The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the international advocacy organization representing the gene and cellular therapies and broader regenerative medicine sector, announced today that Matthew Patterson, president and CEO, Audentes Therapeutics, Inc., has been named vice chairman of ARM, effective immediately.

Mr. Patterson currently serves as a member of ARM's board of directors, providing insights regarding the strategic direction and key priorities of the organization. Mr. Patterson succeeds previous ARM Vice Chairman Dr. Robert Preti, who has recently stepped into the role of ARM chairman, following Edward Lanphier's retirement as president and CEO of Sangamo BioSciences in early June.

Mr. Patterson has more than 20 years of experience in the research, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for rare diseases and has held positions of senior management in both private and public biotechnology companies. Mr. Patterson is the co-founder of Audentes and has served as president and CEO since the Company's inception in November 2012. Previously, Mr. Patterson worked for Amicus Therapeutics, BioMarin Pharmaceutical and Genzyme Corporation. Prior to Audentes he was an Entrepreneur-In-Residence with OrbiMed, the world's largest health-care dedicated investment firm. Audentes Therapeutics is focused on the development and commercialization of gene therapy products for serious, life-threatening rare diseases.

"ARM is delighted to welcome Matt into the role of vice chairman. He brings significant expertise in the development of breakthrough therapies for rare genetic disorders and a keen understanding of the potential for AAV gene therapy to address these unmet medical needs," said Morrie Ruffin, managing director of ARM. "His deep biotech background and entrepreneurial experience is an asset to our organization and provides an essential perspective within ARM's leadership."

"The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine fulfills a unique and important role within the gene therapy, cell therapy and regenerative medicine community, providing a forum to ensure the successful development and future availability of innovative new treatments for patients," said Mr. Patterson. "I welcome this opportunity to expand my leadership role within the organization by serving as vice chairman at a time of real opportunity for this field of medicine."

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is an international multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine worldwide. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, D.C. to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today, ARM has more than 240 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.all iancerm.org.