Leadership Shifts and Agency Appointments Mark Week of Change in Pharma Industry

In a week of significant leadership transitions, the pharmaceutical industry has seen notable shifts across multiple organizations, from biotech startups to government agencies. These changes signal ongoing evolution in the sector, with experienced executives taking on new challenges and fresh faces entering key roles.

Valitor Welcomes New CEO with Ophthalmology Expertise

Gregory Kunst, a veteran in the ophthalmology biotech space, has been appointed as the new CEO of Valitor. Kunst replaces interim CEO Michael Ostrach and brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Aurion Biotech, Glaukos Corporation, and Alcon. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Valitor, as the company prepares to advance its lead wet age-related macular degeneration candidate, VLTR-559, into clinical trials.

Kunst's background includes successful product launches and development initiatives, particularly in the eye disease sector. His transition to Valitor follows a contentious period at Aurion Biotech, where he was removed as CEO during the company's sale to Alcon.

Newleos Therapeutics and ARPA-H See Leadership Changes

In another significant move, Newleos Therapeutics has appointed Timothy Noyes as its new CEO and president. Noyes, with over 30 years of experience in biotech leadership, takes over from founding CEO David Donabedian, Ph.D. The change in leadership comes as Newleos aims to advance its pipeline of small molecules targeting neuropsychiatric conditions, including general anxiety, social anxiety, substance use disorders, and cognitive impairment.

Meanwhile, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has found a new director in Alicia Jackson, Ph.D. Jackson, who was sworn in on October 20, brings experience from both the private sector and government agencies, including work at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Her appointment to ARPA-H, an initiative launched by former President Joe Biden in 2022, marks a significant development for the agency tasked with driving biomedical and health research.

Industry-Wide Executive Movements

The pharmaceutical sector has seen a flurry of additional leadership changes across various companies:

• Generation Bio is undergoing a CEO transition, with Geoff McDonough, M.D., stepping down to chair the company's board of directors. Chief Legal Officer Yalonda Howze will serve as interim CEO.
• Savara has promoted Yasmine Wasfi, M.D., Ph.D., to the position of chief medical officer, succeeding Ray Pratt, M.D.
• Basking Biosciences has appointed Julia Owens, Ph.D., as its new CEO, with founding chief Richard Shea moving to the role of chief operating officer.
• Abeona Therapeutics has brought on James Gow, M.D., as SVP and head of clinical development and medical affairs, bolstering its cell and gene therapy expertise.

These leadership changes reflect the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical industry, with companies positioning themselves for growth, innovation, and strategic development in an ever-evolving market landscape.