WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the promotion of John S. Pallies to chief financial officer from vice president, finance and administration, and co-founder Peter Ordentlich, Ph.D., to chief technology officer from vice president, translational medicine. Both appointments are effective Nov.1, 2013.<br /><br />"These promotions are recognition of the exceptional work John and Peter have done helping Syndax develop to the point of being ready to begin a Phase 3 trial of entinostat in patients with advanced breast cancer," said Arlene M. Morris, Syndax's chief executive officer. "John has been leading the financial operations of Syndax for more than six years and Peter co-founded the company based on scientific discoveries at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. We are confident John's financial insight and strategic aptitude and Peter's unique clinical and scientific expertise will help Syndax continue successful development of entinostat for the treatment of breast cancer and other malignancies."<br /><br />Mr. Pallies joined Syndax in 2007 with more than a decade of experience in biotech, high-tech start-ups and management consulting focused on developing corporate and financial infrastructures and managing multiple business operations. Prior to co-founding Syndax in 2005, Dr. Ordentlich was a scientist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, working with Dr. Ronald M. Evans to identify small molecules as potential therapeutics and evaluating synergistic combinations of histone deacetylase inhibitors and nuclear receptor ligands.<br /><br />About Syndax Pharmaceuticals<br /><br />Syndax is late stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of its lead product candidate, entinostat, an epigenetic therapy for treatment-resistant cancers. Entinostat was recently granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<br /><br />Corporate Contact:<br />Bob Goodenow<br />Chief Business Officer<br />Syndax Pharmaceuticals<br />(781) 419-1418<br />BGoodenow@Syndax.com<br /><br />Media Contacts:<br />David Schull or Matt Middleman, M.D.<br />Russo Partners<br />(212) 845-4271<br />(212) 845-4272<br />david.schull@russopartnersllc.com  <br />matt.middleman@russopartnersllc.com