE65, which has received both breakthrough therapy and orphan product designation, recently reported positive top-line results from a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of rare blinding conditions. Spark’s validated gene therapy platform is being applied to a range of clinical and preclinical programs addressing serious genetic diseases, including inherited retinal dystrophies, hematologic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Spark builds on two decades of research, development and manufacturing at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, including human trials conducted across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration. To learn more, please visit www.sparktx.com.

Investor Relations
Spark Therapeutics, Inc.
Stephen W. Webster
Chief Financial Officer
(855) SPARKTX (1-855-772-7589)

Media
Ten Bridge Communications
Dan Quinn
(781) 475-7974
dan@tenbridgecommunications.com

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