Initial Therapeutics Inc., a California-based life sciences company, announced on Thursday that it has named Peter DiLaura as its new president, chief executive officer and member of the company's board of directors, effective immediately.

DiLaura has recently served as chief business and strategy officer at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Inc, entrepreneur-in-residence at Third Rock and CEO of Second Genome. Presently, he serves on the board of directors of Character Biosciences and is an advisor to various biotherapeutic companies and venture groups.

Spiros Liras, PhD, a venture partner at Apple Tree Partners (ATP) and Initial's founding CEO, said, 'Peter has a strong senior leadership track record in biopharmaceuticals and significant expertise in strategy, funding, and business development at emerging companies on the leading edges of science. We are delighted that he is taking the helm at Initial as our first programs progress. His expertise across a range of therapeutic modalities and indications and his sharp instincts about how to move companies forward all match very well with Initial's talented team, versatile platform, and growth opportunities.'