Histogen, a regenerative medicine company focused on stimulating the body's stem cells to regenerate tissues and restore youthful function, has announced that the Company's Board of Directors has appointed Richard Pascoe as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. He will lead the Company through its next stages of clinical, corporate development and financial growth.

"Histogen has a compelling story, both in its platform technology and in its product opportunities, and we are on the cusp of developments that point to an exciting year ahead," said Pascoe. "I'm very pleased to join Histogen at this pivotal time, and I look forward to spreading its story to a broader audience as we look to drive value through focused clinical development and business development activities in 2019."

Mr. Pascoe brings a strong track record with over 25 years of experience building and leading organizations in transition. He has previously been responsible for raising over $250 million in equity capital, closing business development transactions valued at over $2 billion, and launching prescription therapeutics in the U.S. generating net sales of over $1 billion across multiple therapeutic categories. Most recently, he served as CEO of Apricus Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused in urology and rheumatology, where he led European regulatory approval efforts and the sale of the ex-US rights for its lead asset Vitaros in 2017 and more recently completing a successful merger with Seelos Therapeutics.

"As we look to the key milestones anticipated in 2019, including upcoming data from the clinical trial of HSC660 in female hair loss, the timing is ripe for leadership that will drive Histogen's technology to the next level and maximize its value to our partners and shareholders," said Dr. Stephen Chang, former Chairman. "The Board identified a great fit for this task in Richard Pascoe, and we are excited to welcome him as CEO and Chairman. I look forward to working with him as I continue to serve as a member of the Histogen board."

Prior to Apricus, Mr. Pascoe was President and CEO of Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he was responsible for the FDA approval of Somaxon's lead drug Silenor and the merger of Somaxon and Pernix Therapeutics in 2013. Previously, he served as CCO and later COO of ARIAD, where he led the close of key international partnerships and was instrumental in two successful financings. Additional positions held by Mr. Pascoe include a series of senior management roles at King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (acquired by Pfizer Inc.), and commercial positions at Medco Research, Inc. (acquired by King), COR Therapeutics, Inc. (acquired by Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Takeda Oncology Company), B. Braun Interventional and The BOC Group.

Mr. Pascoe is a member of the board of directors of two public life sciences companies; KemPharm, Inc., and Seelos Therapeutics. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Biocom, California's leading life science advocacy organization, and the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, a charity for military veterans. Mr. Pascoe served as a Commissioned Officer with the U.S. Army 24th Infantry Division where he earned a Bronze Star Medal during Operation Desert Storm. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he received a B.S. degree in Leadership.