Pfizer Veteran Suneet Varma Takes Helm at Innovative Regenerative Medicine Startup

In a significant move within the pharmaceutical industry, former Pfizer executive Suneet Varma has been appointed as the CEO of Intent Biologics, a newly formed regenerative medicine company. This development marks a new chapter in Varma's career and signals a promising advancement in the field of inflammation and immunology.

Intent Biologics: A Mayo Clinic Spinout with Phase 3 Readiness

Intent Biologics, a spinout from Mayo Clinic's Rion, has emerged as an unusually advanced startup in the biotech landscape. The company has secured an exclusive, perpetual worldwide license to Rion's platform in inflammation and immunology, positioning itself at the forefront of regenerative medicine research.

The company's ambitious pipeline includes plans to initiate a phase 3 trial for diabetic foot ulcers before the end of the year. This will be followed by a series of phase 3 studies in 2026, targeting pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and venous leg ulcers. Additionally, a phase 2/3 trial in atopic dermatitis is scheduled to commence next year.

PEP Biologic: A Promising First-in-Class Exosome Therapeutic

At the heart of Intent Biologics' research is PEP Biologic, a novel exosome therapeutic candidate. This topical drug, developed on Rion's biomanufacturing platform, delivers billions of platelet-derived exosomes to targeted tissue sites. Its mechanism of action aims to promote regeneration, regulate inflammation, and stimulate cell proliferation.

The potential of PEP Biologic has been demonstrated in a phase 2 trial focusing on diabetic foot ulcers. After 12 weeks of treatment, the drug candidate showed significant enhancement in healing, achieving a 54% response rate compared to 25% for the standard of care. These promising results have paved the way for the upcoming phase 3 trial and have garnered attention from physicians who have observed successes in compassionate-use patients previously unresponsive to treatment.

Leadership and Future Outlook

Varma brings a wealth of experience to Intent Biologics, having spent 15 years at Pfizer following its acquisition of Wyeth, where he had worked for 16 years. His most recent role at Pfizer was as commercial president of the oncology unit.

Joining Varma in the leadership team is Dr. Atta Behfar, a Mayo Clinic professor and co-founder of Rion, who has taken on the role of chief medical officer at Intent Biologics. The company's structure leverages the expertise of key Rion personnel, who will handle similar responsibilities at Intent.

With its advanced pipeline and experienced leadership, Intent Biologics is poised to make significant strides in regenerative medicine. The company's focus on addressing critical unmet needs in wound healing and dermatology positions it as a potential game-changer in the pharmaceutical industry.